What you need to know before you renew

New Jersey lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office. Which route you take depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people can renew without visiting an office, but some situations require you to show up in person.

Your license expires on your birthday. The state sends renewal notices about 45 days before expiration, though you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal takes two to four weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and a check or money order.
  • In-person renewal at a Motor Vehicle Commission office is required if your license is already expired, you changed your address, or you want a new photo.
  • The renewal fee is $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, depending on your age and license type.
  • You will need your Social Security number and a valid form of identification to start any renewal method.

Renewing online through the MVC website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website and select the renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records.

Online renewal works only if your current license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you do not want to update your photo. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead. The fee is charged to a credit or debit card, and you will receive a temporary digital license when ready. Your physical card arrives by mail in about 10 business days.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. Request a renewal form from the Motor Vehicle Commission by calling 609-292-6500, or read it from the MVC website. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a copy of proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).

Send everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the MVC receives your packet. Mail renewal works whether your license is expired or not, and you can change your address on the form. You cannot update your photo by mail — if you need a new photo, you must renew in person.

Renewing in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office

In-person renewal is required if your license is already expired, you need to change your address, or you want a new photo. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you do not have to. Visit the MVC website to find an office near you and schedule an appointment — walk-ins are not may provide service and wait times can be long.

Bring your current license, proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 90 days), and payment for the renewal fee. The office will take a new photo, update your information, and issue a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent card arrives by mail in about 10 business days. In-person renewal typically takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called.

What happens if your license is already expired

If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Motor Vehicle Commission office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and the renewal fee. The office will process your renewal the same way as a current license holder.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in New Jersey, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you could face a fine. If your license has been expired for more than two years, the MVC may require you to retake the written test or road test, so contact the office before you visit to confirm what you need to bring.

Fees and payment methods

The renewal fee depends on your age and the length of license you choose. A four-year license costs $24, and an eight-year license costs $48. These prices explore to standard driver's licenses; commercial licenses and other special types have different fees.

Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made out to "New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission." In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Do not send cash by mail.

What to do if you changed your name or address

If you changed your address, you can update it by mail or in person, but not online. Include a copy of proof of your new address with your mail renewal packet — a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days works. If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Address changes take effect when ready when you renew. Name changes require an in-person visit because the MVC needs to verify the legal document and take a new photo for your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will still expire on your birthday, just four or eight years from the renewal date.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Motor Vehicle Commission office in person to report it lost and renew at the same time. Bring proof of identity and proof of address. There is an additional fee for a replacement license.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

After online or in-person renewal, your physical license arrives in about 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to four weeks from the date the MVC receives your packet. You receive a temporary license when ready with online renewal or in person; mail renewal does not include a temporary license.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Not necessarily. Online and mail renewal keep your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. Some people choose in-person renewal just to update their photo even if they do not have to.

What if I moved out of state but still have a New Jersey license?

You can renew your New Jersey license by mail or online if you meet the other requirements, even if you no longer live in the state. However, New Jersey law requires you to get a license from your new state within a certain timeframe. Contact your new state's motor vehicle agency to learn the rules.