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 office. Which route you take depends on how much time you have and whether your license has been expired for more than a certain period. If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has been expired longer than two years, you must renew in person.
The online renewal process takes about 15 minutes and costs $24 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid payment method. New Jersey will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your license expired less than two years ago and costs $24 for four years or $32 for eight years.
- You can renew by mail using Form BA-64, which takes two to three weeks and costs the same as online renewal.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office with your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of New Jersey residency.
- Your new license will be mailed to you; you cannot pick it up at the office during online or mail renewal.
Renewing online through the MVC website
The Motor Vehicle Commission website at nj.gov/mvc is where you start an online renewal. You will create or log into your MVC account, enter your license number and Social Security number, and answer questions about whether your address, name, or other information has changed. The system will ask you to upload a new photo or use your existing one from your current license.
After you complete the form and pay the fee with a credit or debit card, the MVC will mail your new license. You do not need to visit an office, and you can renew up to 180 days before your license expires. If you are renewing after your license has expired, you have a two-year window from the expiration date to use online renewal.
Renewing by mail with Form BA-64
To renew by mail, you must request Form BA-64 from the Motor Vehicle Commission. You can read it from the MVC website, call 609-292-6500 to have it mailed to you, or pick one up at any Motor Vehicle Commission office. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and payment to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the MVC receives your envelope. The cost is the same as online renewal: $24 for four years or $32 for eight years. This option works if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. If you are mailing your payment, include a check or money order made out to "New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission."
Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago. Bring your current license (even if expired), your Social Security card, your birth certificate or passport, and proof of New Jersey residency such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. You will also need to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken.
Visit the MVC website to find the office nearest you and check current wait times. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your time in the office. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The in-person renewal fee is the same as online or mail renewal.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your New Jersey license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the normal process. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a conviction for driving under the influence. Contact the Motor Vehicle Commission or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take.
Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license using the standard online, mail, or in-person process. If you need to drive before your license is reinstated, you may be able to obtain a limited license for work or medical purposes, but this requires a separate request and approval from the MVC.
Renewing a commercial driver's license in New Jersey
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office. Bring the same documents as for a standard license renewal, plus your current CDL and any medical certification required by federal law. You will need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test specific to your CDL class.
The cost to renew a CDL is $24 for four years or $32 for eight years, the same as a standard license. If your CDL has been expired for more than two years, the process is the same as renewing in person. Plan extra time for your appointment because the knowledge test adds 30 to 45 minutes to the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I changed my address?
Yes. During online renewal, you will be asked whether your address has changed. Update it in the form, and your new license will be mailed to the new address. Make sure the address is correct before you submit payment, because the MVC will not remail a license sent to the wrong location.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
You can renew online or by mail if your license expired less than two years ago, even if you no longer have the physical card. You will need your license number, which you can find on old documents, insurance cards, or by calling the MVC. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
The MVC typically mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is processed. Processing takes one to two business days after you submit your process. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 to check the status.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointments are not required, but they are recommended. You can book an appointment on the MVC website, which reduces wait time. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but you may wait several hours depending on the location and time of day.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You can update your name during online renewal by answering the question about whether your information has changed. For mail renewal, write your new name on Form BA-64. If renewing in person, bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Your new license will show the updated name.