Get a replacement license at your local MVC office with proof of identity and residency

If your New Jersey driver's license is lost, you can replace it at any Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office in the state. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee. The MVC will issue you a new license with the same number as your original, and you can typically drive legally while waiting for it to arrive by mail.

The process takes about 10 business days from the time you submit your process. You do not need to retake the written or road test — a replacement is straightforward a reissue of your existing license with an updated photo if you choose one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVC office in person with valid proof of identity and proof of residency to replace a lost license.
  • The replacement fee is $24.50 for a standard license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at most offices.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days, and you can drive legally during this time using your receipt.
  • If your license was lost outside New Jersey, you may need to file a police report or affidavit depending on the MVC office's requirements.
  • You can renew your license at the same time you replace it if it is expiring within 60 days.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one form of primary identification and one form of proof of residency. Primary identification includes a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two secondary forms of ID such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, or school ID.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current New Jersey address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease or mortgage document with your new address will work.

Some MVC offices may ask for an affidavit or police report if you lost your license outside the state. Call your local office before you go to confirm whether you need this document.

Finding your nearest MVC office and making an appointment

The MVC operates offices in every county in New Jersey. You can find the nearest location and hours on the official MVC website at nj.gov/mvc. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations.

You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary widely depending on the office and time of day. Many offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the MVC website, which typically reduces your wait to 15 to 30 minutes. If you book an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents ready.

If you cannot visit an office in person, you cannot replace your license by mail or online. New Jersey requires you to appear in person for a replacement.

The replacement fee and payment methods

The fee to replace a lost New Jersey driver's license is $24.50. You can pay with cash, check, or debit or credit card at most offices. A few smaller offices may accept cash only, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

If you are replacing your license and renewing it at the same time because your license is expiring soon, you will pay both fees together. A renewal costs $24.50 as well, so a combined replacement and renewal would be $49.

What happens after you submit your process

After you complete the process at the MVC office, you will receive a receipt. This receipt serves as a temporary license and allows you to drive legally while your new license is being printed and mailed. Keep this receipt with you — police may ask to see it if you are stopped.

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within 10 business days. If you do not receive it after 12 business days, contact the MVC office where you applied. They can check the status of your license or reissue it if there was a problem.

If your license was lost out of state

If you lost your license while traveling or living temporarily outside New Jersey, you can still replace it at any MVC office when you return. Some offices may ask you to file a police report or sign an affidavit stating that your license was lost. This protects against fraud and ensures the MVC has a record of the loss.

Call the MVC office you plan to visit and ask whether you need a police report or affidavit. If you do, you can file a report with the police department in the location where you lost your license, or you can sign an affidavit at the MVC office itself. The affidavit is a straightforward sworn statement that takes a few minutes to complete.

Replacing your license if it was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, the process is the same, but you should file a police report first. Bring a copy of the report to the MVC office, or mention the theft when you explore. This creates an official record and protects you if someone tries to use your license fraudulently.

You do not need to wait for the police report to be completed before going to the MVC. You can file the report and visit the MVC on the same day. If you file the report after you replace your license, bring the report number with you when you visit the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. New Jersey requires you to appear in person at an MVC office to replace a lost license. You cannot complete this process online or by mail, even if you have a valid reason for not being able to visit in person.

How long can I drive on the receipt while waiting for my new license?

You can drive legally on your receipt for as long as it takes your new license to arrive, which is typically 10 business days. If your new license does not arrive within 12 business days, contact the MVC office to report the delay.

Will my new license have the same number as my old one?

Yes. Your replacement license will have the same license number as your original. The MVC does not issue a new number when you replace a lost license.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?

No. The MVC will use your photo from the original license unless you request a new one. If you want a new photo, tell the staff member when you explore, and they will take one for a small additional fee.

What if I lost my license and my registration card at the same time?

You will need to replace them separately. Replace your license at an MVC office as described here. To replace your registration card, you can order a duplicate through the MVC website or by mail, or you can visit an office in person.