Renewing your New Brunswick driver's license online, by mail, or in person

In New Brunswick, you can renew your driver's license through Service New Brunswick, either online, by mail, or in person at a Service New Brunswick office. The online option is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if your license is not expired and you have not had any medical suspensions. By mail takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at an office takes about 30 minutes and is your only option if your license has been suspended, if you need to update your photo, or if you are over 75 years old.

Your renewal window opens 9 months before your license expires. You can renew up to 12 months early, which means you can start the process almost a year in advance if you want to avoid a rush. If your license has already expired, you cannot use the online or mail routes — you must go in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes minutes and costs $65 if your license is valid and you have no medical holds, but you must renew within 9 months of expiry.
  • Mail renewal costs $65, takes about two weeks, and requires you to send your current license and a completed form to Service New Brunswick.
  • In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, suspended, or if you are over 75, and takes about 30 minutes at any Service New Brunswick office.
  • You will need proof of identity and residence; a utility bill, bank statement, or lease counts as proof of residence.
  • New Brunswick does not require you to pass a vision or written test to renew unless your license class changes or you have medical restrictions.

Online renewal: fastest option if your license is current

Online renewal through the Service New Brunswick website is the quickest path. You log in with your online account, confirm your information, pay $65 by debit or credit card, and you are done. Your renewed license arrives by mail in about 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office or mail anything in.

You can only use online renewal if your license is not expired, you have no active medical suspensions or restrictions, and your personal information has not changed. If you need to update your address, change your name, or add a medical condition, you must renew in person. The same applies if your license has been suspended for any reason — medical, administrative, or criminal.

If you do not have a Service New Brunswick online account, you can create one on the Service New Brunswick website using your Social Insurance Number and driver's license number. The account takes a few minutes to set up.

Mail renewal: no office visit required, but slower

To renew by mail, you complete form DL-44 (process for Driver's Licence Renewal), sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a cheque or money order for $65 to Service New Brunswick. The address is on the form. Processing takes about two weeks from the day Service New Brunswick receives your envelope.

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you have no medical holds. If your personal information has changed — address, name, or medical conditions — you must renew in person instead. The same applies if your license has already expired or if you need a new photo.

Keep a copy of the form and your cheque number for your records. If your payment gets lost in the mail, Service New Brunswick will contact you. Mail renewal is slower than online but avoids a trip to an office.

In-person renewal at a Service New Brunswick office

Visit any Service New Brunswick office with your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residence. Bring a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or mortgage statement as proof of residence — it must show your name and current address. If you have changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are over 75, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test.

Processing at the office takes about 30 minutes. You pay $65 by cash, debit, or credit card. Your renewed license is mailed to you within 10 business days. You cannot walk out with it the same day.

In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, suspended, or if you need to update your photo. It is also the only option if you have medical restrictions, if you are changing your license class, or if you are over 75. Find your nearest Service New Brunswick office on their website.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired more than a few weeks ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go in person to a Service New Brunswick office. Bring the same documents as a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residence.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in New Brunswick, even if you have sent in your renewal. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied, but you should not drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your renewal is processed, some employers or insurance companies will accept a temporary permit from Service New Brunswick — ask at the office.

Medical suspensions and restrictions

If your license has been suspended for medical reasons — a seizure, vision loss, or a condition reported to Service New Brunswick — you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an office in person. Service New Brunswick will tell you what medical documents you need to bring, such as a letter from your doctor or the results of a vision test.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving but your license has not been suspended, you can still renew online or by mail. However, if your condition has worsened or changed, you should tell Service New Brunswick in person so they can update your file and add any necessary restrictions to your license.

Drivers over 75 years old

If you are 75 or older, you must renew in person at a Service New Brunswick office. You will need to pass a vision test as part of the renewal. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residence, and be prepared to spend about 30 minutes at the office. Your renewed license costs $65.

Some drivers over 75 may also be asked to pass a written test or a road test, depending on the results of the vision test or if Service New Brunswick has concerns about your driving ability. The office will tell you if this is required when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a Service New Brunswick office. You cannot use online or mail renewal for an expired license. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residence. You will pay the standard $65 renewal fee.

What counts as proof of residence in New Brunswick?

A utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or mortgage statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord can work if you do not yet have a utility bill in your name.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

About 10 business days after Service New Brunswick processes your renewal. Online renewal is fastest because processing starts when ready. Mail renewal takes an extra week or two because the form has to travel to the office first.

Do I need to take a written test or vision test to renew?

No, unless you are over 75 or your license class is changing. If you have medical restrictions or a suspension, you may need to provide medical documents or pass a vision test before your suspension is lifted.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal cannot process name changes.