How to renew your New Jersey driver license
You can renew your New Jersey driver 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 — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50. If you can't renew online, you'll need to visit an MVC office or mail in your process, both of which take longer and may require documents like proof of address or a new photo.
Your license is valid for 10 years if you're under 62, or 4 years if you're 62 or older. The MVC will send 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 6 months before expiration. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you'll pay a late fee and may have to renew in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the MVC website costs $24.50 and takes about 10 minutes, but only works if your license is not expired and you have a valid Social Security number on file.
- You can renew up to 6 months before your license expires, so you don't have to wait for the renewal notice from the MVC.
- If you need a new photo, a name change, or your address is not on file with the MVC, you must renew in person at an MVC office.
- Mail renewal is available but slower — you'll need to send in your process, payment, and documents, and it can take 4 to 6 weeks to receive your new license.
- If your license has expired, you'll pay a late fee of $5 per year, up to a maximum of $25, in addition to the renewal fee.
Online renewal through the MVC website
Online renewal is the simplest path if you meet the requirements. Go to nj.gov/mvc, click "Renew Driver License Online," and log in with your driver license number and date of birth. You'll answer questions about your address, medical conditions, and whether you've had any traffic violations since your last renewal. The system will ask you to confirm your Social Security number and date of birth. Payment is by credit card, debit card, or e-check, and the fee is $24.50.
You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you need a new photo, if you've had a name change, if your address is not on file with the MVC, or if you don't have a valid Social Security number in the system. You also cannot renew online if you have a commercial driver license (CDL) or a motorcycle endorsement — those require in-person renewal. If any of these explore to you, skip to the in-person or mail renewal sections below.
After you complete the online renewal, the MVC will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes about 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
In-person renewal at an MVC office
Visit an MVC office if you need a new photo, have had a name change, need to update your address, or don't meet the requirements for online renewal. Bring your current driver license, proof of New Jersey residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 3 months), and payment. If you've had a name change, also bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You can make an appointment online at nj.gov/mvc or call 609-292-6500. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment wait times are usually shorter. The in-person fee is $24.50, the same as online. Bring a second form of ID if possible — a passport, military ID, or Social Security card — though it is not required.
The MVC will take your photo and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the MVC staff for a temporary paper license, which is valid for 30 days.
Mail renewal by sending documents to the MVC
You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you don't need a new photo or name change. Print the renewal form from nj.gov/mvc (form BA-49), fill it out, and mail it with your current driver license, payment of $24.50, and proof of address. Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 3 months.
Mail your packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the MVC receives it, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you'll owe a late fee when you renew next time.
The MVC does not return your old license, so don't expect to see it again. If you want to track your renewal, you can call 609-292-6500 after 2 weeks to confirm they received your process.
What to do if your license has already expired
You can still renew an expired license, but you'll pay a late fee in addition to the $24.50 renewal fee. The late fee is $5 per year that your license has been expired, up to a maximum of $25. For example, if your license expired 3 years ago, you'll pay $15 in late fees plus $24.50 for the renewal, for a total of $39.50.
You cannot renew an expired license online. You must renew in person at an MVC office or by mail. If you renew by mail, include a note explaining why your renewal is late — the MVC doesn't require an explanation, but it can help if there's a question about your process. If you renew in person, bring your expired license, proof of address, and payment.
If your license has been expired for more than 2 years, the MVC may require you to pass a vision test or written exam before renewing. Call 609-292-6500 to ask whether you'll need to test before you visit an office.
Renewing a commercial driver license (CDL)
Commercial driver licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail — you must renew in person at an MVC office. Bring your current CDL, proof of address, and payment of $24.50. You'll need to pass a vision test and answer medical history questions. If you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive, bring documentation from your doctor.
The MVC will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. Your new CDL will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you drive commercially and your license expires, you cannot legally operate a commercial vehicle, so plan your renewal well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I don't have proof of address?
No, the MVC requires proof of address for in-person and mail renewal. If you don't have a utility bill or lease, bring a bank statement, mortgage statement, or insurance bill dated within 3 months. If you have none of these, call 609-292-6500 to ask what other documents the MVC will accept.
What happens if I drive after my license expires?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in New Jersey. You can be stopped and ticketed. If you know your license is about to expire, renew it before the expiration date. If it has already expired, renew it as soon as you can and avoid driving until your new license arrives.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after the MVC processes your renewal. If you renewed online or in person, the timeline is the same. If you renewed by mail, add 4 to 6 weeks for the MVC to process your process before they mail the license.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
Yes, an outstanding ticket does not stop you from renewing your license. However, if you have unpaid fines or a suspended license due to a violation, you must resolve that before renewing. Call 609-292-6500 to check whether your license is suspended.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No, unless your current photo is more than 10 years old, you've had a significant change in appearance, or the MVC requests a new one. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVC office.