How to renew your New Jersey driver's license
New Jersey lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. Most people can complete the process without visiting an office, but some situations require you to appear in person.
Your license expires on your birthday. New Jersey sends renewal notices about 45 days before expiration, but 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 takes about 10 minutes and costs $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, available only if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and a check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Commission office is necessary if your license is expired, you need a Real ID, or you have changed your name since your last license was issued.
- You must pass a vision test in person if you renew online or by mail and your vision screening is overdue.
- A Real ID-compliant license requires proof of citizenship, Social Security number, and proof of New Jersey residency, and can only be obtained in person.
Renewing online through the MVC website
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website allows you to renew if your license is currently valid and you have not changed your name. Go to nj.gov/mvc, select "Renew Driver License," and create or log into your MVC account. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will answer questions about your address, medical history, and whether you want to register as an organ donor. You will also upload a new photo or use the one on file. Once you submit payment, your new license is mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal costs $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. You cannot renew online if your current license has already expired, if you need a Real ID, or if you have changed your name.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need a Real ID. Request the renewal form (Form BA-64) from the MVC website or call 609-292-6500. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the MVC receives your packet. Send your materials well before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license. The cost is the same as online renewal: $24 for four years or $48 for eight years.
Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the MVC to return your old license. Otherwise, they will destroy it. If you are renewing from out of state or have a medical condition that affects your driving, include a letter explaining your situation.
Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a Real ID, if you have changed your name, or if you have not had a vision test in the past four years. Visit the MVC office locator at nj.gov/mvc to find the office nearest you and check hours. Many offices require you to make an appointment online or by phone; walk-ins are not always accepted.
Bring your current license, proof of New Jersey residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you have changed your name, bring the legal document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
In-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken, pass a vision test, and answer medical history questions. The cost is $24 for four years or $48 for eight years. Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
Real ID-compliant licenses and what you need
A Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver's license as identification for domestic flights and entry to federal buildings. New Jersey began issuing Real IDs in 2009, and since May 2025, you need one to board a domestic flight. You cannot renew a Real ID online or by mail—you must go to a Motor Vehicle Commission office in person.
To get a Real ID, bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and two documents proving your New Jersey address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement, all dated within 60 days). If your name has changed, bring the legal document proving the change.
A Real ID costs the same as a standard license: $24 for four years or $48 for eight years. If your current license is not Real ID-compliant and you want one, you must renew in person. If you do not need a Real ID for federal purposes, you can continue to renew online or by mail.
What happens if your license expires
Driving with an expired license is illegal in New Jersey, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can be cited. However, if you can show the officer that you submitted your renewal before the expiration date, the citation may be dismissed in court.
If your license has been expired for more than a year, you may need to retake the written driving test and vision test, and you may need to renew in person. Contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 to find out what is required for your situation.
If you are renewing by mail or online and your license expires before your new one arrives, keep a copy of your renewal confirmation or receipt. This shows you renewed on time, even if the new license has not arrived yet.
Vision testing and medical requirements
New Jersey requires a vision test every four years. If you renew online or by mail and your vision screening is overdue, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Commission office in person to pass the test before your new license is issued. The MVC will contact you if this applies.
You must also report any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely, such as seizures, loss of consciousness, or severe vision problems. If you have a condition that the MVC considers a safety concern, you may be required to take a road test or provide a letter from your doctor stating that you are safe to drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but you may need to retake the written test and vision test, and you will likely need to renew in person. Call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to find out what documents and tests you need before you visit an office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
New licenses are mailed within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the MVC.
What if I changed my name since my last license was issued?
You must renew in person and bring the legal document proving your name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail with a name change.
Do I need a Real ID to drive in New Jersey?
No. A standard driver's license is legal for driving in New Jersey. You only need a Real ID if you want to use your license for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. A standard license still works for driving.
What if I move out of state before my license expires?
You do not have to renew your New Jersey license if you move. You can renew your current New Jersey license by mail or online as long as it is still valid, or you can get a license in your new state. Contact your new state's motor vehicle agency for their requirements.