Yes, you can renew by mail, but only if you meet specific conditions

New Jersey allows you to renew your driver's license by mail, but the state limits this option to people whose licenses are not expiring within the next 30 days and who have not renewed by mail within the past two years. You cannot renew by mail if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address, or if you have certain medical conditions on file. If you do not meet these conditions, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office.

The mail renewal process takes longer than renewing online or in person — typically four to six weeks from the time the MVC receives your process — so plan ahead if your license is approaching its expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewal is available only if your license expires more than 30 days away and you have not renewed by mail in the past two years.
  • You must send the MVC a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order; the state does not accept credit cards by mail.
  • Processing takes four to six weeks, so submit your process well before your expiration date to avoid driving with an expired license.
  • If your address has changed or your license has already expired, you must renew in person at an MVC office instead.

What you need to send to the Motor Vehicle Commission

Gather these documents before you mail anything. You will need your current New Jersey driver's license, a completed process for Renewal of Driver's License or Identification Card (Form BA-56), and payment for the renewal fee. The renewal fee for a four-year license is $24.50; for a ten-year license, it is $61. You must pay by check or money order made out to the State of New Jersey — the MVC does not accept credit cards through the mail.

Do not send cash. If your check or money order is lost in the mail, you will have no proof of payment. The MVC will not process your process without the signed form, your current license, and the correct fee.

How to complete Form BA-56

read Form BA-56 from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website or pick one up at any MVC office. The form asks for your name, date of birth, driver's license number, current address, and the license term you want (four years or ten years). Print the form and sign it by hand — do not sign it electronically. You must also check the box confirming that you meet the mail renewal conditions: your license does not expire within 30 days, and you have not renewed by mail in the past two years.

If you are unsure whether you meet these conditions, call the MVC at 609-292-6500 before you mail your process. Sending in an process when you do not meet the requirements will delay your renewal.

Where to mail your process and what to expect

Mail your completed form, current license, and payment to the Motor Vehicle Commission, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08625-0403. Use regular first-class mail or a tracked service like certified mail if you want proof of delivery. The MVC recommends sending your process at least six weeks before your license expires to account for mail delivery time and processing time.

After the MVC receives your process, processing typically takes four to six weeks. You will receive your renewed license by mail at the address listed on your form. During this time, your current license remains valid, so you can continue to drive legally. If you do not receive your renewed license within eight weeks of mailing your process, contact the MVC to check the status.

When you cannot renew by mail

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail — you must go to an MVC office in person. The same applies if your address has changed since your license was issued. You also cannot renew by mail if you have a medical condition or restriction on file that requires an in-person review, or if your license was suspended or revoked.

If you have renewed by mail within the past two years, you must wait until two years have passed before you can renew by mail again. For your next renewal after that, you can choose to renew by mail, online, or in person.

Online renewal as a faster alternative

If you do not want to wait four to six weeks, consider renewing online instead. Online renewal is faster — you can complete it in minutes and receive your license within two to three weeks. You are may be able to access to renew online if you meet the same basic conditions as mail renewal: your license does not expire within 30 days, and you have not renewed by mail in the past two years. Online renewal costs the same as mail renewal and requires the same form of payment (debit or credit card accepted online).

In-person renewal at an MVC office is the fastest option if you need your license quickly, though you may need to schedule an appointment and wait for an available time slot.

What happens if your process gets lost in the mail

If you send your process by regular mail and it does not arrive, you have no way to prove you sent it. For this reason, consider using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the MVC received your package. If you are concerned about timing, renewing online or in person eliminates the risk of mail delays.

If you believe your process was lost, contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 with your driver's license number. They can check whether your process was received and processed. If it was not, you will need to submit a new process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew by mail if my license expires in 20 days?

No. The MVC requires that your license expire more than 30 days away to renew by mail. If your license expires within 30 days, you must renew online or in person at an MVC office.

What if I want a ten-year license instead of a four-year license?

Check the appropriate box on Form BA-56 when you complete it. The ten-year license costs more ($61 versus $24.50) but lasts longer. Make sure your check or money order reflects the correct fee for the term you choose.

Do I need to include a photo with my mail renewal?

No. The MVC uses your existing photo from your current license for mail renewal. You only need to provide a new photo if you are renewing in person and want to update your photo, or if your current photo is damaged or unreadable.

How do I know if the MVC received my process?

If you sent your process by certified mail with return receipt, the receipt confirms delivery. If you sent it by regular mail, you can call the MVC at 609-292-6500 with your driver's license number to ask whether your process arrived and is being processed.

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can drive legally while the MVC processes your renewal. Your new license will arrive by mail before or shortly after your current license expires.