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. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people under 70 with a valid license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person.
Your renewal notice arrives by mail about two months before your license expires. It contains your renewal number, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. You can also renew without waiting for the notice — just have your license number and Social Security number ready.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $39 for an eight-year license, paid by credit or debit card.
- Mail renewal requires sending your current license, the renewal notice, a check or money order, and a new photo to the MVC; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at an MVC office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you are 70 or older, or you need a new photo taken by the MVC.
- New Jersey does not require a vision test for renewal unless you are 70 or older or your medical condition has changed since your last license.
- Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks of approval for online renewal, or within two to three weeks for mail renewal.
Renewing online through the MVC website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are under 70 and your license is still valid. Go to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website, select "Renew Driver License," and enter your license number, last name, date of birth, and renewal number (from your notice). You'll answer questions about medical conditions and driving record changes, then pay the fee by credit or debit card.
The fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $39 for an eight-year license. You cannot choose the length online — the MVC assigns it based on your age and license type. After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license is mailed to the address on file within two weeks.
Online renewal is not available if your address has changed, you need a name change, your license was suspended or revoked, or you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, your renewal notice, a new photo, and payment to the MVC. The photo must be a color passport-style photo, 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. You can use a photo from a passport, but not a digital photo you print at home.
Include a check or money order for $24.50 (four-year) or $39 (eight-year) made out to "New Jersey MVC." Mail everything to the address listed on your renewal notice. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the MVC receives your envelope. Include a return address so you can track when your new license is sent back.
Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to visit an office or if you have a schedule that does not allow a trip during MVC hours. However, if the MVC finds an issue with your photo or paperwork, they will contact you by mail, which adds time to the process.
Renewing in person at an MVC office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you are 70 or older, you need a new photo taken by the MVC, or you have a medical condition that may affect your driving. You must also renew in person if you are changing your address, name, or license class.
Book an appointment through the MVC website before you go. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are often longer. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The MVC will take your photo, check your vision, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll pay the fee in cash, check, or debit card. Your new license is mailed within two weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the MVC for a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
Vision and medical requirements
New Jersey does not require a vision test for online or mail renewal unless you are 70 or older. If you renew in person at an office, the MVC will test your vision as part of the process. You must be able to read a chart at 20 feet with or without corrective lenses.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as seizures, severe arthritis, or vision loss — you must report it when you renew. The MVC may require a medical report from your doctor or may restrict your license (for example, requiring glasses or limiting you to daytime driving). If you are unsure whether to report a condition, contact the MVC Medical Review Unit at 609-292-7500 before you renew.
What to do if your license is expired or about to expire
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as a current license. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test. Contact the MVC to confirm what you need to bring.
If your license expires while you are out of state or unable to renew, you can still renew by mail or online as long as it has not been expired for more than five years. If you are deployed with the military, the MVC may extend your license for up to one year — contact them for details.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in New Jersey, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show your confirmation number from online renewal or your renewal notice as proof that you have applied, but this does not may provide you will not be cited.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee depends on the license length you receive. A four-year license costs $24.50. An eight-year license costs $39. The MVC assigns the length based on your age — you cannot choose it online, though you can request a different length when you renew in person.
For online renewal, pay by credit or debit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order. For in-person renewal, pay in cash, check, or debit card. The MVC does not accept PayPal, digital wallets, or cryptocurrency.
If you renew in person and need a replacement license due to loss or damage, there is an additional $5 fee. If you need to change your address or name at the same time, there is no extra charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is mailed within two weeks of approval. You'll receive a confirmation email when ready after you submit your renewal. If you do not receive your license within three weeks, contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 with your confirmation number.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Yes, unpaid tickets do not stop you from renewing your license. However, if your license was suspended for unpaid fines, you must clear the suspension before you renew. Contact the MVC or the court that issued the ticket to find out how to resolve it.
What if I moved to a different state — can I still renew my New Jersey license?
You can renew by mail or online if your license is still valid and you have not moved. If you have moved out of state, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead. New Jersey does not renew licenses for people who no longer live there.
Do I need a new photo if I renew online?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVC office.
What happens if I renew but my license is suspended for a medical reason?
The MVC may suspend your license after you renew if a medical review finds you are not safe to drive. You'll receive a notice by mail explaining the suspension and how to request a hearing. You can continue to drive until the suspension takes effect, which is usually 30 days after the notice is sent.