New Jersey renewal works by mail or online, and you can do it up to six months before expiration
New Jersey sends you a renewal notice about two months before your license expires. You have two main paths: renew online through the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) website, or mail in your renewal form and documents. Online renewal is faster — you'll get your new license in about two weeks — but you can only use it if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions that need review.
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online. You'll need to visit an MVC office in person. The same applies if you've had a name change, address change, or if the MVC flags your record for any reason during processing.
New Jersey does not require you to retake the written or road test when you renew, unless your license was suspended or revoked, or unless you're over 70 years old (in which case you may need a medical form).
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the MVC website takes about two weeks and costs $24 if your license is not yet expired and you have no medical holds.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice the MVC sends you, a check or money order, and takes four to six weeks.
- You can renew up to six months before your license expires, but cannot renew after it has expired without visiting an MVC office.
- Drivers over 70 may need to submit a medical form signed by a doctor before the MVC will process renewal.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file; if you've moved, update your address before you renew.
Renewing online through the MVC website
Go to nj.gov/mvc and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and show you the renewal fee — currently $24 for a four-year license if you're under 70.
You can pay by credit card or debit card during the online process. Once you submit, the MVC will mail your new license to the address on file. There is no option to pick it up at an office. If your address has changed, update it in the system before you complete the renewal, or call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to change it after you've renewed.
Online renewal is only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions flagged on your record, and you have not had a name change. If any of these explore to you, use mail renewal or visit an office.
Renewing by mail
The MVC will mail you a renewal notice (Form BA-64) about two months before your license expires. This notice includes a postage-paid envelope. Fill out the form, sign it, and include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail it back in the envelope provided.
Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the MVC receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your renewal notice. If you've moved, write your new address on the form or call 609-292-6500 before you mail it in.
Do not mail your old license unless the renewal notice specifically asks you to. Keep it until you receive your new one. If you lose the renewal notice, you can still renew by mail — call the MVC to request a renewal form, or visit an office to pick one up.
What to do if your license has already expired
Once your license expires, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit an MVC office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of New Jersey residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 12 months), and payment for the renewal fee.
You do not need to retake the written or road test. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your license on the spot or mail it to you, depending on the office and the time of day you visit. Some offices issue licenses the same day; others mail them within a few days.
Expired licenses can make other tasks harder — you cannot use an expired license as ID for banking, travel, or other purposes. Renewing in person is the fastest way to get a valid license back.
Renewal fees and what they cover
A standard four-year license renewal costs $24 in New Jersey. If you are 70 or older, the renewal period is shorter and the fee may differ — call the MVC or check nj.gov/mvc for current pricing for your age group.
The fee covers the license itself and the processing. There are no additional charges for online or mail renewal. If you renew in person at an office, you pay the same fee at the counter.
If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic air travel), the fee is higher. Ask the MVC whether your current license is Real ID-compliant, or check your license — Real ID licenses have a gold star in the top right corner.
Drivers over 70 and medical review
If you are 70 or older, the MVC may require you to submit a medical form (Form MV-644) signed by your doctor before processing your renewal. The MVC will tell you in the renewal notice whether you need this form. If you do, your doctor must complete and sign it, and you must mail it with your renewal process.
This form confirms that you do not have any medical conditions that would make driving unsafe. Your doctor does not need to perform a full physical — they can complete the form based on their knowledge of your health. There is no fee for the form itself, though your doctor's office may charge you for their time.
If the MVC does not ask for a medical form, you do not need to submit one. The requirement depends on your driving record and the information in the MVC database.
Updating your address before or during renewal
If you've moved since your license was issued, update your address before you renew. Your new license will be mailed to whatever address is on file in the MVC system.
To change your address online, go to nj.gov/mvc and use the address change tool. You'll need your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The change takes effect when ready in the system. If you're renewing by mail, write your new address on the renewal form itself.
If you've already renewed and your new license was mailed to an old address, contact the MVC right away at 609-292-6500. They may be able to intercept the mail or reissue it to your current address.
What happens if you renew but your license arrives damaged
If your new license arrives cracked, faded, or unreadable, contact the MVC and request a replacement. Bring your damaged license to an MVC office, or mail it with a letter explaining the damage. The MVC will issue a replacement at no charge.
Do not use a damaged license for identification or driving. If you need a valid license before the replacement arrives, visit an office in person — they can sometimes issue a temporary license or expedite a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
No. If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license, which requires visiting an MVC office, passing the written test, and paying the full process fee. Renew before your license expires to avoid this.
How long does online renewal take?
Online renewal takes about two weeks from the date you submit. The MVC processes your process and mails your new license. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. If you need your license faster, visit an MVC office in person.
Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?
If you renew by mail or online, the MVC uses your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person at an office, they will take a new photo. You cannot request a new photo during mail or online renewal.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Call the MVC at 609-292-6500 and ask them to mail you a renewal form, or visit an MVC office to pick one up. You can renew by mail without the original notice — you just need the form and payment.
Can I renew online if I have a medical condition?
Not if the MVC has flagged a medical condition on your record. Online renewal is only available for standard renewals with no medical holds. If you're unsure, try the online system — it will tell you if you're ineligible and direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead.