How to renew your New Jersey driver's license
You can renew your New Jersey driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $24. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at an MVC office is necessary only if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your photo or address.
Your license is valid for four years from your birth date. The MVC will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for it to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the MVC website is available if your license is valid and you haven't changed your address, and it costs $24.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license along with a completed form.
- In-person renewal at an MVC office is required if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you need a new photo.
- New Jersey licenses are valid for four years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
Online renewal through the MVC website
Go to nj.gov/mvc and select "Renew Driver License" from the homepage. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information and show you whether you're may be able to access to renew online.
Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended or revoked, if you've had a name change since your last license was issued, or if you need to update your address. You also cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail.
After you complete the online form and pay the $24 fee with a debit or credit card, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks.
Mail renewal with a paper form
read or request Form BA-44 (process for Renewal of Driver License) from the MVC website or call the MVC at 609-292-6500. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license to the address shown on the form. Include a check or money order for $24 payable to "State of New Jersey."
Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to account for postal delays. The MVC processes mail renewals in the order they're received, and your new license will arrive by mail two to three weeks after the MVC receives your form.
Keep a copy of your confirmation or receipt if you have one. If your license expires before the new one arrives, you can show your mail-in confirmation to a police officer if stopped, though having an expired license on you is still a violation.
In-person renewal at an MVC office
Visit your nearest MVC office with your current license, proof of New Jersey residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Bring two forms of ID if possible. The fee is $24, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need a new photo, or if you've changed your name or address and cannot renew online. You'll have your photo taken at the office, and your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.
MVC offices are often busy, especially on weekends and at the end of the month. You can schedule an appointment online at nj.gov/mvc to avoid waiting. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are seen first.
What happens if your license expires before renewal arrives
Driving with an expired license is illegal in New Jersey, even if you've already submitted a renewal. If you're stopped by police, you can show your renewal confirmation or receipt, but this does not make the expired license legal to use.
If you renewed by mail or in person and your license hasn't arrived by the expiration date, contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 to check the status. Provide your confirmation number or the date you submitted your renewal. The MVC can sometimes reissue or expedite your license if there's been a delay.
Do not drive if your license has expired and you have no confirmation of a pending renewal. The penalty for driving with an expired license includes a fine and points on your driving record.
Renewing a license that has been expired for more than two years
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must explore in person at an MVC office as if you were getting a new license. Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, two forms of ID, and proof of your New Jersey address (such as a utility bill dated within the last 60 days).
You'll have a new photo taken and pay the standard $24 renewal fee. The MVC may also require you to pass a vision test or written test depending on how long your license has been expired. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?
If you've moved within New Jersey, you can update your address online during renewal if you renew online. If you renew by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill or lease. You cannot renew online if you've moved out of state.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
You must explore for a replacement license in person at an MVC office. Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and two forms of ID. You'll pay $24 and have a new photo taken. Your replacement license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointments are not required, but scheduling one online at nj.gov/mvc will reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait several hours during busy times, especially on weekends and at month-end.
How much does it cost to renew my New Jersey license?
The renewal fee is $24, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on your renewal method.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew in person at an MVC office and bring a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and two forms of ID.