What you need to renew in New Jersey
New Jersey lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through their website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expiring soon, whether you need to change information, and whether you have a Real ID-compliant license or a standard one.
Your license is valid for four years if you are under 70, and one year if you are 70 or older. The Motor Vehicle Commission sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not 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 through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website works only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and your vision and medical status have not changed.
- Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you do not need to update your photo, but processing takes four to six weeks.
- In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Commission office is required if your license is already expired, if you need a new photo, or if you have changed your address or medical information.
- You will need your current license, proof of New Jersey residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to renew.
- Real ID-compliant licenses require additional documents if you are renewing in person, including proof of citizenship and proof of Social Security number.
Renewing online through the Motor Vehicle Commission website
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website allows you to renew online if your license has not expired and you meet a few conditions. You cannot renew online if you have changed your address, if your vision or medical status has changed, or if you need a new photo. The online process takes about 15 minutes and costs the standard renewal fee.
To renew online, you will need your current license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The Motor Vehicle Commission will mail your new license to the address on file. If you are renewing a Real ID license online, you will need to provide the same documents you would at an office, so online renewal may not be an option for you.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you do not need to update your photo or address. You will receive a renewal process in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you can also request one from the Motor Vehicle Commission website or by calling 609-292-6500.
Complete the process, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. You will not receive a new photo on a mail renewal, so your current photo will remain on your license.
Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your address, or if your vision or medical status has changed. You will need to visit a Motor Vehicle Commission office, bring your documents, and have your photo taken. Processing at the office usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
To renew in person, bring your current license, proof of New Jersey residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate) and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).
You can schedule an appointment online through the Motor Vehicle Commission website, or you can walk in during office hours. Scheduling an appointment is recommended because wait times can be long, especially at busy locations. The Motor Vehicle Commission offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have Saturday hours.
Real ID versus standard license renewal
New Jersey offers both Real ID-compliant licenses and standard licenses. Real ID licenses meet federal requirements for identification and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Standard licenses cannot be used for these purposes as of May 7, 2025, when the federal Real ID important date takes effect.
If your current license is a Real ID license (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner), you can renew it as a Real ID license by providing the required citizenship and Social Security documents. If your current license is a standard license and you want to upgrade to Real ID, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship and Social Security number. If you want to keep your standard license, you can renew by mail or online if you meet the conditions.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a four-year license is $24.50 if you are under 70. If you are 70 or older, the fee for a one-year license is $6.50. If you are renewing by mail, you must include a check or money order. If you are renewing in person, the Motor Vehicle Commission accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are renewing online, you will pay by credit or debit card.
If you need to replace a lost or damaged license at the same time as renewal, there is an additional replacement fee. The Motor Vehicle Commission website lists current fees and any temporary changes.
What happens after you renew
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within two to four weeks. If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic license is being produced. Your new plastic license will arrive in the mail within two to four weeks.
Do not discard your old license until you receive your new one. If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Motor Vehicle Commission to check the status. You can track your renewal status online using your license number and date of birth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has expired. You must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, you may need to retake the written test or vision test.
What if I have changed my address since my last renewal?
If you have changed your address, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days. You cannot renew online or by mail if your address has changed.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your plastic license will arrive in the mail within two to four weeks. If you renew by mail, processing takes four to six weeks. If you renew online, your license will be mailed within two to four weeks.
Do I need a Real ID license to fly domestically?
Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of federal identification to board a domestic flight. A standard New Jersey driver's license will not be accepted. If your current license is standard, you can upgrade to Real ID when you renew by providing proof of citizenship and Social Security number.
What if I lost my renewal notice from the Motor Vehicle Commission?
You do not need the renewal notice to renew your license. You can renew online, by mail, or in person without it. If you want a copy of the renewal process for mail renewal, you can request one from the Motor Vehicle Commission website or by calling 609-292-6500.