Renew your New Jersey driver license online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office
New Jersey lets you renew your driver license through three routes: online at nj.gov/mvc, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office. Which one you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online because it takes 10 minutes and costs less than the other methods.
Your license expires on your birthday. New Jersey sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at an MVC office — online and mail renewal are not available once you pass your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at nj.gov/mvc is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo.
- You will need your driver license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to renew online.
- Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the MVC receives your form, while online renewal produces a temporary license you can print when ready.
- If your license has expired, you must renew in person at an MVC office; online and mail options are closed to you.
- A renewed license is valid for 10 years for most adults, or 5 years if you are over 70.
Renew online at nj.gov/mvc
Go to nj.gov/mvc and click the "Renew Driver License" button on the homepage. You will be asked to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you your current photo and license details. Review everything for accuracy before you proceed.
Next, you will answer questions about whether your address has changed, whether you want to update your name, and whether you have any new medical conditions that affect your driving. You will also confirm that you still meet the vision and medical standards for a New Jersey license. At the end, you will pay the renewal fee using a debit or credit card. The fee is $24.50 for a 10-year license if you are under 70, or $12.25 for a 5-year license if you are 70 or older.
Once you complete the transaction, the system will generate a temporary license that you can print when ready. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Your permanent license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an MVC office for online renewal.
Renew by mail using Form BA-64
Request the renewal form by calling the MVC at 609-292-6500, or read Form BA-64 from nj.gov/mvc. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, date of birth, and driver license number. Sign and date the form in the spaces provided. Do not use a pencil — use black or blue ink only.
Include a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to "State of New Jersey." Mail the completed form and payment to the address shown on the form. The MVC will process your renewal within 7 to 10 business days after they receive it. Your new license will arrive by mail. You will not receive a temporary license with mail renewal, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives.
Mail renewal works only if your current license is still valid. If your license has expired, you cannot use this method.
Renew in person at an MVC office
Visit any Motor Vehicle Commission office with your current driver license, proof of New Jersey residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. You do not need an appointment for license renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check nj.gov/mvc for office locations and hours near you.
At the office, tell the staff member you are renewing your license. They will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary license to take home, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is required if your license has already expired, if you need to change your name, or if you want to update your photo before the standard 10-year renewal cycle.
What to do if your license has expired
Once your license passes the expiration date, you can no longer renew online or by mail. You must go to an MVC office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of New Jersey residency, and payment for the renewal fee. The staff will take a new photo and process your renewal when ready. You will receive a temporary license and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in New Jersey, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your temporary license or proof that you have submitted a renewal process, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this risk.
Renewal fees and what your new license covers
The renewal fee depends on your age. If you are under 70, a 10-year license costs $24.50. If you are 70 or older, a 5-year license costs $12.25. These fees explore whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the cheapest option because there is no additional processing fee. Mail and in-person renewal cost the same.
Your renewed license is valid for driving in all 50 states and is accepted as identification for most purposes, including boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. It does not change your driving record, insurance status, or any restrictions or endorsements on your current license — those carry forward automatically. If you have a commercial driver license (CDL), you cannot renew it by mail or online; you must renew in person at an MVC office.
Timeline and what to expect after you renew
If you renew online, your temporary license is ready to print when ready and is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, there is no temporary license, so plan for 7 to 10 business days before your new license arrives. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Once your permanent license arrives, destroy your temporary license. Your old license is no longer valid once your new one arrives. If your new license does not arrive within 14 business days, call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to check the status. Keep your temporary license with you while you drive, because it is your proof of a valid license until the permanent one arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
New Jersey will not renew your license if you have unpaid traffic violations or child support arrears. The MVC system will flag your record during renewal. Pay any outstanding fines before you attempt to renew, then start the renewal process again.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
You can update your address during online renewal by answering the address change question. If you renew by mail or in person, tell the staff member your new address and they will update it on your new license. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease, if you renew in person.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. A new photo is taken only if you renew in person at an MVC office. If you want a new photo but prefer not to visit an office, you must renew in person.
What happens if I renew online but then lose my temporary license before the permanent one arrives?
Contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 to report the lost temporary license. They can issue a replacement or confirm your renewal status so you have proof if you are stopped while driving. Your permanent license will still arrive by mail on schedule.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you must visit an MVC office in New Jersey. If you are stationed overseas with the military, call the MVC to ask about alternative options.