Updated on July 10, 2021
If you’re a parent of a teen, or a teen yourself, you can breathe a little easier knowing New Jersey was rated the safest state for teen drivers in 2021. The Garden state has finished second for the past two years, but it’s finally won the #1 title! New Jersey is home to 6,377,413 licensed drivers, 6% of those being teens. The Garden state cracks down on impaired driving, heavier than most other states, making it a safer environment for less experienced drivers.
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New Jersey Driver’s License Renewal Guide
How to Renew a New Jersey Driver’s License
What do I need and how do I renew my New Jersey driver’s license? Good questions.
Is it time for your New Jersey drivers license renewal? There are two options in the Garden State. You can visit your local New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office or renew by mail.
In this guide we explore how to renew a New Jersey driver’s license using either option and the special steps you can follow if you are in the military or temporarily out of the state.
6 Points of Identification
Licensed drivers in the State of New Jersey must meet the requirements of the state’s 6 Points of Identification system. Essentially, New Jersey has assigned points to various types of identifying documents.
Drivers must provide a combination of documents that add up to six points.
The New Jersey DMV provides guidance on the types of documents and their point values, but essentially there are four requirements. When renewing a drivers license in NJ, you must provide:
- At least one Primary ID.
- At least one Secondary ID.
- Verifiable Social Security Number.
- Proof of Address.
Renewing Your Driver’s License In Person
You can renew your license in person by visiting any New Jersey DMV office. Be sure to have your 6 Points of Identification and proof of address.
If you received a renewal form in the mail, complete it before going to the DMV, or pick up a form at the office. At the office, you will have your documents verified, your signature captured, and your photo taken.
Once all steps are completed, you will receive a new driver’s license that will be valid for four years.
Renewing Your Driver’s License By Mail
New Jersey now allows eligible drivers to renew by mail.
Those eligible will receive forms and instructions in the mail. Simply fill out and return the paperwork. A new license will be mailed within 10 business days. This license will use the signature and photo currently on file at the DMV.
Please note, it is important to allow plenty of time to complete the New Jersey driver’s license renewal process. Waiting until the expiration date will put you at risk of driving with an expired license, which can carry steep fines.
Renewing Your Driver’s License In Person
If you hold a Commercial Driver License (CDL) or if your license has been suspended or has restrictions you are not eligible to renew by mail. You must visit the New Jersey DMV in person.
Customers who are eligible for mail-in renewal and choose to visit a DMV agency instead will be required to present 6 Points of Identification with proof of address and have a new photo and signature captured.
Extending Your New Jersey License
New Jersey allows drivers to request a one-year extension to their MVC photo requirement if they are undergoing medical treatment and their physical characteristics have been temporarily altered.
This process must be completed in person at an MVC office and requires proof from a licensed physician. To facilitate the driver’s license extension process:
- Go to any MVC office with completed 6 Points of Identification and a proof of address.
- Complete the extension form (BA-208).
- Submit documentation verifying the medical treatment for an illness and that the treatment has temporarily altered your physical characteristics. The documentation must be original (no copies) and signed by a licensed physician.
Required License Renewal Fees
There is a $24 required license renewal fee in order to obtain a new driver’s license in New Jersey.
New Jersey license renewal has strict requirements for proof of identity. Make sure to get started on your renewal well before your expiration date to avoid delays and keep your license current at all times.