Renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office or by mail, depending on your age and license type

New Jersey lets you renew your driver's license through the mail if you are between 18 and 69, your license is not suspended or revoked, and you have not had more than two address changes since your last renewal. If you do not meet these conditions, or if your license has expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office.

The mail renewal process takes about two weeks from the time the MVC receives your process. In-person renewal at an MVC office is faster — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day, though the plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Both routes cost the same: $24.50 for a four-year license if you are under 62, or $19 for a license valid until age 70 if you are 62 or older.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewal works only if you are 18 to 69, your license is not suspended, and you have had no more than two address changes since your last renewal.
  • The MVC mails you a renewal form (Form BA-298) about 45 days before your license expires; you can also read it from the MVC website if you do not receive one.
  • For mail renewal, send the completed form, your current license, and a check or money order to the address on the form; do not use a credit card by mail.
  • In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of New Jersey residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 12 months), and your Social Security number.
  • If you are 70 or older, you must renew in person every two years and pass a vision test; mail renewal is not an option at that age.

Mail renewal: what to send and where

The MVC sends a renewal form to your address on file about 45 days before your license expires. The form is called Form BA-298 and includes a return envelope with the address already printed. If you do not receive the form, read it from the MVC website (nj.gov/mvc) or call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to request one.

Fill out the form completely, sign and date it, and include your current driver's license. Pay the renewal fee by check or money order only — the MVC does not accept credit cards for mail renewals. Mail everything to the address printed on the return envelope. Do not mail cash. The MVC processes mail renewals in the order received, so send yours as soon as you receive the form to avoid delays near your expiration date.

Once the MVC receives your process, expect the new license to arrive within two weeks. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive legally during that time.

In-person renewal at an MVC office

You must renew in person if you are 70 or older, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have had more than two address changes since your last renewal, or if your license expired more than two years ago. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are under 70 and meet the mail renewal conditions.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of New Jersey residency dated within the last 12 months (a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement), and know your Social Security number. The MVC will conduct a vision test during your visit. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them with you.

Visit the MVC website to find your nearest office and check wait times before you go. Many offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster. When you finish your visit, you will receive a temporary license valid for 30 days while your plastic license is mailed to you.

Address changes and when you must renew in person

If you have moved more than twice since your last license renewal, you cannot use mail renewal — you must go to an MVC office. The MVC counts address changes from your last renewal date forward, so if you renewed three years ago and moved twice in that time, you are still within the limit. A third move triggers the in-person requirement.

You can update your address at the same time you renew, whether by mail or in person. For mail renewal, write your new address on the form itself. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (the same documents accepted as proof of residency: utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). The MVC will update your address and issue your new license with the correct information.

Licenses that expire at different ages

If you are under 62, your license is valid for four years and costs $24.50 to renew. If you are 62 or older, you can choose a license valid until age 70 for $19, or stick with the four-year renewal for $24.50. The longer license is cheaper per year and means fewer trips to the MVC, but you must renew in person every two years after age 70 regardless of which option you chose.

Once you turn 70, mail renewal is no longer an option. You must visit an MVC office every two years, pass a vision test, and renew in person. The fee for renewal at 70 and beyond is $24.50 for a two-year license.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

Your license remains valid for a grace period of up to 30 days after expiration for driving purposes only. You cannot use an expired license for identification at a bank, airport, or other location that requires a valid ID. If you drive with an expired license beyond the 30-day grace period, you can be stopped and cited.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail — you must go to an MVC office and may be required to retake the written test and vision test. To avoid this, renew before your expiration date or within the 30-day grace period.

How to track your renewal status

If you renewed by mail, you can check the status of your process on the MVC website using your driver's license number and date of birth. The status page shows whether your process was received, is being processed, or has been mailed. If more than two weeks have passed since you mailed your renewal and the status still shows "received," contact the MVC at 609-292-6500.

If you renewed in person, your temporary license shows the date your plastic license should arrive. If it does not arrive within 10 business days of that date, call the MVC to report it. Temporary licenses are valid for 30 days, so if your plastic license is delayed beyond that window, you will need to renew again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. New Jersey does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet the age and suspension requirements, or you must visit an MVC office in person. You can make an appointment online to reduce your wait time at the office, but you cannot complete the entire renewal process online.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit an MVC office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and be prepared to discuss the reason for the suspension or revocation. The MVC will tell you what steps you need to take before you can renew.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

For mail renewal, the MVC uses your photo from your current license — you do not need a new one. For in-person renewal, the MVC takes a new photo during your visit. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in, and avoid sunglasses or hats.

Can someone else mail in my renewal for me?

Yes. You do not have to mail the renewal yourself. A family member, friend, or anyone else can mail your completed form, license, and payment to the MVC on your behalf. Make sure the form is signed and dated by you before someone else mails it.

What if I moved out of state but still have a New Jersey license?

You cannot renew a New Jersey license by mail if you no longer live in New Jersey. You must renew in person at an MVC office, or you can switch to your new state's license. If you choose to renew in New Jersey, you will need to provide proof of a New Jersey address to complete the renewal.