How to Renew Your New Jersey Driver's License

How to renew your New Jersey driver's license online, by mail, or in person

New Jersey lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions, by mail if you prefer not to go in person, or at a Motor Vehicle Commission office if you need to renew in person. The fastest route is online through the MVC website — you can complete it in minutes if your license is not suspended and you have not had a medical condition reported to the state. If you cannot renew online, the mail option takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at an MVC office is necessary only if you need a Real ID, have a medical hold on your record, or are renewing after a suspension.

Your license is valid for four years if you are under 62, or eight years if you are 62 or older. New Jersey sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice — you can renew as soon as your license is within six months of expiration.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the MVC website is the fastest option and takes minutes, but only works if your license is not suspended and no medical condition is on file.
Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment to the MVC address listed on the renewal notice.
In-person renewal at an MVC office is required if you want a Real ID, have a medical hold, or are renewing after a suspension.
New Jersey licenses are valid for four years (under 62) or eight years (62 and older), and you can renew up to six months before expiration.
The renewal fee is $24 for a four-year license and $48 for an eight-year license, payable by credit card, debit card, or check.

Online renewal through the MVC website

Go to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history. If you pass the verification, you can pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card and receive your confirmation number when ready.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you have a medical condition reported to the state; if you are renewing after a suspension; or if you want to change your name or address. You also cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years. If any of these explore to you, use the mail or in-person option instead.

After you complete online renewal, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal by sending documents to the MVC

If you prefer not to renew online or in person, you can renew by mail. The MVC will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form (Form BA-64) and instructions. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it back to the address shown on the notice along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the MVC receives your documents. Do not mail cash. If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can read Form BA-64 from the MVC website or call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to request one. Make sure your mailing address is current with the MVC before you send in your renewal, because the new license will be mailed to the address on file.

Keep a copy of your completed form and note the date you mailed it. If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the MVC to confirm they received your documents.

In-person renewal at an MVC office

You must renew in person at an MVC office if you want a Real ID, have a medical condition or hold on your record, are renewing after a suspension, or if you need to change your name or address. You will need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your New Jersey residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 12 months).

If you are renewing a Real ID, you will also need to bring a document proving your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and a second document proving your address. The MVC website lists all accepted documents. Schedule an appointment online through the MVC website before you go — walk-ins are not accepted at most offices, and appointment slots fill quickly.

Bring all documents in original form or certified copies. The MVC does not accept photocopies of identity documents. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you are called, and you will receive a temporary paper license to drive on while your permanent license is mailed to you.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee is $24 for a four-year license (for drivers under 62) or $48 for an eight-year license (for drivers 62 and older). You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check. If you renew online, you pay by card when ready. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order. If you renew in person, you can pay by card or check at the office.

The fee covers the license itself and does not include any additional charges for Real ID or other endorsements. If you are renewing after a suspension, you may owe reinstatement fees in addition to the renewal fee — the MVC will tell you the total amount due when you contact them or visit in person.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires before your new one arrives, you are still allowed to drive as long as you have proof that you submitted a renewal process. Keep a copy of your online confirmation number, mail receipt, or appointment confirmation with you. Police will accept this as proof that you are in the renewal process.

However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must renew in person and may have to retake the written and road tests. It is best to renew before your license expires to avoid this situation.

Real ID and what it means for renewal

A Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued identification that is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. New Jersey began issuing Real IDs in 2009, and most new licenses are Real IDs by default. When you renew, your new license will be a Real ID unless you specifically request a standard license instead.

If your current license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not a Real ID. If you want to upgrade to a Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person and bring proof of identity and proof of address. The fee is the same whether you get a Real ID or a standard license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my New Jersey license if it is suspended?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended. You must contact the MVC to find out why it is suspended and what you need to do to clear the suspension. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew. If you need to drive before the suspension is cleared, you may be able to get a conditional license — ask the MVC about this option.

What if I moved out of state — can I still renew my New Jersey license?

No, you cannot renew a New Jersey license if you no longer live in New Jersey. You must surrender your New Jersey license and 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 to discuss your situation.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If it takes longer than 10 business days, contact the MVC with your confirmation number.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at an MVC office?

Yes, you must schedule an appointment online through the MVC website before you visit. Walk-ins are not accepted at most offices. Appointments fill up quickly, especially near the end of the month, so schedule as early as possible.

What if I lost my renewal notice from the MVC?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew — it is just a reminder. You can renew online, by mail using Form BA-64 (which you can read from the MVC website), or in person at an MVC office. If you want a paper copy of the notice, call the MVC at 609-292-6500.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.