Renew Your New Jersey License by Mail, Online, or In Person
New Jersey allows you to renew your driver's license through three routes: online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person appointment.
Your license is valid for four years if you are under 62, or ten years if you are 62 or older. The MVC sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to six months before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $61 for a ten-year license if you are 62 or older.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks after the MVC receives it.
- You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you have a commercial license.
- New Jersey does not require a vision test for online or mail renewal unless you are renewing a commercial license.
- Your renewed license will be mailed to your address on file; update your address before you renew if it has changed.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Option
Online renewal through the MVC website is the quickest method and requires no documents to be mailed. You will need your current New Jersey driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information, review your license details, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card.
You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you are not renewing a commercial license, and you do not need to change your photo. If your license expired more than five years ago, the system will not allow online renewal and will direct you to renew in person instead.
After you complete the online transaction, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, you can print a temporary license from your confirmation page to use while you wait for the physical card.
Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required
To renew by mail, complete form BA-49 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), which you can read from the MVC website or request by phone. Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $61 for a ten-year license if you are 62 or older. Mail your packet to the MVC address on the form; processing takes two to three weeks after the office receives it. You will not receive a confirmation that your process arrived, so keep a copy of the form and your check number for your records.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired or has been expired for fewer than five years. You cannot change your photo by mail; if you need a new photo, you must renew in person.
In-Person Renewal at an MVC Office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you hold a commercial driver's license, or if you want to update your photo. You will also need to renew in person if you are changing your name or address and do not have a document that shows both your old and new information.
Schedule an appointment through the MVC website or by calling 609-292-6500. Walk-ins are not accepted at most offices. Bring your current driver's license, proof of New Jersey residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). You will take a new photo and pass a vision screening at the office.
The renewal fee is the same as mail or online renewal: $24.50 for four years or $61 for ten years if you are 62 or older. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can print a temporary license at the office to use while you wait.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, Social Security number | $24.50 (4 years) or $61 (10 years, age 62+) | 7–10 business days |
| Form BA-49, current license, check or money order | $24.50 (4 years) or $61 (10 years, age 62+) | 2–3 weeks after receipt | |
| In Person | Current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number | $24.50 (4 years) or $61 (10 years, age 62+) | 7–10 business days |
What Happens If Your License Expires Before You Renew
An expired New Jersey driver's license cannot be used to drive. If your license expires while you are waiting for your renewal to arrive, you cannot legally operate a vehicle until the new license reaches you. Print a temporary license from your online renewal confirmation or take the temporary license you received at your in-person appointment; these are valid for 30 days and can be used to drive while you wait for your permanent card.
If you did not print a temporary license and your license has expired, you must renew in person at an MVC office to get a temporary license on the spot. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to complete the full in-person renewal process, which includes a vision test and new photo.
Updating Your Address Before You Renew
Your renewed license will be mailed to the address the MVC has on file. If you have moved, update your address before you renew so your new license goes to the correct location. You can update your address online through the MVC website, by mail using form BA-49, or in person at an MVC office.
If you update your address online, the change takes effect when ready. If you update by mail or in person, allow one to two weeks for the change to appear in the system before you renew. If you renew before your address change is processed, your new license will be mailed to your old address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must renew in person at an MVC office. The office will treat this as a new license process rather than a renewal, and you will need to pass a vision test and provide proof of residency and Social Security number.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
You do not need a new photo if you renew online or by mail; your current photo will be used. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. New Jersey requires a new photo every 10 years for drivers 62 and older, and every four years for younger drivers, but you can request a new photo at any renewal.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore?
Online and in-person renewals take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks after the MVC office receives your packet. You can print a temporary license when ready after online renewal or receive one at your in-person appointment to use while you wait.
What if I have a commercial driver's license?
Commercial licenses must be renewed in person at an MVC office. You cannot renew online or by mail. Schedule an appointment, bring your current license and proof of residency, and plan to take a new photo and vision test. The renewal fee is the same as for a standard license.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes, you can renew up to six months before your license expires. The MVC will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it. Renewing early is useful if you are traveling or want to avoid a rush near your expiration date.