Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Locations and Hours (2024)

FAQs

Can I make an appointment to renew my driver's license in NJ? ›

You can make a renewal appointment starting 3 months prior to your expiration date. You can also renew online.

Walk-ins are only allowed for first time licenses/IDs/permits, name changes, and red decals at Licensing Centers. Other MVC transactions that can't be completed online require an appointment that customers need to schedule at NJMVC.gov. Appointments at Licensing and Vehicle Centers must be scheduled at NJMVC.gov.

Renewals: Renewing a Real ID can be done online. More:Get into NJ parks for free again.

This is a new and convenient mail-in renewal process (at no additional cost) for NJ licenses or non-driver IDs. Before Skip the Trip, most NJ drivers needed to visit an MVC agency to renew. How do I Skip the Trip? If you are eligible, you will receive a renewal form along with a notice inviting you to Skip the Trip.

In order to obtain certain documents, like a standard driver license, or to verify changes to your driver record, you must prove your identity by passing the 6 Points of ID plus a Social Security number, ITIN, or affidavit. You must also provide proof of your address and that you are a New Jersey resident.

Drivers can only obtain a Real ID license or identification card in person at a state Motor Vehicle Commission licensing center. The MVC doesn't accept walk-ins to get a Real ID license and an appointment is needed. Individuals without lawful status in the U.S. are not eligible to obtain a Real ID.

Proof of New Jersey residency.

You'll show a document with your name and your New Jersey address, like a utility bill or lease agreement.

How much does a REAL ID cost in NJ? ›

Yes. The Standard NJ License/ID costs $24; REAL ID costs $35.

Most licenses expire by the end of the month, which means many people will be pouring into the DMV during the early and late parts of the month. Mid-month should be the ideal time to schedule your visit. You can also expect your visit to be less stressful on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.

Please visit the Bayonne, Rahway, South Plainfield or Edison agencies. Directions to these sites and additional agency locations are available on our website, www.njmvc.gov. Please be advised that, historically, the best times to visit an MVC agency are mid-week, mid-month.

Early morning driving tests

There might also be less driving to do if you get stuck in traffic, although the examiner will usually know the area well so will choose routes that are less likely to be congested.

License/ID and registration renewals that can't be completed online require an appointment. Renewals are not available on a walk-in basis. Customers should check the expiration date on their documents and renew early.

Even if your form says you are required to visit an agency, you likely will still be eligible for an online renewal. However, you will not be allowed to renew your NJ driver's license online if: Your license has been suspended. Your license expired beyond the approved extension period.

First go to NJ MVC's Mobile Unit REAL ID Appointment Portal to book a time slot. You must have an appointment to get a REAL ID. Walk-ups are not available due to the amount of time document verification takes for each appointment. You may also make an appointment at a regular Motor Vehicle Commission location.

Real ID appointments that were hard to come by in early 2023 have become more readily available. “The MVC has broad capacity to issue Real IDs, with same-day and next-day appointments available across the state at Licensing Centers,” Connolly said.