New Jersey DMV license renewal is available to eligible drivers in the state. The renewal process is developed to ensure drivers continually meet the state requirements to operate vehicles safely. This process involves various steps and eligibility requirements that must confirmed by applicants. Verification documents and processing fees are also applied to residents. Understanding how to complete the drivers license renewal procedure is helpful for applicants to continue enjoying driving privileges.

Various other situations require drivers to apply for permit replacements. However, the steps and costs for replacement vary from renewal in the state. Drivers should keep track of when they need to apply for updated permits to avoid being charged late fees. Additionally, law enforcement can issue traffic violation tickets for driving under an expired license. Find out more information about renewing your permit privileges in NJ by reading the following sections.

Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in New Jersey

New Jersey Drivers License

Note: To find out your driver’s license expiration date, locate it on the front of your card.

New Jersey residents applying for drivers license renewal must meet the six-point eligibility standards in the state. These guidelines apply to all drivers and prove that applicants are able to drive throughout the state. Generally, residents must be:

  • Of legal driving age in NJ.
  • Currently holding a valid state drivers license.

Applicants must present various types of information to meet eligibility standards. The areas required include identity, residency and citizenship status. These personal details must be confirmed to verify driver qualifications. To complete mail-in or in-person license renewal, residents must offer proof of:

  • Citizenship status.
  • Identity status.
  • Social Security Number (SSN).
  • Residency status and NJ address.

One or more of the following items could be required to verify personal driver information and establish eligibility approval. All drivers license renewal forms provided should be official documents to be accepted by state licensing agencies.

  1. Documents proving Social Security Number (SSN):
    • Social Security Card
    • W-2 with SSN
    • 1099 form with SSN
    • Pay stub with SSN
  2. Documents proving residency status and address:
    • Current license from New Jersey
    • Current non-driver identification card from New Jersey
    • Letter stating applicant’s name and residential address
    • Mail from schools
    • Official transcripts
    • Official government-issued mail
    • Mortgage documents
  3. Documents proving citizenship status:
    • S. Passport
    • Certificate of Citizenship
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Birth Certificate
    • Foreign passport with proper endorsement

Drivers license offices can only approve residency addresses for permanent domiciles in the state. P.O. boxes are not accepted.

For non-U.S. citizens to meet the six-point eligibility guidelines, the following items can prove citizenship status:

  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Valid foreign passport with U.S. endorsement
  • Employment Authorization Certificate
  • Asylee/Refugee Certificate

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in New Jersey

DMV permit renewal is only possible for NJ residents who have clean driving records on file with the state DMV office. This means drivers cannot have their current license under suspension or revocation. Additionally, unpaid traffic tickets and/or moving violations must be paid in order for application eligibility requirements to be met. Licensing offices check for any violations on record when processing renewal requests.

How Early Can You Renew Your Drivers License in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, drivers can renew their licenses before the expiration date, up to six months early. Drivers who know they are going to be out of state or unable to apply in the future can benefit from early renewal.

New Jersey DMV License Renewal Options

Before choosing a renewal option, understanding what is needed to renew drivers licenses is helpful for NJ drivers. When the required documents are collected, residents can choose whether to apply for renewal by mail or in person. Applicants can utilize the most convenient renewal method.

How to Renew Your Driving License by Mail

For mail-in license renewal, eligible drivers will be sent instructions for obtaining updated licenses. Only residents who receive this notice can renew by mail. The procedure for mail-in applications is as follows:

  1. Fill out renewal application.
  2. Provide verification documents, as necessary.
  3. Provide payment by check or money order.

Upon receipt of the aforementioned documents, new licenses are issued by mail within 10 days of application.

How to Renew Your Drivers License in Person

Understanding “where can I renew my drivers license?” as a NJ resident is helpful for drivers in the state. Residents are eligible to apply for renewal in person at designated licensing locations. Drivers can find a local office to visit for the most convenient experience.

Upon office visitation, drivers license renewal applications, verification documents and fees should be submitted. Applications must contain accurate and up-to-date information to be verified by the state. Additionally, old licenses are collected during this process.

When the required forms and documents are verified, drivers can pay for new licenses using one of the following payments:

  1. Cash
  2. Check
  3. Credit or debit cards

Applications, documents and fee payments must be approved for updated permit cards to mailed to drivers.

Military & Out of State Renewal in New Jersey

Drivers license renewal requirements for active duty military members are designed to make out-of-state duty easier. Military members stationed outside of New Jersey are eligible to obtain license expiration exemptions. These exemptions allow drivers to avoid renewal requirements until they have finished serving their duties from outside of the state.

New Jersey REAL ID Drivers License Renewal

REAL ID drivers licenses are granted in various states throughout the U.S. to provide drivers with additional identification abilities. This form of ID allows drivers to access federal buildings and, fly domestically and more.

REAL IDs are not currently available to NJ residents. However, these cards will be an option for drivers in the state in the near future.

New Jersey Drivers License Renewal Fees

How much does it cost to renew drivers licenses for eligible adult drivers in the state? The renewal fee for Class D licenses for regular passenger vehicles is $24.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 3 2020.