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 are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after you submit your documents. In-person renewal at an MVC office is the only option if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you have a Real ID-compliant license that is expiring.
Your license is valid for 10 years if you are under 62, and 5 years if you are 62 or older. The MVC sends renewal notices 60 days before your expiration date, but you can renew up to 6 months early. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same methods — there is no grace period, but the process does not change.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address, and your current license is not a Real ID document — it costs $24.50 and takes 10 minutes.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the MVC; it takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $24.50.
- In-person renewal at an MVC office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to update your name or address, or if you hold a Real ID license.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address to renew online; mail and in-person renewal require your physical license card.
- New Jersey does not issue temporary licenses during the renewal process, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new card arrives.
Online renewal: fastest option for current licenses
Online renewal through the MVC website is available if your license is not yet expired, you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal, and your current license is not a Real ID document. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50.
Go to nj.gov/mvc and select "Renew Driver License Online." Enter your information, review the renewal notice that appears on screen, and pay by debit card or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if you are renewing a Real ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner). If your current license is a Real ID document, you must renew in person at an MVC office.
Mail renewal: submit documents by post
Mail renewal works for any driver's license that is not expired by more than five years. You will need to complete form BA-298 (process for Driving Privilege Card), include your current license card, and send both with a check or money order for $24.50 to the address listed on the MVC website. Do not send cash.
Mail your documents to: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08625. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and license number so the MVC can match your documents to your file. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the MVC receives your envelope. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, mail renewal is not an option — you must renew in person. If you have moved and need to update your address, mail renewal will not process the address change; you must renew in person or update your address separately through the MVC website before renewing online.
In-person renewal at an MVC office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if your current license is a Real ID document. Bring your current driver's license, proof of New Jersey residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $24.50 in cash, check, or card. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Visit any MVC office during business hours. You do not need an appointment for license renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The MVC office locator at nj.gov/mvc shows hours and locations near you. Processing at the office takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you are renewing a Real ID license in person, the process is the same, but you will receive a new Real ID-compliant license in the mail. Real ID licenses are required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025, but New Jersey continues to issue them as standard licenses.
Real ID licenses and renewal
New Jersey driver's licenses issued after 2017 are Real ID-compliant by default. These licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner. If your current license is a Real ID document, you cannot renew it online or by mail — you must renew in person at an MVC office.
When you renew a Real ID license in person, you will receive another Real ID license in the mail. You do not need to bring additional documents beyond your current license and proof of residency. The renewal process and fee ($24.50) are the same as for a standard license.
If you have an older license without a gold star and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so during in-person renewal. The MVC will issue you a Real ID license at no additional cost. Real ID is not required for driving in New Jersey, but it is required for domestic air travel and federal building access.
What to do if your license has expired
If your license is already expired, you can still renew it using any of the three methods — online, mail, or in-person. There is no grace period in New Jersey, and driving on an expired license is a violation. However, the renewal process does not change based on expiration status.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail; you must go to an MVC office in person. Bring the same documents as you would for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The MVC will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed.
If you have lost your license or it was stolen, you cannot renew it — you must request a replacement. This is a different process that requires an in-person visit to an MVC office and costs $10.
Fees, timelines, and what to expect
| Renewal Method | Cost | Processing Time | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $24.50 | 7–10 business days (mail delivery) | License not expired, no name/address change, not Real ID |
| $24.50 | 7–10 business days after receipt | License expired less than 5 years, no address change | |
| In-Person | $24.50 | 7–10 business days (mail delivery); temporary license issued same day | License expired 5+ years, name/address change, Real ID renewal |
The $24.50 fee covers a 10-year renewal for drivers under 62 and a 5-year renewal for drivers 62 and older. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewal accepts debit or credit card; mail renewal requires check or money order; in-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card.
New Jersey does not issue temporary digital licenses or temporary cards you can use when ready after renewal. If you renew in person, you receive a paper temporary license valid for 30 days. If you renew online or by mail, you must continue using your current license until the new one arrives. Plan your renewal at least two weeks before your expiration date if you need your new license by a specific date.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not attempt to renew online if your license is a Real ID document (gold star) — the system will reject your process and you will need to start over in person. Do not send cash by mail; use a check or money order instead. Do not forget to include your current license card when renewing by mail; the MVC cannot process your renewal without it.
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. The MVC sends notices 60 days in advance, and you can renew up to 6 months early. Renewing early avoids the rush and ensures you have your new license before you need to drive. If you have moved, update your address through the MVC website or in person before attempting online renewal — mail renewal will not process address changes.
Do not assume your temporary paper license (issued in-person) is valid for driving outside New Jersey. It is valid only in New Jersey for 30 days. If you travel out of state before your permanent license arrives, bring your old license as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but the method depends on how long ago it expired. If it expired less than five years ago, you can renew by mail or in person. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an MVC office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and $24.50.
What if I have moved since my last renewal?
If you are renewing online, you cannot change your address during the renewal process — you must update your address separately on the MVC website first, or renew in person. Mail and in-person renewal can both process address changes. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days).
Do I need an appointment to renew at an MVC office?
No, appointments are not required for license renewal. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. Visit the MVC office locator at nj.gov/mvc to find hours and check current wait times before you go.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?
Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after the MVC processes your renewal. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the same day. Online and mail renewals do not include a temporary license — you continue to use your current license until the new one arrives.
What happens if my new license arrives with an error?
Contact the MVC when ready at 609-292-6500 or visit nj.gov/mvc to report the error. The MVC will issue a corrected license at no additional cost. Do not use a license with incorrect information for driving.