Renewing Your New Jersey License Online or by Mail
You can renew your New Jersey driver's license without visiting an office if you meet a few basic conditions. The state allows online renewal through its Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) website, or you can renew by mail. Both routes take about two to three weeks from the time you submit your request, and both cost $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license.
Online renewal is the fastest option: you log into your MVC account, answer a few questions about changes to your address or medical conditions, pay the fee with a credit or debit card, and your new license arrives by mail. Mail renewal works similarly—you fill out form BA-64, include a check or money order, and send it to the MVC address listed on the form. Neither option requires you to take a new photo or pass a test.
You are not may be able to access for online or mail renewal if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have unpaid traffic fines or child support obligations, or if you have changed your name since your last license was issued. You also cannot renew online or by mail if your current license expired more than five years ago. In those cases, you must visit an MVC office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the MVC website is the fastest method and takes about two to three weeks; you need an active MVC account and a valid credit or debit card.
- Mail renewal using form BA-64 costs the same as online renewal but may take slightly longer; send your completed form and payment to the MVC address on the form.
- You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years, or if you have unpaid fines or name changes.
- Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file with the MVC; update your address before renewing if you have moved.
- New Jersey licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on which option you choose at renewal; the eight-year license costs twice as much but lasts longer.
When You Must Renew in Person at an MVC Office
If your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you have outstanding traffic violations or child support obligations, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit an MVC office, bring proof of your identity and residency, and complete the renewal in person. The office staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the office location.
You also must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago. New Jersey does not allow online or mail renewal for licenses that have been expired that long because the state requires a new photo and a verification that you still meet the medical and legal standards to drive.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued—through marriage, divorce, or legal name change—you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that proves the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Documents You Need to Bring to an MVC Office
Bring your current driver's license or a form of government-issued photo ID. You also need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. If you have changed your name, bring the certified document that proves it.
If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), bring your current CDL and any medical certification documents required by federal law. The MVC office will tell you if you need additional paperwork when you call to schedule an appointment.
Bring your payment method—cash, check, or debit card, depending on the office. Some offices accept credit cards, but not all, so call ahead to confirm. The renewal fee is $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license.
How to Schedule an Appointment at an MVC Office
You can schedule an appointment online through the MVC website or by calling the MVC at 609-292-6500. Online scheduling is faster and shows you available dates and times at offices near you. You will need to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to book.
Walk-in visits are not recommended because wait times can be very long, sometimes several hours. Scheduling an appointment guarantees you a specific time slot and reduces your time in the office. If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online or by phone at least 24 hours in advance so someone else can use that slot.
The MVC has offices throughout New Jersey. If you live near the border with another state, check whether an office closer to you is available before traveling to a distant location.
What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal Request
If you renewed online or by mail, your new license will arrive at the address on file with the MVC within two to three weeks. If you have moved recently, update your address on the MVC website before you renew so your license goes to the correct location. If you renewed in person at an office, you may receive your license when ready or by mail, depending on the office and whether they issue licenses on-site.
Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it in a safe place—you do not need to return it to the MVC. If your new license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the MVC to confirm it was mailed and check whether there was a problem with your address.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives and you renewed online or by mail, you can print a temporary license from your MVC account. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used as proof of licensure while you wait for the physical card.
Renewing a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in New Jersey
Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at an MVC office. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. You will need your current CDL, proof of your address, and any medical certification documents required by federal law, such as a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate if your CDL carries certain endorsements.
The renewal fee for a CDL is the same as for a regular license: $24 for four years or $48 for eight years. You may also need to pay an additional fee if you are adding or renewing endorsements such as hazmat or passenger transport. The MVC office will tell you the total cost when you schedule your appointment.
If your medical certification has expired or is about to expire, you must renew it before or at the same time you renew your CDL. You cannot drive commercially without current medical certification, even if your license itself is still valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
Yes, but it depends on how long ago it expired. If it expired within the last five years, you can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than five years ago, you must visit an MVC office in person and bring your old license or another form of government-issued photo ID.
What if I moved and my license still has my old address?
Update your address on the MVC website before you renew. If you renew online or by mail without updating your address first, your new license will be mailed to your old address. If you renew in person, the office will update your address and issue a license with your current address.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew in person?
Some MVC offices issue licenses on the spot, and you can leave with your new license the same day. Other offices mail licenses after processing, which takes about two to three weeks. Call the office where you have your appointment to ask whether they issue licenses when ready.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?
Not if you renew online or by mail—your current photo is used. If you renew in person at an MVC office, a new photo is taken as part of the renewal process.
What if I have a suspended license—can I still renew?
No. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must resolve the suspension first by paying outstanding fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the MVC. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person or through the mail.