You’d be surprised at how fast 4 years can go…
The next thing you know, your New Jersey driver’s license is about to expire.
The good news is that there are many ways to renew your driver’s license in New Jersey.
The even better news is that we’re going to give you a complete guide on your New Jersey driver’s license renewal journey. We’ll walk you through all the methods, requirements, and steps.
This way, you know EXACTLY what to do.
So let’s begin!
How to Renew Your Driver’s License in New Jersey
If your driver’s license is up for renewal, you can complete the process in three methods:
- Online
- By Mail
- In Person
Some methods may be available to you, while others aren’t. To ensure you get all the necessary information, we’ll cover all three and share the requirements and steps for each one.
How to Renew A New Jersey Driver’s License Online
You’ll be happy to know that New Jersey now has a same-day online renewal process in place.
Think about the convenience!
However, if any of the boxes below applies to you, then you are NOT eligible for online renewal:
- You have a suspended license
- 6 months or more have passed since your license expired
- Your license expired past the extension period the MVC granted
- You have a commercial license
- Your credential has a Temporary Visa Restriction
If not, follow the steps to renew your New Jersey driver’s license online:
- Ensure you have the following:
- Your driver’s license number
- Your social security number
- A printer connected to your computer
- An active email address
- A credit card
- Go to the MyMVC Login page.
- Enter the required information and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Pay the appropriate renewal fee:
- $24 for a standard license
- $35 for a REAL ID-Compliant credential
- Print out your interim license. You can use this as a temporary driver’s license.
NOTE: The renewal is immediate, but your new credential will arrive by mail within 10 to 20 business days.
Yes, it’s as easy as that!
How to Renew A New Jersey Driver’s License by Mail
Sometimes, when you receive your renewal notice from the MVC, it indicates that you can skip the trip. It’s a sign that you’re eligible for a by-mail renewal.
To ensure you won’t run into problems later on, see first if any of these apply to your current situation:
- You have a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL)
- You have a suspended license
- You have a Temporary Visa Restriction
- You have a DUI conviction with an IID installed on your vehicle
- The MVC needs a recent photo
- You are not a U.S. Citizen (for those out-of-state or on active military duty)
- More than 3 years have passed since your license expired (for those out-of-state or on active military duty)
Did you check off any of them? If you did, you can’t take advantage of by-mail renewal.
However, if you left all the boxes unchecked, you can proceed with the steps below.
If your renewal notice indicates you can skip the trip:
- Fill out the renewal notice form with blue or black ink.
- Enclose a check or money order amounting to $24 or $35.
- Send everything by mail to the address on the notice.
- Wait for your new license to arrive. It should come by mail between 10 to 20 business days.
Take note that you won’t have a temporary license permitting you to drive. So it’s best to renew ahead of time if you’re doing it by mail.
If you’re renewing while out-of-state or on active military service:
- Reach out to the MVC and explain the following:
- Why you’re out-of-state
- When you’re returning to New Jersey
- If they approve your explanation, request a renewal form.
- When the form arrives, fill it out and enclose the following:
- Your out-of-state address
- Check or money order for the $24 renewal fee ($35 if your license is REAL ID-compliant)
- A prepaid envelope (if you want an expedited delivery)
- Send everything to the address below:
NJ Motor Vehicle Commission
Government In-House Unit
225 East State Street P.O. Box 016
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0016
- Wait for your new license to arrive via mail to your out-of-state address.
How to Renew A New Jersey Driver’s License In-Person
If you can’t take part in either online or mail renewal, your third renewal option is to visit an MVC licensing office.
Here are the steps.
- Prepare the following documents:
- 6 points of ID
- Proof of New Jersey residence
NOTE: You can check this link to see which documents you can use.
- On your visit, do the following:
- Complete an Application for Permit / License / Non-Driver ID form (BA-208)
- Submit the form along with your other documents
- Pay the $24 renewal fee ($35 if your license is REAL ID-Compliant)
- Have your photo taken
- Receive a temporary license.
- Wait for your new license to arrive in the mail. It will take anywhere between 10 to 20 business days.
FAQs
In this section, we’ll go over some of the most frequently asked questions. This way, you can know even more about your New Jersey driver’s license renewal.
When does my driver’s license expire in New Jersey?
Driver’s licenses in New Jersey expire every 4 years on your birthday. For the specific date, you can check your license card.
What is needed to renew a driver’s license in New Jersey?
The requirements vary, depending on how you renew your license. For example, if you do it online, you only need your driver’s license and Social Security numbers.
If you renew in person, you’ll have to bring proof of identity and New Jersey residence.
Drivers who renew by mail must explain why they’re out of state.
Do I need an appointment at the DMV NJ for license renewal?
Unless you renew online or by mail, you must make an appointment before going to an MVC licensing office. Thankfully, you can easily schedule a visit online.
Can I renew my New Jersey REAL ID driver’s license online?
For first-time renewal of a Real ID-Compliant license, you must do it at an MVC licensing office. After that, however, you can renew it online or through the mail (if eligible).
What are the 6 points to renew a New Jersey license?
You can use different documents to prove your identity. You must provide the following:
- At least one primary document (worth four points)
- At least one secondary document (these range from one to three points)
NOTE: You cannot use more than two 1-point documents.
Click here to see a list of acceptable documents and their corresponding points.
The Wrap Up
There you have it — your complete guide to New Jersey driver’s license renewal.
So if your driver’s license is about to expire, you now know how to renew it.
Don’t wait until the last minute…
Go and renew your driver’s license today!