What you need to do to renew in New Jersey
New Jersey lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office. The method you choose depends on your license type and how much time you have — mail takes four to six weeks, online takes minutes but only works for certain licenses, and in-person appointments are available within days at most locations.
Your license is valid for four years if you're under 70, and one year if you're 70 or older. The MVC sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you don't 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 minutes and costs $24.50, but only works if your license is a standard non-commercial license and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that changed.
- Mail renewal requires you to fill out Form BA-44, include a new photo, and mail everything to the MVC; it takes four to six weeks and costs $24.50.
- In-person renewal at an MVC office takes about 30 minutes and requires an appointment booked through the MVC website; you'll need your current license, proof of residency, and a new photo.
- If your license is already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to an MVC office in person.
- You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
Renewing online through the MVC website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to nj.gov/mvc and select "Renew License Online." You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.
Online renewal only works if your license is a standard Class D (non-commercial) license, you have no medical conditions or restrictions that have changed, and your license is not already expired. If you wear corrective lenses, you can renew online only if your vision hasn't changed and you still need them. The fee is $24.50, paid by credit or debit card. Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
If the system tells you that you're not may be able to access for online renewal, you'll need to use mail or in-person renewal instead. This happens most often if you have a commercial license, a medical condition on your record, or restrictions that need updating.
Renewing by mail with Form BA-44
Mail renewal requires you to complete Form BA-44, which you can read from nj.gov/mvc or pick up at any MVC office. Fill out the form with your current information, sign it, and include a new photo. The photo must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. A passport photo or DMV photo booth photo works.
Mail your completed form, photo, and current license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $24.50 made out to "State of New Jersey." Do not send cash. The MVC processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, and it typically takes four to six weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
Keep a copy of the form and your receipt if you paid by check. If your renewal doesn't arrive within eight weeks, call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to check the status. Mail renewal is useful if you have a commercial license or medical conditions, since online renewal doesn't work for those cases.
Renewing in person at an MVC office
In-person renewal requires an appointment. Go to nj.gov/mvc, click "Schedule an Appointment," and select "Driver License Renewal." Choose your nearest office and pick an available time slot. Appointments are usually available within a few days. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address), and a new photo in the same format as mail renewal.
The appointment itself takes about 30 minutes. An MVC employee will verify your information, take a new photo if you don't bring one (though bringing your own photo speeds things up), and process your renewal on the spot. You'll pay $24.50 by cash, check, or card. Your new license is printed when ready, and you can leave with it the same day.
In-person renewal is the best option if your license is already expired, if you need to update your address or name, or if you want your new license right away. It's also the only option if you have a commercial license and the online and mail systems reject you for any reason.
What to do if your license is already expired
If your license expired more than a few days ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to an MVC office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and a new photo. The process is the same as in-person renewal for an active license, and you'll receive your new license the same day.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in New Jersey, even if you've started the renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you can show proof that you have an appointment at the MVC, but that doesn't may provide you won't be cited. If you need to drive before your appointment, ask a family member or friend to drive instead.
Photo requirements and what happens if you don't bring one
Your photo must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Passport photos, professional headshots, and DMV photo booth photos all work. Do not use photos from social media, selfies, or photos with other people in them.
If you renew by mail or online, you must provide your own photo — the MVC won't take one for you. If you renew in person and don't bring a photo, the MVC office will take one for you at no extra charge. However, bringing your own photo speeds up the in-person process and gives you control over how you look in your license photo.
Fees and payment methods
New Jersey driver's license renewal costs $24.50 for all methods. If you renew online, you pay by credit or debit card at the time of renewal. If you renew by mail, you send a check or money order — do not send cash. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, or card.
The $24.50 fee covers the license itself and processing. There are no additional fees for appointments, photos, or expedited processing. If you're renewing a commercial license or a license with medical restrictions, the fee is the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I moved to a different address?
Yes, but you must update your address during renewal. If you renew online, the system will ask for your current address and update it automatically. If you renew by mail, write your new address on Form BA-44. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and the MVC will update it for you.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You cannot renew online if your name changed. You must renew by mail or in person. Bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVC will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name on it.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew?
Online renewal takes about two weeks for mail delivery. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. In-person renewal gives you your license the same day. If your license doesn't arrive within eight weeks of mailing it, call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to check the status.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No, commercial licenses cannot be renewed online. You must renew by mail using Form BA-44 or in person at an MVC office. The process and fee are the same as for standard licenses, but you'll need to bring or include your current commercial license.
What if I lost my current license before renewal?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to an MVC office in person and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and proof of residency. The MVC will issue a new license with the same number as your lost license, and you'll pay $24.50.