How to renew your New Jersey driver's license
You can renew your New Jersey driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you'll get your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you can't renew online, you can mail in your renewal process or visit an MVC office in person, though in-person visits currently require an appointment.
New Jersey sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. Your license is valid until the expiration date printed on the front, so you don't need to renew before that date arrives. However, if your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same methods — there's no penalty for renewing after expiration, as long as you weren't driving with an expired license.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the MVC website takes 10 minutes and costs $24 if your license is not expired; you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- You're may be able to access for online renewal only if your license is not expired, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and you have no medical or legal restrictions that require in-person review.
- Mail-in renewal requires you to complete Form BA-298, include a check or money order for $24, and mail everything to the MVC address listed on your renewal notice.
- In-person renewal at an MVC office requires an appointment, which you can book through the MVC website; bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
- If your license is expired by more than five years, you may need to take a written test and vision test in addition to renewing, so contact the MVC before you proceed.
Online renewal through the MVC website
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website allows you to renew online if your license is not yet expired. Go to nj.gov/mvc, click "License and ID Renewal," and select "Renew Your Driver License Online." You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The process takes about 10 minutes.
Online renewal costs $24 and is paid by credit card or debit card during the process. Once you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you have a medical condition or legal restriction noted on your license, if your name has changed, or if your address has changed and you don't have a document to prove the new address. In any of these cases, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.
Mail-in renewal with Form BA-298
To renew by mail, complete the process form BA-298, which comes with your renewal notice. If you didn't receive a notice, you can read the form from nj.gov/mvc or request one by calling the MVC at 609-292-6500. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for $24 made payable to "New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission."
Mail your completed form and payment to the address printed on your renewal notice. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the MVC receives your process. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the MVC to return any documents you send with your process.
If your license has expired by more than five years, the MVC may require you to take a written test and vision test before approving your renewal. Contact the MVC before you mail in your process to confirm whether tests are required for your situation.
In-person renewal at an MVC office
You can renew in person at any New Jersey MVC office. All in-person visits now require an appointment, which you can schedule through the MVC website at nj.gov/mvc under "Schedule an Appointment." Select "License and ID Renewal" as your transaction type, choose your preferred office location and date, and you'll receive a confirmation with your appointment time.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $24 in cash, check, or card. The renewal process at the office takes about 15 minutes. You'll receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired by more than five years, if you have medical restrictions, if your name or address has changed and you don't have proof of the change, or if you need to update your photograph. If you're unsure whether you need to visit in person, call the MVC at 609-292-6500 before scheduling.
What documents and information you'll need
For any renewal method, have your current driver's license number and date of birth ready. If you're renewing online, you'll also need the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you're renewing by mail or in person and your address has changed, bring a document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work.
If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a document that shows both your old and new name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing in person, bring your current license and payment. If you're renewing by mail, include a copy of your current license (front and back) with your process.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A standard driver's license renewal in New Jersey costs $24. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts credit cards and debit cards. Mail-in renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card.
If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and the process is different — you cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. Contact the MVC for CDL renewal details.
What to do if your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it using the same methods as an unexpired license. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as possible. There is no penalty fee for renewing after expiration.
If your license expired more than five years ago, the MVC will require you to take a written test and vision test before approving your renewal. You'll need to schedule an in-person appointment at an MVC office to complete these tests. Call 609-292-6500 to confirm what's required for your situation before you begin the renewal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the MVC. Contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges before you attempt to renew.
What if I move to a different state before my license expires?
You should obtain a driver's license in your new state. New Jersey will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state. Once you move, explore for a license in your new state as soon as possible.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online and in-person renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days from the date the MVC processes your process. Mail-in renewals take 4 to 6 weeks from the date the MVC receives your process. You can continue to drive on your current license until your new one arrives.
Can I renew my license if my name has changed?
Yes, but you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person and bring a document that shows both your old and new name, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The MVC will update your name during the renewal process.
What if I lost my current license?
If you've lost your license, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a replacement. Contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 or visit nj.gov/mvc for information about obtaining a replacement license.