[header] How to blacktop a driveway [title] Examine your driveway condition. [step] Blacktop patching material can't solve every problem. Take a look at damaged areas before deciding how to progress : [substeps] For depressions, thin cracks, and alligator cracks (cracks in a scaled pattern), repair them yourself as described below. 
If the damage covers large areas of the driveway, or if there are long cracks more than ¼ " (6 mm) wide, the only permanent solution is to hire a contractor to remove and replace the driveway. Also consider this for any asphalt driveway approaching 20 years old.