Renewing Your License in New Jersey

Determine the Status of Your License

Because holding a valid driver's license is required by law in order to operate a vehicle, you must renew your license prior to its expiration date.

You must also carry car insurance. If you haven't lined any up yet, or you're looking for lower rates, you can shop conveniently online at our Insurance Center.

Valid License

You must renew your Class D and/or Class E (motorcycle} license every four years. You can only do this in person at any Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) agency.

If you're unsure if your license is valid or not, you can check by ordering a driving record report.

NOTE: Visit our CDL page for commercial license renewal information.

Expired License

When you allow your license to remain expired for more than three years, to reapply you must retake all three tests (vision, written and road).

Should you be planning to be out-of-state when your license expires, the MVC recommends renewing before you leave. Most licenses can be renewed six months prior to the expiration date.

If for some reason you are not sure if your license has expired or not, you can order a driving record report.

Suspended License

You can learn the suspension status of your license by ordering a driving record report.

If your insurance rates spike significantly due to a suspension, you may want to consider shopping for lower rates at our Insurance Center.

For detailed information on how to renew a suspended license, visit our suspended license page.

Lost License

For the full story on what to do if your license is lost or stolen, visit our Lost License page.

Check Your Renewal Notice

You'll be mailed a renewal notice approximately 90 days prior to your license's expiration date. If you do not receive a notice, you can pick up a renewal form at any MVC agency. You're allowed to renew your license up to six months in advance.

Renew Online

Not an option at this time.

Renew NJ Driver License By Mail

If you were born on or before December 1, 1964 you may be eligible to renew by mail. If eligible, you'll be mailed renewal instructions. After submitting and completing, you'll be mailed a new four-year driver's license within seven to 10 business days.

NOTE: If you're eligible to renew by mail, but opt to do so in person, you will be required to have a new photo taken and to present all required forms of identification.

Renew In Person

Bring to the MVC agency:

• Your expiring license.

• A completed renewal form.

• Identification documents that comply with the 6 Points of ID Verification program.

• Cash, check, money order or credit card (American Express, Visa, MasterCard) to pay the $24 renewal fee.

You will immediately receive your new, permanent license while at the agency.

NOTE: Agencies are usually less crowded during the middle of the day and the middle of the week.

Update Your Driving Skills

Taking a supplemental driving course every few years will help keep your driving skills sharp and help you avoid road-complacency. And, depending on your insurance provider, it may even reduce your rates.

If your provider does not recognize the value of supplemental traffic schools, perhaps you should give some thought to getting a quote from a new provider at our Insurance Center.

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