How to Renew Your Driver’s License in New Jersey

You can renew your driver’s license in New Jersey for $24. You have the option to renew your license online, in person, or by mail.
Written by Sean Boehme
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
background
In
New Jersey
, a
driver’s license
is valid for four years. You’ll receive a reminder to renew your license along with a renewal form a few months before it expires. You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person.
It’s easy to forget that your license has to be renewed, but if you’re caught driving with an expired license in New Jersey you’ll have to pay a fine. To avoid any penalties, you should renew your license as soon as you receive your renewal form. Keep reading to learn more!
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When to renew your driver’s license in New Jersey

You can check the expiration date on your driver’s license at any time. The expiration date is located towards the right side of the card.
You’ll generally want to renew your license once you’ve received the renewal form. This will arrive a few months before your license expires. If you wait until after your license has expired, the process might be more complicated. 

How to renew your driver’s license in New Jersey

Once you are ready to renew your license, you can choose to do so online, by mail, or in person.

Renew your license online

A popular choice for the sake of convenience, many people choose to renew their driver's license online. You can start the process by
clicking here
, and your license will be renewed the same day you finish the process.
You have to be eligible to renew your license online in New Jersey. Here are some reasons you might not qualify:
  • Your license has been suspended
  • Your license expired beyond any extensions
  • You have a visa restriction on your license
  • Your license expired over 6 months ago
  • You have a commercial driver’s license
In addition, you’ll have to pay the $24 fee using a valid credit card if you choose to renew your license online.

Renew your license by mail

If you’d like to renew your license by mail rather than go to the MVC, you may be able to “Skip the Trip”. Many of the things that make you ineligible to pay online also make you ineligible to renew by mail, such as having a suspended license
You might be able to renew your license by mail if you are out of state. To do so, you’ll have to contact the New Jersey MVC by phone. If you’re approved, you’ll need to pay the $24 fee by cash or check and also include
6 points of identification
with the packet you send in.
Once you’ve assembled a packet with the money, identification, and necessary forms you can send it to:
NJ Motor Vehicle Commission
Government In-House Unit
225 East Street P.O Box 016
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0016

Renew your license in person

If you aren’t eligible to renew your license online or by mail, you’ll need to
make an appointment
with your local New Jersey MVC. One benefit of renewing your license in person is that they will be able to take a new photo of you. 
When you go to the MVC, you’ll need:
  • 6 points of identification
  • $24 that can be paid by check, by credit car, by money order, or in cash
  • Proof of your address
All you’ll have to do when you get to the MVC is fill out an auto license application and have your photo taken.

How long does it take to renew a New Jersey driver’s license?

If you renew online or in person, the renewal is effective immediately. You’ll need to wait 10-20 days for your permanent license to arrive, but you’ll be given an interim license that you can print in the meantime.
If you renew by mail, the process may take longer, since the materials have to arrive before they can be processed. If you plan to renew by mail, try to do so months before your current license expires. 

How to save money on car insurance in New Jersey

After you’ve finished renewing your license, you should consider taking a look at your car insurance plan. Drivers who take the time to browse quotes from multiple companies tend to save a lot of money on
car insurance
Jerry
is a car insurance comparison app that will allow you to browse car insurance quotes quickly and easily. If you find a better plan and want to make the switch, Jerry’s team of experienced agents will take care of the paperwork and phone calls for you. 
Jerry users save an average of $877 a year on their car insurance, so you don’t want to miss out.
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FAQs

Once your driver’s license has expired, there is no period where it is legal to drive with it. You can renew your license after it has expired, but if you wait too long you’ll have to do so in person.
As long as you qualify, you can renew your license online in New Jersey. If your license has been suspended or expired over 6 months ago, you’ll have to renew it in person.
Once your driver’s license has expired, there is no period where it is legal to drive with it. You can renew your license after it has expired, but if you wait too long you’ll have to do so in person.
As long as you qualify, you can renew your license online in New Jersey. If your license has been suspended or expired over 6 months ago, you’ll have to renew it in person.
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