How to Replace a Lost Driver's License in New Jersey

The fastest way to replace a lost New Jersey driver's license

You can replace a lost New Jersey driver's license in person at any Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office, by mail, or through an online order if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and you walk out with a temporary license the same day. Mail and online orders take 7 to 10 business days for delivery.

You do not need to retake the written or road test. New Jersey treats a lost license as a replacement, not a new issuance. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of New Jersey residency, and pay the replacement fee — currently $24.50 for a standard license.

Key Takeaways

The Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) handles all driver's license replacements in New Jersey, and you can visit any of their 19 offices statewide or order online.
In-person replacement requires a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state license), proof of New Jersey address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and the $24.50 fee.
Online replacement through the MVC website is available only if your license has not expired and you have a valid email address on file with the state.
A temporary paper license issued on the spot at an MVC office is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent replacement to arrive by mail.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use the online or mail route and must appear in person at an MVC office.

What documents you need to bring to an MVC office

The MVC requires two forms of identification: one primary document and one secondary document. A primary document is a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. A secondary document can be a Social Security card, birth certificate, or a document showing your name and date of birth.

You also need proof that you live in New Jersey. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A government check or tax return also counts. The address on your proof of residency does not have to match your old license address — the MVC uses it to confirm you currently live in the state.

Bring your payment method: cash, debit card, or credit card. The replacement fee is $24.50. If you are replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, you may face additional requirements or fees — contact your local MVC office before you visit.

Replacing your license in person at an MVC office

Walk into any of the 19 MVC offices across New Jersey during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some offer Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment for a replacement, though the MVC website shows wait times by location and time of day — visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you need to replace a lost license. They will ask you to fill out form BA-298, the process for New Jersey Driver License or Identification Card. You will answer questions about your address, height, eye color, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. The form takes about five minutes.

After you submit your documents and fee, staff will take a new photo and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works for driving, voting, and most ID purposes. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the MVC to report it.

Ordering a replacement online or by mail

The MVC allows online replacement orders through their website if your license is still valid (not expired) and you have an email address on file. Log into your MVC account, select "Replace Lost License," upload a photo of your primary ID, and pay the $24.50 fee with a debit or credit card. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

If you prefer to order by mail, read form BA-298 from the MVC website, print it, and mail it along with a photocopy of your primary ID and proof of residency to the MVC address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $24.50. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the MVC receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time on both ends — plan for two to three weeks total.

The online and mail routes do not issue a temporary license. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must visit an MVC office in person to get the temporary paper license.

What to do if your license expired more than five years ago

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use the online or mail replacement route. You must appear in person at an MVC office. The staff will treat your request as a renewal rather than a replacement, which means you may need to retake the written test and eye exam — the MVC will tell you at the counter whether your specific situation requires it.

Bring the same documents as you would for a standard replacement: primary and secondary ID, proof of New Jersey residency, and the $24.50 fee. If the MVC determines you need to retake the written test, there is no additional fee, but the process will take longer than a straightforward replacement. You will still receive a temporary paper license to drive home.

Replacing a license that was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked — for unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, or other violations — you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the underlying issue with the MVC or the court. Contact the MVC's Driver License Restoration Unit at 609-292-7500 to find out what steps are required in your case.

Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can replace your lost license using the standard process. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, check the MVC website or call the Restoration Unit. Attempting to replace a suspended license without resolving the suspension first will result in denial.

MVC office locations and hours

New Jersey has 19 MVC offices. The main locations are in Newark, Trenton, Atlantic City, and multiple towns in Bergen, Essex, and Union counties. Each office handles replacements during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some offices offer limited Saturday hours.

The MVC website lists all office addresses, phone numbers, and current wait times. Calling ahead is not necessary for a replacement, but you can call to confirm hours or ask about specific documents if your situation is unusual. The general MVC phone line is 609-292-7500.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license to arrive?

Yes, if you got a temporary paper license at an MVC office. The temporary is valid for 30 days and works for all driving purposes. If you ordered online or by mail, you do not have a temporary license and cannot legally drive until your permanent license arrives — you would need to visit an MVC office in person to get a temporary.

What if I lost my license and it was suspended at the same time?

You must resolve the suspension before you can replace the license. Contact the MVC Driver License Restoration Unit at 609-292-7500 to find out what is required. Once the suspension is lifted, the replacement process is standard.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

No police report is required to replace a lost license in New Jersey. The MVC does not ask for one. However, if you are concerned about identity theft or fraud, you may want to file a report for your own records and to document the loss.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The replacement fee is $24.50. This covers the cost of the new plastic license and is the same whether you replace it in person, by mail, or online. There are no additional fees unless your license was suspended or revoked, in which case you may owe fines or other costs to lift the suspension first.

What if my address changed since I got my original license?

You can update your address when you replace your license. Bring proof of your current New Jersey address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The MVC will print your new address on the replacement license. You do not need to change your address separately.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.