Renewing Your New Jersey Driver's License: The Basics
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 pay the fee, upload a new photo, and receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you can't renew online, mail-in renewal takes about two to three weeks, and in-person renewal at an MVC office is when ready if you bring the right documents.
Your license is valid for four years if you're under 70, or three years if you're 70 or older. New Jersey sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for it — you can renew anytime in the 60 days before expiration. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but you cannot renew online.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available if your license hasn't expired and you don't need to change your address, name, or medical information.
- Mail-in renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at an MVC office is the only option if your license has expired or if you need to update your address, name, or medical conditions.
- The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license (under 70) or $18.50 for a three-year license (70 and older).
- You must provide a new photo for online or in-person renewal; mail-in renewal uses your existing photo unless you request a new one.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Online renewal through the New Jersey MVC website is the quickest path if you meet the requirements. You're may be able to access if your license hasn't expired yet, you don't need to change your address or name, you have no medical conditions to report or update, and you're not renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). You'll also need a valid email address and a digital photo that meets MVC standards — a clear, straight-on headshot with a plain background, taken within the last six months.
Go to the MVC website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. Upload your photo, review your information, and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. Once approved, your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail-In Renewal: When Online Isn't an Option
If your license has expired or you need to change your address or name, mail-in renewal is your next fastest option. You'll need to complete Form BA-64 (process for Renewal of Driver License), which you can read from the MVC website or request by phone. You'll also need your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee (made payable to "State of New Jersey"), and a new photo if you want one — though the MVC will use your existing photo if you don't provide one.
Mail your completed form, license, payment, and photo (if included) to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks. If you're changing your address, include a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. Your renewed license will be mailed to your new address once it's processed.
In-Person Renewal at an MVC Office
In-person renewal is the only option if your license has expired, if you need to update your address or name, or if you have medical conditions to report. You'll get your renewed license when ready (or within a few days if you need a replacement card printed on-site). Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your address if you're changing it. You'll also need to provide a new photo — the MVC office has a camera on-site, or you can bring a digital photo on your phone or a USB drive.
Find your nearest MVC office on the New Jersey MVC website and check their hours before you go. Wait times vary by location and time of day; early mornings and weekday afternoons are usually shorter. You can make an appointment online to skip the walk-in line, though same-day appointments may not be available. Bring your payment method — cash, check, debit card, or credit card — to pay the renewal fee at the office.
What to Do If Your License Has Expired
If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew online. You'll need to renew by mail or in person. Mail-in renewal is slower but requires no office visit; in-person renewal is faster but requires you to go to an MVC office during business hours. Either way, bring your expired license along with the documents listed above.
If your license expired while you were out of state or unable to renew for a documented reason, you may be able to request a grace period or waiver. Contact your local MVC office to ask whether your situation qualifies — this is handled case by case and is not may provide, but it's worth asking before you assume you need to start from scratch.
Renewing a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at an MVC office. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and a new photo. You'll also need to pass a vision test and a written test on commercial driving rules — the MVC will administer both during your visit. Bring your payment method for the renewal fee, which is higher for a CDL than for a standard license.
If your CDL is expiring soon and you drive commercially, schedule an in-person appointment as soon as possible. CDL renewals take longer than standard license renewals because of the testing requirement, and offices can have long wait times during peak seasons.
Updating Your Address, Name, or Medical Information
If you're changing your address, you must renew in person or by mail — online renewal does not allow address changes. For mail-in renewal, include a document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. For in-person renewal, bring the same proof of address and the MVC will update your file while you're there.
If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you'll need to renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The MVC will not process a name change by mail. If you have a new medical condition or need to update an existing one, in-person renewal is required so you can discuss it with an MVC representative and possibly take a vision or medical evaluation test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. New Jersey allows you to renew anytime in the 60 days before your license expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near the expiration date. Online renewal is available during this window if you meet all other requirements.
How long does my renewed license take to arrive by mail?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in renewal takes about two to three weeks. In-person renewal is when ready — you'll receive your new license on the spot or within a few days if a replacement card needs to be printed.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must go to an MVC office in person and request a replacement. Bring proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government ID), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. You'll pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.
Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?
No. Mail-in renewal uses your existing photo unless you request a new one. If you want a new photo, include it with your mailed process. For online or in-person renewal, a new photo is required.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is a violation in New Jersey. You can be stopped and cited. If your license expired recently and you've already mailed in a renewal process, carry a copy of that process as proof that you've started the renewal process — this may help if you're stopped, though it does not may provide you won't be cited.