Get a replacement license from the Motor Vehicle Commission in person or by mail
If you've lost your New Jersey driver's license, you can replace it through the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). You have two options: visit an MVC office in person, or request a replacement by mail. The in-person route is faster — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day — but the mail route works if you can't get to an office soon.
Both routes require the same documents and cost the same fee. The MVC charges $24 for a standard replacement license. Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as your lost one, so you won't need to update your information elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost license in person at any MVC office or by mail, and both methods cost $24.
- In-person replacement gives you a temporary license on the spot; a mailed replacement takes about two weeks.
- You'll need to bring a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or proof of it.
- If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, the temporary license issued at the MVC office is valid when ready.
- You can check MVC office wait times and hours on the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website before you go.
What documents to bring for an in-person replacement
Bring one valid form of ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. You also need proof that you live in New Jersey. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days will do. Bring the original or a certified copy.
You'll also need to provide your Social Security number. If you don't have your Social Security card, bring a document that shows it — a W-2, tax return, or benefit statement from Social Security itself. The MVC staff will verify your number against Social Security records before they issue your replacement.
Bring your current vehicle registration if you have one, though it's not required. Some people also bring their old license if they still have it, but the MVC doesn't need it to issue a replacement.
How to request a replacement by mail
read the process for Duplicate Driver License form (form BA-298) from the MVC website or pick one up at an MVC office. Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, license number if you remember it, and the reason for replacement (lost or stolen).
Make a copy of your valid ID and your proof of residency. Mail both documents along with the completed form and a check or money order for $24 to the address listed on the form. The MVC processes mail requests at a central office in Trenton.
Your replacement license typically arrives in about two weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, you'll have to visit an MVC office in person to get a temporary license instead. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and gives you time to wait for your permanent replacement to arrive by mail.
Getting a temporary license if you need to drive right away
Only the in-person route gives you a temporary license on the spot. When you visit an MVC office with your documents, staff will issue you a temporary license before you leave — it's printed on paper and valid when ready. This temporary license is good for 30 days while you wait for your permanent replacement to be mailed to you.
The temporary license has the same number as your lost license and works for all the same purposes — driving, proving your identity, and showing proof of licensure to police. You can use it at your job, at banks, or anywhere else that accepts a driver's license.
If you lose the temporary license before your permanent one arrives, you'll need to return to an MVC office to request another one. Bring the same documents you brought the first time.
Where to find an MVC office and check wait times
New Jersey has MVC offices in most counties. The main office is in Trenton, but you can visit any location — you don't have to go to the one closest to where you live. The MVC website has a full list of office addresses, phone numbers, and hours.
Before you go, check the wait time for that specific office. The MVC website shows real-time wait times updated throughout the day. Some offices are consistently busier than others, so you might save time by traveling to a less crowded location. Many people find that visiting early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon means shorter waits than midday or Saturday.
You can also call an MVC office directly to ask about current wait times. Staff can tell you whether it's a good time to come in or suggest a better time to visit.
What to do if your license was stolen, not just lost
If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, the replacement process is the same — you still fill out the same form and bring the same documents. However, you may want to take extra steps to protect yourself.
A stolen license can be used to commit fraud or identity theft. Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can also check your credit report for unauthorized accounts at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official site for free annual credit reports.
If you notice suspicious activity on your credit report or receive bills for accounts you didn't open, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. Keep a record of the date your license was stolen and any steps you took to report it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online?
No. New Jersey requires you to either visit an MVC office in person or mail in your request. You cannot complete the entire process online, though you can read the mail-in form from the MVC website before you submit it.
How long does a replacement license take if I mail it in?
Most mailed replacements arrive within two weeks, but processing time can vary. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit an MVC office to get a temporary license instead.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
No. Your replacement license uses the same photo as your lost license, so you won't need to sit for a new one. The photo stays on file at the MVC.
What if I don't remember my license number?
You don't need to know your license number to request a replacement. The MVC can look it up using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you're mailing in your request, just leave that field blank on the form.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
If you're doing an in-person replacement, you must go yourself — the MVC will not issue a temporary license to someone else on your behalf. For a mailed replacement, the license will be sent to the address on file with the MVC, so anyone at that address can receive it.