The three ways to renew in New Jersey

You can renew your New Jersey driver's license in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the MVC website. Most people who are renewing a standard license for the first time can use the online or mail route and skip the office entirely. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license, a new photo, or your license has been expired for more than five years, you must go in person.

The fastest option for most people is online renewal through the MVC's website. The mail option takes longer but requires no computer access. In-person renewal at an MVC office is necessary only if the online and mail routes are not available to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the MVC website takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license and a completed form, and takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the MVC receives your envelope.
  • In-person renewal at an MVC office is required only if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a new photo, or you want a REAL ID license for the first time.
  • You can find your nearest MVC office and check wait times on the MVC website before you go.

Renewing online through the MVC website

Go to nj.gov/mvc and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your address, review your license information, and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. There is no additional charge for online renewal beyond the standard license fee.

After you submit, the MVC will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal, so you would need to renew in person instead.

Renewing by mail

Request a renewal form by calling the MVC at 609-292-6500, or read Form DL-44 from the MVC website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to "New Jersey MVC." Do not send cash.

Mail your envelope to the address on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the MVC receives your envelope, not from the date you mail it. Your new license will be mailed back to you. You can drive on your current license during this time. If your license expires before your new one arrives, contact the MVC to request a temporary extension.

Renewing in person at an MVC office

Find your nearest MVC office on the nj.gov/mvc website and check the current wait times before you go. You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of New Jersey residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. If you are renewing a REAL ID license for the first time, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship and proof of Social Security number — the MVC website lists all accepted documents.

Walk-ins are accepted at all MVC offices, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait time. Appointments typically have shorter waits than walk-ins. If you go without an appointment, arrive early in the day, as wait times grow longer as the day progresses. Processing at the office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, and you will receive a temporary license to drive home with while your permanent license is mailed to you.

What happens if your license expired more than five years ago

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must renew in person at an MVC office. Bring the same documents listed above, including proof of residency and your expired license. The MVC will take a new photo and process your renewal at the office.

If your license has been expired for a very long time, the MVC may require you to retake the written test or vision test. Call 609-292-6500 before you go to ask whether you need to prepare for a test.

REAL ID licenses and photo updates

A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have this star and you want one, you must renew in person. You will need to bring proof of citizenship (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of your Social Security number in addition to your regular renewal documents.

If you want a new photo on your license but your current license is not yet expired, you can request a photo update at an MVC office. This is a separate transaction from renewal and costs less than a full renewal. You do not need to wait for your license to expire to get a new photo.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard four-year driver's license is $24.50. A six-year license costs $36.50. A REAL ID license costs the same as a standard license but requires additional documents. You can pay by debit card or credit card for online renewal, or by check or money order for mail renewal. At an MVC office, you can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card.

The fee covers the license itself and processing. There are no additional charges for standard renewal through any of the three methods. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher — ask the MVC for the current rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes. For online and mail renewal, you can drive on your current license until your new one arrives. For in-person renewal, the MVC gives you a temporary license to drive home with when ready after processing. Your temporary license is valid while your permanent license is being mailed.

What if I move before my renewed license arrives?

Contact the MVC when ready at 609-292-6500 and provide your new address. The MVC can redirect your license to your new address if you call before it ships. If your license has already been mailed, you may need to pick it up at an MVC office or request a remail to your new address.

How long does a renewed license last?

A standard New Jersey driver's license is valid for four years from the date of renewal. You can choose a six-year license instead, which costs more but lasts longer. Check your license to see which term you have.

What if I lost my current license and cannot mail it in?

You must renew in person at an MVC office. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. The MVC will note that your previous license was lost and issue a new one. You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to six months before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid renewing close to your expiration date. The new license will be valid for the full term from the date of renewal.