Where to renew your New Brunswick driver's license
You renew your New Brunswick driver's license through Service New Brunswick, the provincial agency that handles motor vehicle licensing. You can renew in person at any Service New Brunswick office, by mail, or online through the provincial government website — the online route is the fastest if your license is not suspended and you have not had any medical changes since your last renewal.
The main Service New Brunswick offices are located in Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton, and Bathurst. If you live outside these cities, you can find a local agent office in your area — many are run through pharmacies, grocery stores, and other retail locations. The full list of agent locations and hours is on the Service New Brunswick website under "Driver Licensing Services".
If you renew by mail, you send your process and documents to the address listed on the renewal notice you receive. Mail renewal takes longer — typically three to four weeks — so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is valid, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.
- In-person renewal at a Service New Brunswick office or agent location takes about 30 minutes and you receive your new license when ready.
- You need your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Insurance Number to renew.
- New Brunswick licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration without penalty.
- The renewal fee varies depending on the length of your license — a five-year license costs less than a ten-year license.
Documents you need to bring
For any renewal method, you must have your current driver's license and proof of your Social Insurance Number. Proof of residency is required if you have moved since your last renewal — a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice all work. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.
If you renew in person, bring the original documents or certified copies. If you renew by mail, you can send photocopies of your proof of residency and name change documents, but your current license must be the original. Do not send your Social Insurance Number in the mail — you provide that information when you submit your process online or in person.
Medical documentation is only required if your license has medical conditions or restrictions. If your doctor has told you that your vision, hearing, or other medical condition has changed, contact Service New Brunswick before you renew to find out what forms your doctor needs to complete.
Online renewal step by step
To renew online, go to the Service New Brunswick website and select "Renew a Driver's License" from the motor vehicle services menu. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and Social Insurance Number to log in. The system will show you whether you are may be able to access for online renewal — if your license has been suspended, if you have medical restrictions, or if you have unpaid traffic fines, you must renew in person instead.
The online form asks you to confirm your personal information, address, and emergency contact. You review the renewal fee, which depends on whether you want a five-year or ten-year license, and then pay by debit card or credit card. Once payment is processed, you receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license is mailed to your address within two to three weeks.
If you do not receive your license within four weeks, contact Service New Brunswick with your confirmation number. Keep that number and your payment receipt until your new license arrives.
In-person renewal at a Service New Brunswick office
Walk into any Service New Brunswick office or authorized agent location during business hours with your documents. You do not need an appointment. A staff member will review your documents, take a new photo if your current license photo is more than ten years old, and process your payment. The entire visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
You receive your new license on the spot — it is printed while you wait. If the office is very busy, they may give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew in person or online.
Office hours vary by location. Fredericton and Saint John offices are typically open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Check the Service New Brunswick website for the specific hours of the office nearest you.
Mail renewal process and timeline
When your license is within six months of expiration, Service New Brunswick mails you a renewal notice to your address on file. The notice includes an process form, instructions, and the mailing address where you send your completed form and documents. You do not need to wait for this notice to renew — you can contact Service New Brunswick to request a renewal form if you prefer not to wait.
Fill out the form completely, include a photocopy of your proof of residency if you have moved, and mail everything along with a cheque or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Mail your package to the address on the renewal notice, not to a Service New Brunswick office.
Processing takes two to four weeks from the date Service New Brunswick receives your package. Your new license is mailed to you after processing is complete. If you need your license sooner, switch to in-person renewal instead — that is the only way to get a license the same day.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
New Brunswick offers two renewal options: a five-year license and a ten-year license. The five-year license costs less upfront but requires you to renew more often. The ten-year license costs more but is valid longer. Both are valid from the date of issue until your birthday in the year the license expires.
Fees change periodically and vary slightly depending on whether you are renewing in person, by mail, or online. Check the Service New Brunswick website for current fees before you renew. If you are renewing by mail and your cheque amount is incorrect, Service New Brunswick will contact you — do not send extra money hoping it covers any increase.
Your license is valid for driving in all Canadian provinces and territories, and is recognized in most countries for identification purposes. If you plan to drive outside Canada, check the requirements for the country you are visiting — some require an International Driving Permit in addition to your New Brunswick license.
What to do if your license is expired or suspended
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it — there is no penalty for renewing after your birthday as long as you have not been driving with an expired license. However, if your license has been suspended for unpaid fines, medical reasons, or traffic violations, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Service New Brunswick office, and you may need to resolve the suspension before your new license is issued.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call Service New Brunswick before you go in person. They can tell you the status of your license and what steps you need to take. If there are unpaid fines, you must pay them before renewal. If the suspension is medical, you need a letter from your doctor clearing you to drive.
If your license was suspended for a criminal driving offense or a serious traffic violation, contact a lawyer or call Service New Brunswick to understand what steps are required before you can renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your New Brunswick license up to one year before your birthday without any penalty or fee reduction. Renewing early is a good idea if your birthday falls during a busy time or if you are planning to travel.
What if I have moved since my last renewal?
You must provide proof of your new address when you renew — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months works. If you renew online, you update your address in the system before you pay. If you renew in person, bring the proof document with you.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
A new photo is taken if your current license photo is more than ten years old. If your photo is newer than ten years, the same photo is used on your renewed license. You can request a new photo at any time, though there may be an additional fee.
How long does it take to receive my license by mail?
Mail renewal takes two to four weeks from the date Service New Brunswick receives your process. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a Service New Brunswick office or agent location — you receive your license the same day.
What if I lose my license before it expires?
If your license is lost or stolen, you need a replacement, not a renewal. Contact Service New Brunswick to report the loss and request a duplicate license. The process and fee are different from renewal.