Where to go and what you need to bring

To replace your New Jersey driver's license, you will visit a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office in person. You cannot complete this entirely by mail or online — the MVC requires you to appear for a new photo and signature. The office will issue you a temporary license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to your address.

Bring these documents: your current license (if you still have it), proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate, proof of Social Security number like a Social Security card or tax return, and proof of your current New Jersey address such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 12 months. If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report number if you have one — the MVC will ask for it but can proceed without it.

The fee for a replacement license is $24.50 if your license is not expired, or $34.50 if it is expired. You pay at the MVC office when you complete your transaction. Bring a check, money order, or debit card — not all offices accept credit cards, so call ahead if you plan to use one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVC office in person; the replacement cannot be done online or by mail.
  • Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your New Jersey address.
  • The MVC will give you a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
  • The fee is $24.50 for an unexpired license or $34.50 for an expired one, payable by check, money order, or debit card at the office.
  • Processing time for your mailed license is typically two to three weeks after your office visit.

Finding an MVC office near you and making an appointment

The MVC operates 19 regional offices across New Jersey. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the official MVC website at nj.gov/mvc. Each office has different hours — some open as early as 7:30 a.m. and close as late as 8 p.m., while others have shorter windows. Weekend hours vary by location.

You do not need an appointment to replace your license, but the MVC strongly recommends scheduling one to reduce wait time. You can book an appointment online through the MVC website or by calling 609-292-6500. If you walk in without an appointment, you will be assigned a wait time based on current demand at that office. During busy periods, walk-in waits can exceed two hours.

The MVC website also shows real-time wait times for each office, updated throughout the day. If your nearest office has a long wait, you may choose to visit a different regional office instead. All offices can process a replacement license.

What happens during your office visit

When you arrive at the MVC office, you will check in at the front desk and provide your documents. A staff member will verify your identity, Social Security number, and address. They will ask you to confirm that the information on your current license is still correct, or update it if anything has changed — such as your address, height, or name.

You will then be directed to the photo station, where you will have a new photo taken for your license. The MVC has specific rules about photos: you must face the camera directly, remove sunglasses and hats, and have a neutral expression. If you wear glasses, you may keep them on as long as there is no glare on the lenses.

After your photo is taken, you will sign an electronic pad to capture your signature. The MVC will then print your temporary license on the spot and hand it to you. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal weight as your permanent license — you can use it to drive, board a plane, or present it as ID anywhere your regular license would be accepted.

When your permanent license arrives in the mail

Your permanent license is printed at the MVC's central facility and mailed to the address you provided at your office visit. Standard processing takes two to three weeks from the date of your visit. If you do not receive your license within four weeks, contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 to report it.

Your temporary license remains valid during this waiting period. Once your permanent license arrives, destroy your temporary license — it is no longer needed. Your new permanent license is valid for 10 years if you are under 62, or 5 years if you are 62 or older.

If you move before your license arrives, do not forward it through the postal service. Instead, visit an MVC office and request a replacement with your new address. You will pay the replacement fee again, but the MVC can update your address in their system and reissue your license to your new location.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

The process is the same whether your license is lost, stolen, or damaged — you visit an MVC office with your documents and pay the replacement fee. If your license was stolen, you may file a police report and bring the report number to the MVC, but it is not required to complete the replacement. The MVC will note in their system that your old license is no longer valid.

If your license was damaged — for example, the photo is faded or the card is cracked — bring the damaged license with you. Show it to the MVC staff member, and they will process your replacement at the standard fee. Do not attempt to repair or laminate a damaged license yourself; the MVC will not accept it.

Replacing a license with a different class or endorsement

If you want to change your license class — for example, from a Class D (regular passenger vehicle) to a Class C (commercial vehicle) — or add an endorsement such as a motorcycle endorsement, you cannot do this through a straightforward replacement. You will need to take a written test and a road test, which requires a separate appointment and additional fees.

To change your license class or add an endorsement, visit an MVC office and ask for information about testing. You can also find testing schedules and requirements on the MVC website. A replacement for the same class and endorsements you already hold does not require testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it is expired?

Yes. An expired license still counts as valid identification for the MVC to process your replacement. You will pay $34.50 instead of $24.50 because your license is expired, but the process is otherwise the same. Your new license will be valid for 10 years (or 5 years if you are 62 or older) from the date you receive it.

What if I do not have proof of my Social Security number?

You must provide one of these documents: a Social Security card, a W-2 or tax return, a 1099 form, or a benefit statement from Social Security. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card or a benefit letter before visiting the MVC.

Can someone else pick up my temporary license for me?

No. You must be present at the MVC office for your photo and signature. The MVC cannot issue a temporary license without you there in person. However, once your permanent license arrives in the mail, someone else can collect it from your mailbox on your behalf.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

Bring your current license and a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVC will update your name in their system and issue your new license with the correct name. You still pay the standard replacement fee.

How long is my temporary license good for?

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date the MVC issues it. If your permanent license has not arrived by day 30, contact the MVC when ready. Do not drive with an expired temporary license — it is no longer valid for any purpose.