What you need to do to renew your New Jersey driver's license
New Jersey lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. If your license is not yet expired, you can renew it up to 6 months before the expiration date. If it has already expired, you must renew in person or by mail — the online option is not available once your license lapses.
Your license is valid for four years from the date of issue. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. New Jersey does not send renewal reminders by mail, so you are responsible for tracking when yours expires.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online if your license has not yet expired, and the process takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.
- Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and requires you to send in your current license along with a completed form.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Commission office is required if your license has already expired or if you need to update your address or name.
- You will need to pass a vision test if you renew in person, but not if you renew online or by mail.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail; in-person renewal issues a temporary license on the spot.
Renewing online through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license has not yet expired. Go to the Motor Vehicle Commission website and select the renewal option. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and upload a new photo or use the one on file.
The fee is $24, paid by credit or debit card. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license has not yet expired or has been expired for fewer than 6 months. read and print Form BA-49 from the Motor Vehicle Commission website, or request it by calling 609-292-6500. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and the address where you want your new license mailed.
Enclose your completed form, your current license, and a check or money order for $24 made payable to "New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission." Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the Motor Vehicle Commission receives your packet. You can continue using your current license during this time.
Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired for more than 6 months, or if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information. You will also need to renew in person if you want to update your photo. Bring your current license, proof of New Jersey residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return).
You will take a vision test and have a new photo taken at the office. The fee is $24. You will receive a temporary license on paper that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Motor Vehicle Commission offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Motor Vehicle Commission website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
What happens if your license has expired
Once your license expires, you cannot use it to drive legally in New Jersey or any other state. You must renew before you can drive again. If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a Motor Vehicle Commission office in person.
If you are stopped while driving with an expired license, you can be issued a ticket. The fine depends on how long your license has been expired and whether it is your first offense. Renewing as soon as you notice your license has expired avoids this risk.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you have moved or changed your name since your license was issued, you can update this information during renewal. Online and mail renewal allow you to change your mailing address, but not your legal name or address of residence. If you need to change your legal name or residential address, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office.
Bring proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order) or new address (such as a lease or utility bill) to the office. The Motor Vehicle Commission will update your record and issue a new license with the correct information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it has already expired?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses that have not yet expired. If your license has expired, you must renew by mail (if expired fewer than 6 months) or in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office (if expired more than 6 months).
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
No appointment is required. Motor Vehicle Commission offices accept walk-ins during business hours. However, wait times can be long during peak hours, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday may be faster.
What if I lose my license before it expires?
You will need to replace it rather than renew it. Go to a Motor Vehicle Commission office in person with proof of identity and residency. The replacement fee is $24, and you will receive a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
How long is my new license valid?
Your new license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your card. Mark this date on your calendar so you know when to renew again.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?
Yes. Outstanding tickets or fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have an unpaid fine related to your driving record, the Motor Vehicle Commission may suspend your license separately from the renewal process.