What you need to do to get a duplicate New Jersey driver's license
A duplicate driver's license in New Jersey replaces a lost, stolen, or damaged license with an identical one. You can request one in person at any Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office, by mail, or through the MVC's online portal if you meet certain conditions. The process takes about 10 business days by mail and costs $20. You do not need to retake the written or road test — the MVC straightforward issues a new card with the same license number and expiration date as your original.
The fastest route is visiting an MVC office in person, where you can walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent card by mail within two weeks. If you cannot visit an office, you can mail in your request with required documents, though this adds processing time. The online option is available only if your license is not expired and you have a valid email address on file with the MVC.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a duplicate license in person at any MVC office, by mail, or online through the MVC portal if your license is not expired.
- The in-person route gives you a temporary license when ready and costs $20, with your permanent card arriving by mail within two weeks.
- By mail, you need a completed form, proof of identity, and proof of New Jersey residency, and processing takes about 10 business days plus mail delivery time.
- Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as your original, so you do not need to renew or retake any tests.
- If your license is expired, you cannot use the online option and must visit an office or mail in your request.
Getting a duplicate license in person at an MVC office
Walk into any Motor Vehicle Commission office with your current identification and proof of New Jersey residency. Bring your Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate as proof of identity, and a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 12 months as proof of address. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now use an online reservation system — check the MVC website for your local office before you go.
Tell the clerk you need a duplicate license. They will verify your information, take your $20 fee, and issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days. Keep the temporary license with you until the permanent one arrives, as it is valid for driving.
MVC offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours on certain evenings. Saturday hours vary by location. The busiest times are typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays, so arriving early or late in the day usually means a shorter wait.
Requesting a duplicate license by mail
Complete form BA-298, the process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card, available on the MVC website. Print it, sign it, and mail it with a copy of your current driver's license (front and back), proof of identity, and proof of New Jersey residency to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $20 made out to the State of New Jersey.
Processing takes about 10 business days from the date the MVC receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time in both directions. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot drive legally during this period unless you have another valid form of identification that allows driving. If your license is expired, the MVC will still issue a duplicate with the same expiration date, so you will need to renew separately if that date has passed.
Mail your request to the address on form BA-298. Keep a copy of everything you send and consider using certified mail with return receipt if you want proof the MVC received your packet. The MVC does not send confirmation emails for mail-in requests, so tracking is limited.
Using the MVC online portal for a duplicate license
The MVC online portal allows you to request a duplicate license without visiting an office, but only if your current license is not expired and you have a valid email address on file. Visit the MVC website, log into your account, and select the option to request a duplicate. You will pay the $20 fee by credit or debit card.
After you submit your online request, the MVC will mail your new license to the address on file. You will not receive a temporary license, and processing takes 10 to 14 business days plus mail delivery. If your license is expired or you do not have an email address on file, you must use the in-person or mail-in route instead.
What happens if your license was lost or stolen
A duplicate license replaces a lost or stolen card with an identical one — same number, same expiration date. You do not need to report the loss to police unless you suspect identity theft. If you are concerned about fraud, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.
If your license was stolen and you suspect someone may use it fraudulently, consider freezing your credit as an extra precaution. This prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name. You can freeze your credit for free through any of the three bureaus, and the freeze takes effect within one business day.
Duplicate licenses for expired or suspended licenses
If your license is expired, you can still get a duplicate with the same expiration date. However, you will need to renew your license separately if you want to continue driving after that date. A duplicate does not extend your license's validity — it straightforward replaces the physical card.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a duplicate. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation through the MVC, which may involve paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or meeting other requirements depending on why your license was suspended. Once the suspension is lifted, you can then request a duplicate.
Costs and processing times across all methods
| Method | Cost | Processing Time | Temporary License | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-person at MVC office | $20 | Same day (temporary), 10–14 days (permanent) | Yes, valid 30 days | Need to drive when ready |
| By mail | $20 | 10 business days plus mail delivery | No | Cannot visit an office |
| Online portal | $20 | 10–14 business days plus mail delivery | No | License not expired, prefer no office visit |
All three methods cost the same and result in the same license. The main difference is convenience and how quickly you need to drive. If you need to drive within the next few days, the in-person route is your only option because it gives you a temporary license when ready.
The choice between methods also depends on your circumstances. If you are out of state or unable to visit an MVC office, mail or online are your only paths forward. If your license is expired, the online option is closed to you, leaving in-person or mail as your choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a duplicate license if my current one is damaged but still readable?
Yes. Damage to the card — cracks, fading, or worn numbers — qualifies for a duplicate. Bring your damaged license to an MVC office along with proof of identity and residency, pay $20, and you will receive a temporary license on the spot. The permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still get a duplicate New Jersey license by mail or online if your license is not expired. You do not need to be in New Jersey to request one. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it, which requires an in-person visit to an MVC office or an approved third-party location.
How long is the temporary paper license valid?
The temporary license issued in person is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card should arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days, so the temporary usually covers the wait. If your permanent card does not arrive within three weeks, contact the MVC to check the status of your request.
Do I need to bring my old license to get a duplicate?
For in-person requests, you do not need your old license if it is lost or stolen — proof of identity and residency is enough. For mail-in requests, include a copy of your old license (front and back) if you have it, as it helps the MVC verify your information. If you do not have a copy, the MVC can still process your request with other proof of identity.
Will my new license have a different number?
No. A duplicate license has the same number as your original. The MVC straightforward issues a new card with identical information. Your license number does not change unless you renew your license, which is a separate process.