New Jersey driver's licenses expire every four years, and you renew them through the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) — either in person at an MVC office, by mail, or online if you meet certain conditions
The state does not send renewal reminders, so you need to track your expiration date yourself. It appears on the front of your license in the format MM/DD/YYYY. You can renew up to six months before expiration and up to two years after it expires, though driving with an expired license is illegal.
The method you use depends on your age, whether your address has changed, and whether you need a new photo. Most people under 70 with no address change can renew online or by mail. Drivers 70 and older must renew in person. If you have changed your name or address, or if your license was lost or stolen, you will need to visit an MVC office instead.
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey licenses expire every four years, and you can renew starting six months before the expiration date.
- Online renewal is the fastest option if you are under 70, your address has not changed, and your license was not lost or stolen.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to submit your current license, a completed form, and the renewal fee.
- In-person renewal at an MVC office is required if you are 70 or older, have changed your address, or need a new photo.
- You can drive with an expired license for up to two years after expiration while your renewal is being processed, but only if you have proof of your renewal process.
Online renewal through the MVC website
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website allows you to renew online if you meet all of these conditions: you are under 70, your current license is not expired, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and your license was not lost or stolen. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
The process takes about 15 minutes. You answer questions about your vision and medical history, review your information for accuracy, pay the renewal fee (currently $24 for a four-year license), and submit. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally during this time as long as you keep your old license with you.
If the system tells you that you do not meet the online renewal requirements, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead. The website will direct you to the correct form and instructions.
Mail renewal by submitting your current license
To renew by mail, you will need to submit your current license, a completed process for Renewal of Driver License or Identification Card (form BA-64), and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. The form is available on the MVC website or at any MVC office.
Mail your materials to the address listed on the form — currently the Motor Vehicle Commission, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08666. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your old license returned. Processing takes two to three weeks. You can drive with your expired license during this time if you have kept a copy of your mailed process or receipt.
Mail renewal is a good option if you prefer not to visit an office and your circumstances have not changed. However, you cannot request a new photo by mail, so your new license will use the photo from your current license.
In-person renewal at an MVC office
You must renew in person if you are 70 or older, if your address has changed, if your license was lost or stolen, or if you want a new photo. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed, bring documents showing both your old and new addresses.
Visit the MVC office during business hours — most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some offer Saturday hours. You can check wait times and book an appointment online through the MVC website, which can significantly reduce your time in the office. Bring your payment method for the renewal fee.
Processing at the office usually takes 30 to 45 minutes once you are called. You will have your photo taken, answer health and vision questions, and pay the fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license to drive legally until your new license arrives.
Renewal fees and what they cover
The standard renewal fee for a four-year driver's license is $24. If you are 70 or older, you can renew for a shorter period — a two-year license costs $16 and a one-year license costs $8. These shorter terms allow older drivers to renew more frequently if their medical or vision status changes.
The fee covers the license itself and the background check the MVC runs during processing. There are no additional charges for online, mail, or in-person renewal. If you are renewing by mail and want your old license returned, you may want to include a self-addressed stamped envelope, which costs the price of postage.
What to do if your license expires before you can renew
You can renew up to two years after your license expires. However, driving with an expired license is illegal, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you must show proof that you have applied for renewal — this can be a copy of your mailed process, an online confirmation email, or a temporary paper license from an MVC office visit.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot straightforward renew it. You will need to reapply for a new license, which requires taking the written test and vision test again, and may require a road test depending on how long it has been expired. Contact your local MVC office to find out what steps you need to take.
If you are approaching your expiration date and cannot renew before it passes, visit an MVC office in person to get a temporary paper license. This allows you to drive legally while your renewal is being processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have moved to a different address?
If you have moved within New Jersey, you must renew in person at an MVC office and bring proof of both your old and new addresses. You cannot renew online or by mail when your address has changed. If you have moved out of state, contact the MVC to learn about your options, as you may need to surrender your New Jersey license.
What happens if I lose my license before it expires?
A lost license is not the same as a renewal. You will need to report it lost and request a replacement, which requires an in-person visit to an MVC office. Bring your Social Security number proof and address proof. The replacement fee is different from the renewal fee — currently $24 for a standard license. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it normally when it expires.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will use your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVC office. There is no additional charge for a new photo during renewal.
How long can I drive after my license expires if I have applied for renewal?
You can drive with an expired license for up to two years after expiration if you have proof that you have applied for renewal. This proof can be a copy of your mailed process, an online confirmation, or a temporary paper license from an office visit. Without proof of process, driving with an expired license is illegal.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
Yes, you can renew by mail or online from anywhere. If you are out of state and your address has not changed, online renewal is the fastest option. If your address has changed to an out-of-state address, contact the MVC before renewing, as you may need to surrender your New Jersey license and obtain a license in your new state instead.