How to Renew Your New Jersey Driver's License at the MVC

Renewing your New Jersey driver's license at the Motor Vehicle Commission

You can renew your New Jersey driver's license in person at any Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the MVC website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have before expiration, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail because it takes less time than an office visit.

Your license expires on your birthday. The MVC sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, though you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the MVC website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license and a completed form.
In-person renewal at an MVC office is necessary if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or your address has changed since your last renewal.
The renewal fee varies depending on the type of license and how many years you are renewing for — typically $24 for a four-year renewal or $48 for an eight-year renewal.
You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid form of identification to complete any renewal method.

Renewing online through the MVC website

Online renewal is available at nj.gov/mvc and is the fastest option if your current license is not expired and you do not need to change your photo. The process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.

After you complete the online form and pay, the MVC mails your renewed license to the address on file. The new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue driving while you wait for the new one.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to update your photo, or if you have changed your address since your last renewal. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You will need to complete form BA-49 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), which you can read from the MVC website or request by calling the MVC at 609-292-6500. Include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to "New Jersey MVC," and the completed form in an envelope addressed to the MVC.

Mail your packet to Motor Vehicle Commission, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08625. The MVC processes mail renewals in the order they are received. Your new license typically arrives within two to three weeks of the MVC receiving your packet. Keep your current license until the new one arrives.

Do not send cash through the mail. If you prefer to pay by credit card, you must renew online or in person instead.

Renewing in person at an MVC office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, or if you have moved since your last renewal. Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been expired for less than five years), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Acceptable proofs of address include a utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

Visit the MVC website to find your nearest office and check wait times before you go. Many offices allow you to reserve a time slot online, which can reduce your wait. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you are called.

You will pay the renewal fee at the office by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license is printed on site, and you receive it before you leave the office.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

New Jersey offers renewal periods of four years or eight years. A four-year renewal costs $24, and an eight-year renewal costs $48. You choose the length when you renew. Younger drivers and those with certain medical conditions may have shorter renewal periods — the MVC will notify you if this applies to you.

Your renewed license is valid for the period you chose, starting from your current expiration date. If you renew before your license expires, the new expiration date is one year after your current expiration date, not one year from the renewal date. This means you do not lose time by renewing early.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your New Jersey license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must reapply for a new license by visiting an MVC office in person. You will need to pass the written test and the road test again, just as you did when you first received your license. Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of address.

Contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 to schedule your road test appointment. The written test is administered at the office on the same day as your road test. Plan to spend two to three hours at the office for the full process.

Updating your address or photo during renewal

If you have moved, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew by mail or in person. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days.

If you want a new photo on your renewed license, you must renew in person at an MVC office. The office takes a new photo as part of the in-person renewal process at no extra cost. Online and mail renewal keep your current photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired New Jersey license while waiting for my renewal?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you renew online or by mail, your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue driving while you wait for the new one to arrive. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at an MVC office before you drive again.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the MVC receives your packet. In-person renewal gives you your new license the same day before you leave the office.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. Visit an MVC office in person and bring your Social Security number and proof of identity. The office will look up your license information and process your renewal. You may be charged a duplicate fee in addition to the renewal fee.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?

New Jersey does not block license renewal for unpaid tickets or fines. However, you may face other consequences for unpaid traffic violations. Contact the court that issued the ticket if you have questions about payment.

Do I need to take a new photo if I renew online or by mail?

No. Online and mail renewal keep your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVC office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.