How to renew your New Jersey driver license
You can renew your New Jersey driver license by mail, online, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office. Most people renew by mail or online without taking a new test or sitting for a new photo. You are may be able to access to renew by mail or online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that need to be reported, and your address has not changed since your last license was issued. If any of those conditions explore to you, you must renew in person.
New Jersey licenses expire on your birthday. You can begin the renewal process up to six months before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face a late fee and will need to renew in person rather than by mail or online.
Key Takeaways
- Mail and online renewal are free and take about two to four weeks; in-person renewal at an MVC office usually takes the same day but requires an appointment.
- You need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to renew online; mail renewal requires you to send in your current license card.
- If your address has changed, your license is suspended, or you have a medical condition to report, you must renew in person at an MVC office.
- New Jersey licenses are valid for four years for drivers under 70 and six years for drivers 70 and older.
- You can start the renewal process up to six months before your birthday, but waiting until after your license expires will require you to renew in person and may cost you extra.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, you will need to request a renewal form from the MVC or read it from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website. The form is called the Driver License Renewal process. You will fill it out by hand, sign it, and mail it along with your current license card to the address shown on the form.
Include a check or money order for the renewal fee. As of now, the fee is $24 for a four-year license if you are under 70, and $36 for a six-year license if you are 70 or older. Do not send cash. Mail your completed form and payment to the MVC address listed on the process. Your new license should arrive in the mail within two to four weeks.
You will lose the ability to use your old license once you mail it in, so plan ahead if you need a valid ID before your new license arrives. Some people keep a copy of their old license or bring other forms of ID with them until the new one comes.
Renewing online
Online renewal is the fastest way to get your new license without leaving home. You will go to the New Jersey MVC website and create an account or log in if you already have one. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a valid email address.
The online system will ask you to verify your information and confirm that your address has not changed. You will pay the renewal fee using a credit card or debit card. Once your process is processed, your new license will be mailed to you within two to four weeks. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is only open to drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked and who have no medical conditions to report. If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access, you can start the process online and the system will tell you if you need to renew in person instead.
Renewing in person at an MVC office
In-person renewal is required if your address has changed, your license is suspended or revoked, or you have a medical condition to report to the MVC. You will also need to renew in person if your license has already expired or if you want to update your photo.
To renew in person, you must make an appointment through the MVC website or by calling 609-292-6500. Walk-ins are not accepted at most offices. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If your address has changed, bring documents showing both your old and new addresses.
Your appointment will usually take 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken, answer questions about your health and driving record, and pay the renewal fee. You will receive a temporary license to use while your permanent license is being printed and mailed to you. Your new license should arrive within two to four weeks.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Time to Receive |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Mail | Current license card, completed renewal form, check or money order | $24 (under 70) or $36 (70+) | 2–4 weeks |
| Online | License number, Social Security number, date of birth, email address | $24 (under 70) or $36 (70+) | 2–4 weeks |
| In Person | Current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, appointment | $24 (under 70) or $36 (70+) | Same day (temporary); 2–4 weeks (permanent) |
What to do if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at an MVC office. You will need to bring the same documents as a regular in-person renewal, plus your expired license card.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in New Jersey, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are pulled over, you could be cited. Make an appointment at an MVC office as soon as you can. If you need a valid ID before your appointment, you can request a temporary license at the office, which will be valid for 30 days.
Updating your photo or address during renewal
If you want to update your photo during renewal, you must renew in person. Mail and online renewal do not include a new photo; your old photo will be used on your new license. If you have changed your address since your last license was issued, you must also renew in person, because the MVC needs to verify your new address before issuing a new license.
If you have moved but have not yet renewed your license, bring documents showing both your old address (from your current license) and your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). The MVC will update your address in their system and print it on your new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my New Jersey license if I moved to another state?
No. If you have moved out of New Jersey and no longer live there, you cannot renew your New Jersey license. You will need to get a license from your new state instead. If you still live in New Jersey but have moved within the state, you can renew in person by bringing proof of your new address.
What happens if I miss my renewal appointment?
If you miss your appointment, you will need to schedule a new one through the MVC website or by calling 609-292-6500. There is no penalty for missing an appointment, but your license will continue to expire on your birthday. Try to schedule a new appointment before that date so you do not end up with an expired license.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended for unpaid traffic tickets?
No. You must clear the suspension before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out what you owe and how to pay it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew by mail, online, or in person, depending on your other circumstances.
How long is a renewed New Jersey driver license valid?
A renewed license is valid for four years if you are under 70 years old, and six years if you are 70 or older. Your new expiration date will be printed on your license card. You can begin the renewal process up to six months before that date.
Do I need to take a written test or road test to renew my license?
No. License renewal in New Jersey does not require a written test or road test. You only need to answer health and safety questions and verify that your information is correct. If you want to add a new endorsement (such as a motorcycle endorsement), you will need to take a separate test for that.