What You Need Before You Start
New Jersey lets you renew your driver license online if your license is still valid or expired for less than two years. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. You also need a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee, which is $24.50 for a four-year license or $33 for a six-year license.
Before you begin, check that your address on file with the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) is correct. If you have moved and have not updated your address, you will need to do that first — either in person at an MVC office or by mail. The online renewal process will not let you change your address, so this step matters.
You also cannot renew online if your license was suspended, revoked, or if you have an active medical condition that the MVC needs to review. In those cases, you will need to visit an MVC office in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired for less than two years, and you have no suspensions or medical holds.
- The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $33 for a six-year license.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the MVC within 7 to 10 business days.
- You must update your address with the MVC before renewing online if you have moved, because the online system cannot change your address.
Step-by-Step: Renewing Online Through the MVC Website
Go to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website at nj.gov/mvc. Look for the "License and ID" section and select "Renew Driver License Online." You will be taken to a page that asks you to confirm you meet the basic requirements — that your license is not suspended and that you are renewing before it has been expired for two years.
Enter your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the information on file. Review it carefully, especially your name, date of birth, and address. If anything is wrong, stop here and contact the MVC by phone at 609-292-6500 to correct it before you proceed.
Once you confirm your information is correct, you will choose your license term: four years or six years. The four-year license costs $24.50; the six-year license costs $33. You will then enter your payment information. The MVC accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
What to Do If Your Address Has Changed
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address before you can renew online. You have two options: update it in person at an MVC office, or send a written request by mail.
To update by mail, send a letter to the Motor Vehicle Commission, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08625. Include your name, current address, new address, date of birth, and driver license number. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for the MVC to process the change. Once your address is updated in their system, you can then renew online.
If you need the address changed faster, visit any MVC office with your current license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days will work. The office can update your address the same day, and you can then renew online when ready or wait until closer to your expiration date.
When Your License Arrives and What Comes Next
Your renewed license will arrive in a plain envelope with no tracking number, so it may not show up as a tracked package. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete your online renewal. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 with your confirmation number.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records — there is no requirement to turn it in. Your new license is valid when ready upon arrival, even though the old one may not have expired yet. If you are stopped by police before your new license arrives, your confirmation email showing you have renewed is usually enough, though you should carry it with you.
If you ordered a six-year license, your new license will have an expiration date six years from the date of issue. If you ordered a four-year license, it will expire four years from the date of issue. Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder for about a month before expiration so you do not forget to renew again.
Reasons You Cannot Renew Online
Your license cannot be renewed online if it has been suspended or revoked by the state. This can happen for unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or other violations. If your license is suspended, you will see a message when you enter your license number into the online system. You must contact the MVC or visit an office to find out why and what you need to do to restore it.
You also cannot renew online if your license has been expired for two years or longer. In that case, you will need to visit an MVC office and may need to retake the written test and vision test. If your license expired more than 10 years ago, you will need to retake the road test as well.
Medical conditions that require MVC review — such as certain vision problems, seizure disorders, or cognitive issues — will also prevent online renewal. If the MVC has flagged your record for medical review, you will need to visit an office and may need to provide a doctor's statement before your license can be renewed.
Paying the Renewal Fee
The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $33 for a six-year license. This is the only cost — there are no additional processing fees or hidden charges. The MVC accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You will enter your card information on a find payment page during the renewal process.
Payment is processed when ready when you submit your renewal. If your card is declined, you will see an error message and can try again with a different card. If you have trouble with payment, you can also renew in person at an MVC office and pay by cash, check, or card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is already expired?
Yes, as long as it expired less than two years ago. If it has been expired for two years or longer, you must visit an MVC office in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests. Check the expiration date on your license before you start the online process.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. There is no expedited option for online renewals. If you need a license sooner, you can visit an MVC office in person and receive a temporary license on the spot.
What if I made a mistake during the online renewal?
If you entered wrong information, contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 with your confirmation number as soon as possible. Depending on what was wrong, they may be able to correct it before your license is printed. If the license is already printed with errors, you may need to visit an office to request a correction.
Do I need to bring my old license when it arrives, or can I just throw it away?
You do not need to turn in your old license. You can keep it for your records or destroy it. Your new license is valid as soon as it arrives, even if your old one has not expired yet.
What if I moved but forgot to update my address before renewing online?
Your new license will be mailed to the old address on file. Contact the MVC when ready at 609-292-6500 with your confirmation number and new address. They may be able to redirect your license before it ships, or you may need to visit an office to pick it up or request a remail to your correct address.