What you need to send in the mail

To renew your New Jersey driver's license by mail, you'll send the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) three things: your current license, a completed form, and a check or money order. The form is Form BA-64, which you can read from the MVC website or request by phone. You'll also need a new photo, which the MVC takes at their offices — you cannot submit your own photo by mail.

Because the MVC needs a new photo, a mail renewal only works if your license is not expired yet. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at an MVC office or through an authorized agent (some insurance agents and AAA offices handle renewals). The mail route is for people renewing before their expiration date.

The fee for a mail renewal is the same as an in-person renewal. As of now, a four-year renewal costs $24.50 and an eight-year renewal costs $64. These amounts can change, so check the MVC website or call 609-292-6500 to confirm the current fee before you mail your payment.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewals require your current license, Form BA-64, and a check or money order — but you still must visit an MVC office for a new photo.
  • You can only renew by mail if your license has not yet expired; expired licenses require an in-person or agent renewal.
  • The MVC processes mail renewals in about two to three weeks, though times vary during busy periods.
  • You must include a new photo taken at an MVC office with your mailed renewal packet.

Step-by-step: what to mail and in what order

Start by downloading Form BA-64 from nj.gov/mvc or calling 609-292-6500 to request it by mail. Fill out the form completely — include your name, address, date of birth, and license number. Sign and date it. Do not leave fields blank; incomplete forms are returned without processing.

Next, visit an MVC office to have your photo taken. Bring your current license and a form of payment (cash, check, or card). The photo session is quick and costs a few dollars. The MVC will give you a photo receipt or sticker to include with your renewal packet. Some MVC offices allow you to schedule a photo appointment online, which can reduce wait time.

Gather your materials: the signed Form BA-64, your current license, the photo receipt or sticker from the MVC, and a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to "New Jersey MVC." Do not send cash. Place everything in an envelope and mail it to the address listed on Form BA-64 — currently the MVC's mail processing center in Trenton, though this can change.

Keep a copy of everything you mail, including the form and a photo of your license. If your packet goes missing, you'll have proof of what you sent.

How long the MVC takes to process your renewal

The MVC typically processes mail renewals within two to three weeks of receiving your packet. During peak periods — often in spring and summer — processing can take four to six weeks. You will not receive a confirmation that your packet arrived, so there is no way to know for certain when to expect your new license.

Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you listed on Form BA-64. If you do not receive it within six weeks, contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 to check the status. Have your license number and the date you mailed your renewal ready when you call.

What happens if your license expires before your renewal arrives

If your current license expires before the MVC mails you the renewed one, you are technically driving with an expired license. New Jersey law allows a grace period of up to 60 days after expiration if you have a pending renewal process, but you must be able to prove you mailed it. This is why keeping a copy of your mailed form and a photo of your envelope's postmark is important.

If you are stopped by police during this window, show them your old license and explain that a renewal is pending. Most officers will not cite you if the expiration is recent and you have evidence of a mailed process. However, this is not a may provide — the safest approach is to renew before your expiration date or to renew in person if your license is about to expire.

When to renew in person instead

You must renew in person at an MVC office if your license has already expired. You also cannot use the mail route if you need to change your name, address, or other information beyond a straightforward renewal. If you have a REAL ID-compliant license and want to keep that status, mail renewal works fine — your new license will also be REAL ID-compliant.

Some people choose in-person renewal to avoid the wait and to have their new license when ready. You can schedule an appointment at an MVC office through their website, which often reduces your time in the office. Authorized agents — including some AAA offices and insurance agencies — also handle renewals and sometimes have shorter wait times than MVC offices.

What to do if your renewal is lost or damaged in the mail

If your new license never arrives or arrives damaged, contact the MVC at 609-292-6500. Explain that your renewal was lost or damaged and provide your license number and the date you mailed your process. The MVC can reissue your license, though you may need to pay a replacement fee or visit an office in person to verify your identity.

To reduce the risk of loss, consider mailing your renewal packet using a tracked service like USPS Certified Mail. This costs a few dollars extra but gives you proof of delivery and a tracking number. Keep the receipt until your new license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mail my renewal if my address has changed?

You can mail a renewal if you are only changing your address. Include your new address on Form BA-64, and the MVC will mail your new license to that address. If you need to change your name, gender marker, or other information beyond address and basic renewal, you must renew in person at an MVC office.

What if I lost my current license and want to renew by mail?

You cannot renew by mail without your current license. You will need to visit an MVC office to report it lost, pay a replacement fee, and renew in person. Bring identification such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card.

Do I need to include a photo of myself or does the MVC provide it?

The MVC takes your photo at their office during a separate visit. You cannot submit your own photo by mail. You must visit an MVC office, have your photo taken there, and include the photo receipt or sticker with your mailed renewal packet.

Can someone else mail my renewal for me?

Yes, a family member or friend can mail your renewal packet on your behalf. However, your signature must be on Form BA-64, and your current license must be included. The person mailing it does not need to sign anything.

What if I want a REAL ID-compliant license — can I get that by mail?

If your current license is already REAL ID-compliant, your renewed license will also be REAL ID-compliant when you renew by mail. If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant and you want to upgrade, you must renew in person at an MVC office and bring documents like a passport or birth certificate.