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 whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo. Most people can complete a renewal without visiting an office, but some situations require you to show up in person.
Your license is valid for four years if you are under 62, and eight years if you are 62 or older. You can start the renewal process up to six months before your expiration date. The MVC recommends starting early because mail renewals can take four to six weeks, and online renewals take about two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew by mail, online, or in person, depending on your situation and how much time you have before expiration.
- Mail renewals take four to six weeks and cost $24.50; online renewals take about two weeks and cost $24.50; in-person renewals are completed the same day.
- You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you have certain medical conditions or name changes.
- You will need your current license, proof of New Jersey residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and a completed process form.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no office visit. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about two months before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and an process form (Form BA-49). Fill out the form, include your current license, and mail everything back to the address on the envelope.
The MVC processes mail renewals in four to six weeks. You do not need to include proof of residency unless the MVC asks for it. The fee is $24.50, which you can pay by check or money order. Your new license will arrive by mail once processing is complete.
Mail renewal is not an option if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you are under 18, or if you need to update your photo. It is also not available if you have certain medical conditions that require an in-person evaluation.
Renewing online
Online renewal through the MVC website is faster than mail and does not require a visit to an office. You must have a valid New Jersey license that has not expired, and you must be at least 18 years old. Go to the MVC website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts to create an account or log in.
You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the $24.50 fee. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer questions about medical conditions and traffic violations. Your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.
Online renewal does not let you update your photo. If you need a new photo or if your address has changed and you want it reflected on your license before it arrives, you will need to renew in person instead.
Renewing in person at an MVC office
In-person renewal is the fastest option and the only way to get a new photo on your license the same day. You will need to visit a Motor Vehicle Commission office with your current license, proof of New Jersey residency, and a completed process (Form BA-49). Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
The MVC office will take your photo, process your process, and issue your new license on the spot. The fee is $24.50, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Wait times at MVC offices vary by location and time of day; the MVC website shows current wait times for each office.
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you are under 18, if you need a new photo, if your name has changed, or if you have a medical condition that requires evaluation. You also must renew in person if you are changing your address and want the new address on your license before it arrives by mail.
What documents to bring
For any renewal method, you will need your current New Jersey driver's license. For mail or online renewal, that is usually enough. For in-person renewal, bring your license plus one document showing your current New Jersey address.
Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and address. If you have recently moved and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring a lease or utility bill in your name plus a document showing your old address.
If you are renewing in person, also bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. You will need to complete Form BA-49 (process for Driving Privilege Card or Driver License), which you can read from the MVC website or fill out at the office.
When you must renew in person
Some situations require an in-person visit to an MVC office. You cannot use mail or online renewal if your license has been expired for more than two years. You also cannot renew by mail or online if you are under 18, because the MVC must verify your identity in person.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, the MVC may require an in-person evaluation or a letter from your doctor.
You must also renew in person if you want a new photo on your license. If you want to change your address and have it appear on your license before it arrives by mail, an in-person renewal is the only way to do that when ready.
What happens after you renew
If you renew by mail or online, your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file with the MVC. Mail renewals take four to six weeks; online renewals take about two weeks. Your current license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, so you can continue to use it while you wait for the new one.
If you renew in person, you will receive your new license on the same day. The MVC will keep your old license and issue you a new one with a new expiration date. If you lose your new license before it arrives (for mail or online renewal), contact the MVC to report it and request a replacement.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records. You do not need to return it to the MVC. If your address changes after you renew, you can update it online through the MVC website without renewing your license again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
Yes, but only if it expired within the last two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at an MVC office. If it expired within two years, you can renew by mail or online using the same process as a standard renewal.
How much does it cost to renew?
The renewal fee is $24.50 for all methods: mail, online, and in person. You pay by check or money order for mail renewal, by credit or debit card for online renewal, and by cash, check, or card for in-person renewal.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
You can update your address during mail or online renewal by entering your new address in the process. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address. Your new license will show the updated address. If you want the new address on your license before it arrives by mail, renew in person instead.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, the MVC will use your current photo unless you renew in person, in which case they will take a new one. If you want a new photo but are not renewing in person, you can visit an MVC office to have a new photo taken for a separate fee.
What if I lost my license and need to renew?
If your license is lost or stolen, you must visit an MVC office in person to report it and renew. Bring proof of identity and New Jersey residency. The MVC will issue a replacement license with a new number and take a new photo.