What You Need to Do to Get a Duplicate License in New Jersey

To get a duplicate New Jersey driver's license, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office in person, bring proof of identity and New Jersey residency, pay the fee, and have your photo taken. You cannot order a duplicate online or by mail — the MVC requires you to appear at a physical location. The process takes about 30 minutes if you arrive during a quiet time, though wait times vary by office and time of day.

A duplicate license is an exact replacement of your current license with the same number, expiration date, and restrictions. It is not a renewal. If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, a duplicate restores your driving privileges without changing any of the information on the card itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to an MVC office in person; there is no online or mail option for duplicates in New Jersey.
  • Bring a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license) plus one document showing your current New Jersey address.
  • The duplicate fee is $20 and is non-refundable, whether you pay by cash, debit card, or credit card.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license to drive when ready.
  • If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a police report, though it is not required by the MVC.

Documents You Must Bring to the MVC Office

Bring one form of valid photo identification and one document proving your New Jersey address. The MVC will not accept expired documents for identity, but address documents can be older. A utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage statement all work for address proof — they just need to show your name and current address.

Valid photo IDs include a U.S. passport, military ID, passport card, or a driver's license from another state. If you do not have any of these, you will need to bring additional documents to establish your identity — the MVC website lists alternatives, but this route takes longer and may require a second visit.

Do not bring your damaged license if it is physically broken or torn. If your license is straightforward lost or stolen, you do not need to bring anything related to it — just your proof of identity and address.

Finding an MVC Office and Scheduling Your Visit

The MVC operates about 20 regional offices across New Jersey. You can find the nearest one and check current wait times on the official MVC website at nj.gov/mvc. The site shows real-time wait times for most offices, updated every 15 minutes.

You do not need an appointment for a duplicate license — you can walk in during business hours. However, wait times are shortest early in the morning on weekdays and longest on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. If you go during lunch hours or after 3 p.m., expect a longer wait.

Some MVC offices close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days. Check the office hours before you go. Regional offices are typically open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some Saturday hours at select locations.

The Fee and Payment Methods

The duplicate license fee in New Jersey is $20. This fee is the same whether your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. The MVC accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all offices.

The $20 fee is non-refundable. If you change your mind after paying, you cannot get your money back. If you lose your duplicate before it arrives in the mail, you will have to pay another $20 for a second duplicate.

What Happens at the MVC Office

When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine and wait to be called. Tell the representative you need a duplicate license. They will ask you to verify your address and confirm that your license information has not changed since your last license was issued.

You will have a new photo taken for the duplicate. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the photo rules are the same as for a regular license (no hats, no sunglasses, neutral background). If you dislike your photo, you cannot retake it on the spot, but you can request a new photo at your next renewal.

After your photo is taken, you will pay the $20 fee and receive a receipt. Ask the representative if you can get a temporary paper license so you can drive while you wait for your card to arrive. The MVC will print one on the spot at no extra cost.

When Your Duplicate License Arrives

Your new duplicate license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery can take a few extra days depending on where you live, so do not be alarmed if it takes 12 days total. The MVC does not track individual licenses in the mail, so you cannot check the status online.

If your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the MVC customer service line at 609-292-6500. Have your receipt from your visit ready. They can check whether the license was mailed and, in rare cases, issue a replacement if the card was lost in transit.

Once your duplicate arrives, destroy your old damaged license if you still have it. If your license was stolen, you do not need to do anything else — the old number is now tied to your new card.

If Your License Was Stolen

Getting a duplicate is the only step the MVC requires. However, if your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report with your local police department. A report creates an official record and can help if someone tries to use your stolen license for fraud.

You do not need a police report to get your duplicate from the MVC, and the MVC does not require you to file one. But if you are concerned about identity theft, a report is worth the time. Keep a copy of the report number for your records.

If you believe your stolen license has been used fraudulently, contact the New Jersey State Police or your local police department and the MVC. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to monitor for unauthorized accounts opened in your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a duplicate license by mail or online?

No. New Jersey requires you to appear in person at an MVC office for a duplicate license. You cannot mail in a request or use the MVC website to order one. You must bring your documents and have a new photo taken.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

If you do not have a passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license, you can bring alternative documents to prove your identity — such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a second address document. This process takes longer and may require a second visit if the MVC needs to verify your documents. Call the MVC before you go to confirm what you should bring.

Do I need a police report to get a duplicate?

No. The MVC does not require a police report for a duplicate license, whether it was lost, stolen, or damaged. However, if your license was stolen, filing a report with your local police department is a good idea to create an official record in case of fraud.

Can I drive while I wait for my duplicate to arrive?

Yes, if you request a temporary paper license at the MVC office. The representative will print one for you at no extra cost, and it is valid for driving until your card arrives. The temporary license is not mailed — you take it with you when you leave.

What if my duplicate license arrives damaged or with wrong information?

If your new license arrives damaged, return to any MVC office with your receipt and the damaged card. They will issue another duplicate at no charge. If the information on the card is wrong, contact the MVC when ready at 609-292-6500 to report the error — do not use the license until it is corrected.