What to do right now if your New Jersey license has expired
You can renew an expired New Jersey driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office. The method you choose depends on how long ago it expired and whether you want to renew it before you need to drive again. Mail and online renewals are faster than visiting an office, but they have restrictions on how old your license can be.
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online without a vision test or new photo. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an MVC office. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if your renewal is in process.
Key Takeaways
- Mail and online renewals work only if your license expired within the last five years; older licenses require an in-person visit to an MVC office.
- Online renewal through the New Jersey MVC website is the fastest option and takes about two weeks to receive your new license by mail.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your expired license, a completed form, and a check or money order to the MVC; processing takes four to six weeks.
- In-person renewal at an MVC office requires an appointment, a vision test, and a new photo, but you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.
- You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal request.
Renewing online through the MVC website
Online renewal is the fastest way to renew if your license expired within the last five years. Go to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website and select "Renew Driver License" from the main menu. You will need your license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
The process takes about 15 minutes. You will answer questions about your address, medical history, and whether your information has changed since your last license was issued. You do not need to upload a photo or take a vision test for online renewal. Your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks. The fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $39 for an eight-year license.
Renewing by mail if you prefer not to visit an office
Mail renewal also works for licenses expired within the last five years. read form BA-49 (process for Renewal of Driver License) from the MVC website or request it by calling the MVC at 609-292-6500. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your expired license and a check or money order to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the MVC receives your envelope. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want confirmation that they received your process. The fee is the same as online renewal: $24.50 for four years or $39 for eight years. Mail your package to the address on the form; do not mail it to a local MVC office.
Renewing in person at an MVC office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago. You also have the option to renew in person even if your license is less than five years expired. Schedule an appointment through the MVC website or by calling 609-292-6500. Walk-in appointments are not available; you must have a scheduled time slot.
Bring your expired license, proof of New Jersey residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). You will take a vision test and have a new photo taken. The office will issue you a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. The fee is $24.50 for four years or $39 for eight years.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | License Age Limit | Documents Needed | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Within 5 years | License number, Social Security number, payment method | About 2 weeks |
| Within 5 years | Expired license, completed form BA-49, payment | 4 to 6 weeks | |
| In person | Any age | Expired license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number | Same day (temporary); 2 weeks for permanent |
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving with an expired New Jersey license is a violation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a ticket and a fine. The fine amount varies depending on how long your license has been expired and whether you have prior violations. You are also not covered by your insurance if you are involved in an accident while driving with an expired license, which means you could be personally liable for damages.
If you have submitted a renewal process but have not yet received your new license, you are still considered to be driving with an expired license. Carry proof of your renewal process (a confirmation email from online renewal, or a receipt from mailing your process) in case you are stopped, but understand that it does not make the expired license legal to use.
If your license was lost or stolen instead of just expired
If your license has expired and was also lost or stolen, you cannot use the mail or online renewal process. You must visit an MVC office in person to report the loss or theft and renew at the same time. Bring your proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. The office will issue a temporary license and order a replacement permanent license. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.
If you remember your license number, you can call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to report the loss before you visit the office. This creates a record that may help if someone tries to use your expired license fraudulently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than five years ago?
No. Online and mail renewal only work for licenses expired within five years. If your license is older than that, you must visit an MVC office in person for a vision test and new photo.
How long does it take to get my license if I renew online?
Your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can visit an MVC office and request a temporary license, though this requires an in-person appointment.
What if I moved since my license was issued?
You can still renew by mail or online as long as your license expired within five years. You will be asked to confirm your current address during the renewal process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.
Do I need a new photo for online or mail renewal?
No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current or most recent license. Only in-person renewal requires a new photo to be taken at the MVC office.
What if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL) that expired?
CDL renewal has different rules and cannot be done by mail or online. You must renew in person at an MVC office and pass a written test and road test. Call the MVC at 609-292-6500 for CDL-specific appointment scheduling.