You can renew your New Jersey driver's license by mail if you meet specific conditions
New Jersey allows mail renewal for driver's licenses, but only if your license is still valid or expired no more than two years ago. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information. The mail renewal process takes about two to three weeks from the time the Motor Vehicle Commission receives your process, and you will receive your new license by mail at the address on file.
Not every driver qualifies for mail renewal. The Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) restricts this option to people whose licenses are in good standing and whose information has not changed. If you have any violations, medical holds, or outstanding fines, you must renew in person at an MVC office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is currently valid or expired within the past two years, and you have no suspensions, revokes, or holds on your record.
- You must submit Form BA-64 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a photocopy of your current license.
- The MVC processes mail renewals in two to three weeks, and your new license arrives by mail at your address on file.
- If your address, name, or any personal information has changed, you cannot use mail renewal and must visit an MVC office in person.
- You can check your license status and renewal may be able to access on the MVC website before sending in your process.
Documents and fees you need to mail in
To renew by mail, you must send the Motor Vehicle Commission three things: the completed process form, payment, and a copy of your current license. The process form is Form BA-64, which you can read from the New Jersey MVC website or request by phone. Do not send your original license — send only a photocopy of both sides.
The renewal fee for a four-year driver's license is $24.50, and for a ten-year license it is $61. You must pay by check or money order made out to "New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission." Do not send cash. Include your name and driver's license number on the check or money order so the MVC can match your payment to your process.
Mail your completed process, photocopy of your license, and payment to the address listed on Form BA-64. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. The MVC does not accept credit cards or electronic payment for mail renewals.
Who cannot renew by mail
You must renew in person at an MVC office if any of the following explore: your license has been suspended or revoked, you have an outstanding medical hold, you owe fines or penalties to the state, your address has changed, your name has changed, or you need to update your photograph. You also cannot renew by mail if your license expired more than two years ago.
If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access, call the MVC at 609-292-6500 before you send in your process. Sending in an ineligible process delays your renewal and may result in a denial. The MVC will then send you a notice telling you to renew in person, which adds another two to four weeks to the process.
Step-by-step process for mailing your renewal
- read Form BA-64 from the New Jersey MVC website or call 609-292-6500 to request it by mail.
- Fill out the form completely. Print clearly and use black or blue ink. Sign and date the form.
- Make a photocopy of both sides of your current driver's license.
- Write a check or money order for the renewal fee ($24.50 for four years, $61 for ten years). Write your name and driver's license number on the payment.
- Place the completed form, photocopy of your license, and payment in an envelope.
- Mail to the address shown on Form BA-64. Use regular mail — do not use certified mail or require a signature, as this slows processing.
- Wait two to three weeks for the MVC to process your process and mail your new license.
Do not send your original license. The MVC will return it to you with your new license if you include it, but this is not necessary and can cause delays if it gets lost in the mail.
Timeline and what to expect after you mail your process
The Motor Vehicle Commission typically processes mail renewals within two to three weeks of receiving your process. This timeline does not include mail delivery time. If you mail your process on a Monday, add three to five business days for it to reach the MVC office, then add two to three weeks for processing, then add another three to five business days for your new license to reach you. In total, expect four to five weeks from the date you mail your process to the date your new license arrives.
You will not receive a confirmation that the MVC received your process. If you want to track your renewal, call the MVC at 609-292-6500 and provide your driver's license number. They can tell you whether your process has been received and processed.
Your new license will arrive in a standard envelope with no tracking number. If you do not receive it within five weeks of mailing your process, contact the MVC to verify they received it and to ask whether there was a problem with your process.
When to renew in person instead
If your address or name has changed since your current license was issued, you cannot use mail renewal. The MVC requires you to appear in person to verify your identity and provide proof of your new address or name. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of name change if applicable (such as a marriage certificate or court order).
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if the MVC has placed a medical hold on your license, you must renew in person. The MVC may require you to pass a vision test or provide a medical report from your doctor before they will issue a new license. Mail renewal cannot accommodate these requirements.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail or in person until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the MVC to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you must take to restore it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail if it expired more than two years ago?
No. The MVC only allows mail renewal if your license is currently valid or expired within the past two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at an MVC office. You may also be required to retake the written and road tests depending on how long your license has been expired.
What if I move after I mail my renewal process?
Contact the MVC when ready at 609-292-6500 and provide your new address. If you have already mailed your process, the MVC can update your address on file so your new license is sent to the correct location. If you do not notify them, your license will be mailed to your old address and you may not receive it.
Do I need to include a new photo with my mail renewal?
No. The MVC will use the photograph from your current license for your new license. If you want to update your photograph, you must renew in person at an MVC office.
What happens if the MVC rejects my mail renewal process?
The MVC will send you a letter explaining why your process was rejected and what you need to do next. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete forms, incorrect payment amount, or ineligibility for mail renewal. You will then need to either correct the process and resubmit it or renew in person at an MVC office.
Can I use mail renewal if I have unpaid traffic fines?
No. If you owe fines or penalties to New Jersey, the MVC will not process your mail renewal. You must pay the fines first, then either resubmit your mail renewal process or renew in person. Contact the court that issued the fine to find out how to pay it.