New Jersey driver's licenses renew by mail or online, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal
If your New Jersey driver's license is expiring soon or has already expired, you can renew it without visiting a Motor Vehicle Commission office in most cases. The state offers two main paths: an online renewal through the MVC website, or a mail-in renewal using a form sent to your home. Which option you use depends on your age, how many years it has been since your last in-person visit, and whether you need to update your photo.
The fastest route is online renewal, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $24. Mail renewal takes longer—typically two to three weeks for processing—but works if you prefer not to use the website. Both methods renew your license for 10 years if you are under 62, or for five years if you are 62 or older.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the MVC website is available if you are renewing for the first time in 10 years and your license has not been suspended or revoked.
- Mail renewal requires form BA-34, which the MVC mails to you automatically about 60 days before your license expires.
- You cannot renew online if you need a new photo, have changed your name, or have not renewed in person for more than 10 years.
- An expired New Jersey license can still be renewed by mail or online for up to two years after the expiration date.
- If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal through the MVC website
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website at nj.gov/mvc allows you to renew your license online if you meet the requirements. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you pay $24 by credit or debit card.
Online renewal is not available if any of the following explore: your license has been suspended or revoked, you are renewing for the first time in more than 10 years, you need to change your name or address, you want a new photo, or you are under 18. If any of these situations describe you, use mail renewal instead.
After you complete the online renewal, the MVC mails your new license to the address on file. It typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if your current license has already expired.
Mail renewal using form BA-34
If you do not renew online, you can renew by mail. The MVC automatically mails form BA-34 to your address about 60 days before your license expires. This form includes your current information and a postage-paid return envelope. You sign the form, include a check or money order for $24, and mail it back to the address shown on the form.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks for processing after the MVC receives your form. If you did not receive form BA-34 in the mail, you can read it from the MVC website or call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to request one. Do not mail cash—use a check or money order only.
Like online renewal, mail renewal is not available if you need a new photo, have changed your name, or are renewing for the first time in more than 10 years. If you fall into any of these categories, you will need to visit an MVC office in person.
When you must visit an MVC office in person
Some situations require you to renew your license at a Motor Vehicle Commission office rather than by mail or online. These include: you need a new photo, you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you are renewing for the first time in more than 10 years, your license has been suspended or revoked, or you are under 18.
To renew in person, visit an MVC office with your current driver's license, proof of New Jersey residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment of $24. You can find office locations and hours at nj.gov/mvc. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first.
What happens if your license has already expired
An expired New Jersey driver's license can still be renewed by mail or online for up to two years after the expiration date. After two years, you must explore for a new license in person at an MVC office, which involves a written test and a new photo.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to visit an MVC office with proof of identity, proof of New Jersey residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The fee for a new license is $24, and you will also pay a late renewal penalty of $10.
Payment and what to expect after renewal
The renewal fee is $24 whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Do not send cash by mail.
After you renew, your new license is mailed to the address on file with the MVC. Online and in-person renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take two to three weeks. You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives, even if your current license has expired.
Updating your address or other information during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address during online renewal. The MVC website will ask you to confirm or change your address before you complete the transaction. If you are renewing by mail, cross out the old address on form BA-34 and write your new address clearly before mailing it back.
If you need to change your name, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit an MVC office in person with your current license, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of New Jersey residency. The renewal fee is still $24.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license has expired but I have already renewed it?
Yes. You can drive on your expired license until your new license arrives in the mail. The MVC considers your renewal complete once you have submitted it, whether online, by mail, or in person.
What if I never received form BA-34 in the mail?
You can read form BA-34 from nj.gov/mvc or call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to request one. You can also renew online if you meet the requirements, which is faster than waiting for the form to arrive.
How long does online renewal take?
The online process itself takes about 10 minutes. Your new license is mailed to you and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license during this time.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended or revoked. You must visit an MVC office in person. The office staff can tell you whether the suspension or revocation has been lifted and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.
Do I need to renew my license if I am over 62?
Yes, but your license renews for five years instead of 10 years. You can renew online or by mail using the same process as younger drivers, as long as you meet the other requirements for online or mail renewal.