What you need to do to renew in New Jersey
New Jersey lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people can complete the entire process without visiting an office, but some situations require you to show up in person.
Your license is valid for four years if you are under 62, and eight years if you are 62 or older. The MVC sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires. If you have not received one, you can check your expiration date on your current license or contact the MVC directly.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works if your license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license and a completed form, and takes two to three weeks from the time the MVC receives it.
- In-person renewal at an MVC office is necessary if your license is already expired, you need to update your photo, or you are renewing a commercial driver's license.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or e-check) to renew online.
- The renewal fee is $24 for a four-year license if you are under 62, or $48 for an eight-year license if you are 62 or older.
Renewing online through the MVC website
Online renewal is the fastest option and works if your current license is still valid, your address is the same as what the MVC has on file, and you do not need to change your photo. Go to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website and select the renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your phone number on file with the MVC.
The system will verify your identity and show you a preview of your new license. If everything is correct, you pay the renewal fee using a credit card, debit card, or e-check. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it means your record requires in-person verification. This usually happens if your address has changed, your license is expired, or there is a discrepancy in your file.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. You will need the renewal notice the MVC sent you, your current driver's license, and a completed process for Renewal of Driver's License or Identification Card (form BA-49). You can read this form from the MVC website or request one by calling the MVC.
Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the renewal notice. Do not send cash. The MVC typically processes mail renewals within two to three weeks of receiving them, though processing times can be longer during busy periods.
Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired and your address is current. If either of those conditions is not true, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at an MVC office
In-person renewal is required if your license has already expired, if you need to update your photo, if you are changing your address, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. You will also need to renew in person if you are changing your name or gender marker on your license.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your address, bring the new address proof. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
You can schedule an appointment online through the MVC website or call the MVC to book a time slot. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer wait times. Bring your payment method (cash, check, money order, credit card, or debit card) to pay the renewal fee at the office.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to an MVC office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
An expired license does not automatically mean you cannot drive legally while you are renewing. New Jersey law allows you to drive on an expired license for a grace period, but the exact length of that grace period depends on the reason for the delay. To avoid any confusion, renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.
Updating your photo during renewal
If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person at an MVC office. The office will take a new photo as part of the renewal process. You cannot update your photo through online or mail renewal.
New Jersey requires a new photo every time you renew your license, unless you are renewing by mail and your license is not yet expired. If you are renewing online and your license is still valid, your current photo will be used on your new license.
Tracking your renewal and receiving your new license
After you renew online or by mail, the MVC will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days for online renewals and two to three weeks for mail renewals, though times vary. You can continue to drive on your current license until your new one arrives.
If you do not receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact the MVC. Have your driver's license number and the date you submitted your renewal ready. The MVC can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if it was lost in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
No, you cannot renew an expired license by mail or online. You must go to an MVC office in person with your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The office will process it as a renewal rather than a new license if your expired license is still in your possession.
What if my address changed since my last license?
If your address has changed, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an MVC office in person and bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The office will update your address and issue your new license.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at an MVC office?
Appointments are not required but are strongly recommended. You can schedule one online through the MVC website or by phone. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait significantly longer, especially during peak hours or busy seasons.
What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?
Contact the MVC when ready and report the loss. You can request a duplicate license at an MVC office or, in some cases, online. Bring your proof of identity and address. You will pay a separate fee for the duplicate.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No, commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at an MVC office. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and any required medical certificates or endorsement documents.