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 form and documents, though that takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an MVC office is when ready: you'll leave with a temporary license and your permanent one arrives by mail.
Your renewal window opens 60 days before your license expires and closes on your expiration date. You can renew up to 6 months early if you prefer not to wait. The fee is $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, depending on your age and which term you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the MVC website is available if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your completed form, current license, and payment to the MVC; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In-person renewal at an MVC office takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license valid until your permanent one arrives.
- Your renewal window opens 60 days before expiration; renewing early avoids the rush and ensures your license doesn't lapse.
- You'll need to pass a vision test at renewal, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Online renewal through the MVC website
Online renewal is the simplest path if you meet the requirements. You must have a valid email address, your current New Jersey driver's license number, and your Social Security number. Your license cannot be suspended or revoked, you cannot have medical restrictions noted on it, and your address must be the same as what the MVC has on file.
Go to the MVC's online renewal portal at nj.gov/mvc. Log in or create an account, answer the questions about your driving record and health, and pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email when ready. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on your current license until the new one arrives.
If the online system tells you that you're not may be able to access, it will explain why — usually because your address changed, you have a medical restriction, or your license status is not clear. In that case, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.
Mail renewal with the MVC
Mail renewal works if you don't meet the requirements for online renewal or prefer not to use the website. read or request the renewal form (Form BA-64) from the MVC website or call 609-292-6500 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee.
Mail everything to the address listed on the form — it varies by county. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your old license returned. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVC receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail; you can continue driving on your current license until it expires.
Keep a record of when you mailed your renewal. If you don't receive your new license within 4 weeks, call the MVC to confirm they received your documents.
In-person renewal at an MVC office
Walk-in renewal at an MVC office is the fastest way to get a valid license the same day. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and payment in cash, check, or card. You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office.
Visit the MVC's office locator at nj.gov/mvc to find the office nearest you and check current wait times. Many offices are busier on weekends and at the end of the month, so weekday mornings often have shorter lines. When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The process takes about 30 minutes.
You'll receive a temporary license (valid for 30 days) before you leave. Your permanent license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If your address has changed since your last renewal, you'll need to bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
What you need to bring for renewal
For online renewal, you need only your license number, Social Security number, and an email address. The MVC will ask you to confirm your address and answer questions about your health and driving record.
For mail renewal, send your completed form BA-64, your current license, and payment. If your address changed, include proof of your new address.
For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and payment. If your address changed, bring proof of the new address. You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself — a W-2, tax return, or bank statement with your full Social Security number is acceptable.
Vision test requirements at renewal
New Jersey requires a vision test at every license renewal. If you renew online, you'll take a self-administered vision test through your computer or phone camera. The test checks whether you can read letters and numbers at a certain size and distance. If you fail the online vision test, you'll be directed to renew in person instead.
At an in-person renewal, an MVC employee will administer the vision test using a machine. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test in person, the MVC will not renew your license until you provide a letter from an eye doctor stating that you meet the vision standard for driving.
Address changes and other updates at renewal
If your address changed since your last renewal, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government document dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement is not accepted as proof of address.
If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you'll need to renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The MVC will not process a name change by mail.
If you want to change your gender marker on your license, you can do so at renewal. In person, tell the MVC employee and they will update it. By mail, include a letter explaining the change; the MVC will contact you to confirm. Online renewal does not allow gender marker changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes. You can renew up to 6 months after expiration by mail or in person. Online renewal is only available during the 60-day window before expiration. If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you'll need to explore for a new license rather than renew, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a road test.
How long is a renewed license valid?
New Jersey offers two renewal terms: four years or eight years. The fee is $24 for four years or $48 for eight years. You choose which term when you renew. Drivers under 21 cannot renew for eight years.
What if I moved out of state since my last renewal?
You cannot renew a New Jersey license if you no longer live in New Jersey. You'll need to get a license from your new state. If you still own property in New Jersey or have other ties to the state, contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 to discuss your situation.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at an MVC office?
Most MVC offices accept walk-ins, but some locations require appointments. Check the office locator at nj.gov/mvc to see whether your nearest office takes appointments or walk-ins. You can book an appointment online if one is required.
What happens if I don't renew before my license expires?
Driving on an expired license is illegal in New Jersey. If you're pulled over, you can be fined. You can renew up to 6 months after expiration, but after that you'll need to reapply for a new license, which includes a written test and road test.