Renew your New Jersey driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office
New Jersey lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at nj.gov/mvc, by mail using the renewal notice the state sends you, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office. Which route you take depends on how much time you have, whether your license is still valid, and what documents you have on hand. Online renewal is fastest and requires no documents if you meet the basic requirements. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at an MVC office is the only option if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you need to update your photo.
Your license renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your expiration date. That notice contains your renewal code, which you will need for online or mail renewal. If you have lost the notice, you can still renew online by entering your driver's license number and date of birth instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at nj.gov/mvc takes about 10 minutes and costs $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, with no documents required if you meet basic criteria.
- Mail renewal uses the renewal notice sent to you 60 days before expiration and takes two to three weeks from the time the MVC receives your payment.
- In-person renewal at an MVC office is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you want to update your photo.
- You can renew online or by mail up to six months before your license expires or up to five years after it expires.
- If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal: fastest option if your license is current
Online renewal through nj.gov/mvc is the quickest path if your license is not expired or expired less than five years ago. You will need your renewal code from your notice in the mail, or your driver's license number and date of birth. The process takes about 10 minutes. You will answer questions about your address, name, and whether any medical conditions or restrictions have changed. You will also confirm your Social Security number and date of birth.
The fee is $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card at the end of the transaction. Once you submit, you receive a confirmation number on screen. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within two to three weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if you have certain medical conditions that require a medical examination, if you need to change your name or address on your license, or if you want to update your photo. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.
Mail renewal: use your renewal notice
Mail renewal starts with the renewal notice the MVC sends you about 60 days before your expiration date. The notice includes a form, your renewal code, and instructions. You fill out the form, include a check or money order for $24 (four-year) or $48 (eight-year), and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the MVC receives your envelope. There is no way to track your renewal by mail once you send it, so allow extra time if your expiration date is close. Your new license arrives by mail at the address on file. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
If you have lost your renewal notice, you can request a new one by calling the MVC at 609-292-6500 or visiting an MVC office in person. You can also renew online without the notice by using your driver's license number and date of birth instead.
In-person renewal at an MVC office
Renewing in person is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you want to update your photo, or if you have medical conditions that require an examination. You will need to bring your current driver's license (or expired license if it is less than five years old), 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.
Visit an MVC office during business hours. You can find office locations and hours at nj.gov/mvc. Many offices use an online appointment system; check the website to see if your local office requires an appointment or accepts walk-ins. Processing at the office takes 15 to 30 minutes. You pay $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license by cash, check, or card. You receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Time to Receive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | None (renewal code or license number and DOB) | $24 or $48 | 2–3 weeks by mail |
| Renewal notice and form | $24 or $48 | 2–3 weeks by mail | |
| In Person | Current or expired license, proof of residency, Social Security card or number | $24 or $48 | Temporary on spot; permanent in 2–3 weeks |
Address changes and name changes during renewal
If you are moving or changing your name, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, write your new address or name on the renewal form before sending it. For in-person renewal, bring a document that shows your new name or address, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or lease at your new address.
If you are moving out of state, you do not need to renew your New Jersey license. You can let it expire and obtain a license in your new state. If you are moving within New Jersey and want to update your address before your license expires, you can do so at an MVC office or by mail without renewing the license itself.
Renewing an expired license
You can renew your license by mail or online if it expired less than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an MVC office. The in-person process is the same as a standard renewal, except you will need to bring your expired license along with your proof of residency and Social Security card.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in New Jersey. If you are pulled over, you can face a fine. If your license has been expired for a long time, renew it as soon as you can, even if you do not plan to drive when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail if it expired less than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an MVC office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and Social Security card or number.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online by entering your driver's license number and date of birth instead of your renewal code. You can also call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to request a new notice, or visit an MVC office in person to renew.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
By mail or online, your new license arrives within two to three weeks. If you renew in person at an MVC office, you receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Many MVC offices use an online appointment system, but some accept walk-ins. Check nj.gov/mvc to see the policy at your local office and to book an appointment if one is required.
Can I drive on my old license while I wait for my new one?
Yes. If you renew online or by mail, you can drive on your current license until your new one arrives. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary license when ready and can drive on that while you wait for your permanent license.