Renewing Your New Jersey Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person
New Jersey lets you renew your driver's license through three different routes: online, by mail, or at a Motor Vehicle Commission office. Which one you can use depends on your license type, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
Your license is valid for four years if you are under 62, or ten years if you are 62 or older. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $61 for a ten-year license, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks from the time the Motor Vehicle Commission receives your packet.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Commission office is necessary only if you need a new photo, have a medical condition that affects your driving, or are renewing a commercial license.
- You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years, or if you are under 21.
Online Renewal Through the Motor Vehicle Commission Website
Online renewal is the fastest option and requires no mail or office visit. Go to nj.gov/mvc and select the renewal option. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm your current address on file; if it has changed, you will need to update it before completing the renewal.
After you verify your information, you will pay the renewal fee using a credit card, debit card, or e-check. The fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $61 for a ten-year license. Once payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive at the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than two years ago, if it has been suspended or revoked, if you are under 21, or if you need a new photo. If any of these explore to you, use the mail or in-person route instead.
Renewing by Mail
To renew by mail, request the renewal form from the Motor Vehicle Commission or read it from nj.gov/mvc. The form you need is the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form BA-56). Fill it out completely, including your current license number, address, and any changes to your medical history or driving restrictions.
Mail your completed form along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the Motor Vehicle Commission to return your old license. The Motor Vehicle Commission typically processes mail renewals within two to three weeks of receiving your packet, though processing times can be longer during busy periods.
Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the Motor Vehicle Commission at 609-292-6500 to check the status of your renewal.
In-Person Renewal at a Motor Vehicle Commission Office
You must renew in person if you need a new photo, if you have a medical condition that requires a medical evaluation form, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. You will also need to visit an office if you cannot renew online or by mail for any other reason.
Make an appointment through nj.gov/mvc before you go. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but appointment holders are served first. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of New Jersey residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 12 months). Bring a payment method: cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
The renewal fee at an office is the same as online: $24.50 for a four-year license or $61 for a ten-year license. You will have your photo taken at the office. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. The process is the same, and you can drive on your expired license while your renewal is being processed.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Motor Vehicle Commission office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal. The office will treat your process as a renewal rather than a new license process, which is faster and less expensive than starting over.
Renewing a Commercial Driver's License
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit a Motor Vehicle Commission office in person. Make an appointment through nj.gov/mvc. Bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, proof of New Jersey residency, and any medical certification documents if your CDL requires them.
You will have your photo taken and may be required to pass a vision test. The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $61 for a ten-year license. Your new CDL will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have moved out of state?
No. Your New Jersey driver's license is tied to New Jersey residency. If you have moved, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state. You can surrender your New Jersey license by mail or at a Motor Vehicle Commission office.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will have a new photo taken.
How long can I drive after my license expires while waiting for the renewal?
You can drive on your expired license while your renewal is being processed. Once your new license arrives, your old license is no longer valid. If your renewal is delayed and your old license expires before the new one arrives, contact the Motor Vehicle Commission for a temporary extension.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Motor Vehicle Commission before you can renew. Contact the Motor Vehicle Commission at 609-292-6500 to find out what steps are required to clear the suspension or revocation.
What if I lose my renewal confirmation number?
If you renewed online and lost your confirmation number, you can log back into your account on nj.gov/mvc to view your confirmation details. If you renewed by mail, keep a copy of your completed form. If you need to verify your renewal status, call the Motor Vehicle Commission at 609-292-6500.