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

Get a replacement license by mail or in person at the MVC

If you've lost your New Jersey driver's license, you can replace it through the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). You have two routes: mail in your request with a completed form and payment, or visit an MVC office in person. The mail route takes about two weeks; in-person replacement is faster but requires a trip to a licensing center. Both cost the same and result in the same license.

You do not need to retake the written or road test to replace a lost license — the MVC treats this as a duplicate, not a new license. Your driving record and license class stay the same.

Key Takeaways

Mail replacement requires form BA-298, a check or money order for the fee, and takes about two weeks; in-person replacement at an MVC office is faster but has wait times depending on location.
The replacement fee is $24.50 for a standard license and covers either method; you cannot pay online for a lost license replacement.
You need proof of identity and New Jersey residency to replace your license in person; mailed requests require the same documents photocopied.
If your license was stolen, you can report it to the MVC at the same time you request a replacement, and the old license will be invalidated.
Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks if you use the mail-in method, or you can leave with a temporary document if you go in person.

Mail-in replacement: form, fee, and timeline

To replace your license by mail, read or request form BA-298 (process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card) from the MVC website or call 609-292-6500. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, and license number if you remember it. If you don't know your license number, write "unknown" — the MVC can look it up from your name and date of birth.

Include a check or money order for $24.50 made payable to "New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission." Do not send cash. Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form; the current address is Motor Vehicle Commission, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08625. Include photocopies of two documents proving your identity and New Jersey residency — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works for residency, and a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card works for identity.

Processing takes about two weeks from the date the MVC receives your request. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. If you need the license sooner, visit an MVC office in person instead.

In-person replacement at an MVC office

Walk into any MVC licensing center with your proof of identity and residency documents, and you can leave with a temporary license the same day. The temporary document is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your permanent license is being printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within two weeks.

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a current passport, or a military ID for identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and New Jersey address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Wait times at MVC offices vary by location and time of day. Offices in urban areas like Newark and Trenton often have longer waits during midday and early afternoon. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon typically means shorter lines. You can check current wait times on the MVC website before you go.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, tell the MVC when you request the replacement. On form BA-298, check the box marked "Stolen" or write "Stolen" at the top of the form. When you visit in person, mention it to the staff member helping you. The MVC will flag your old license number as invalid so it cannot be used by someone else.

You do not need to file a police report to replace a stolen license, though you may want to for your own records. The MVC's invalidation of the old license is separate from any police action and happens automatically when you report the theft to them.

Fees and payment methods

A replacement license costs $24.50 in New Jersey, regardless of whether you mail in your request or visit in person. This fee covers the cost of producing and mailing the new license. If you visit an MVC office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you mail your request, you must send a check or money order — online payment is not available for lost license replacements.

The fee is the same whether your license is standard or commercial (CDL). If your license has a Real ID designation, the replacement will also carry Real ID status at no extra cost.

Temporary license and driving while waiting

If you replace your license in person at an MVC office, you receive a temporary license document before you leave. This temporary is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is being printed. You must carry it with you when driving, just as you would a regular license.

If you mail in your replacement request, you do not receive a temporary document. You should not drive until your new license arrives, because you have no proof of a valid license if stopped by police. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives by mail, visit an MVC office in person instead to get the temporary.

What happens to your old license number

Your new license will have the same number as your lost license. The MVC does not issue a new number for replacements — only for new licenses issued after a suspension or revocation. Your driving record, points, and license class all remain unchanged.

If your old license was stolen and you reported it to the MVC, that number is flagged as invalid in the system. If someone tries to use it, it will not scan as a valid license. Once your new license arrives, you can use the same number again without any issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. New Jersey does not offer online replacement for lost licenses. You must either mail in form BA-298 with payment or visit an MVC office in person. Some states offer online renewal for expiring licenses, but New Jersey requires a mailed form or in-person visit for replacements.

What if I don't remember my license number?

Write "unknown" on form BA-298 or tell the MVC staff when you visit. The MVC can look up your license number using your name and date of birth. You do not need to know it to request a replacement.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

No. You can report the theft directly to the MVC when you request the replacement, and they will invalidate the old number. Filing a police report is optional and separate from the MVC process, though you may want one for your own records or insurance purposes.

How long does in-person replacement take?

You can walk out with a temporary license the same day, valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks. Wait times at the MVC office depend on location and time of day but typically range from 15 minutes to over an hour during peak hours.

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

Yes. Replacements keep the same license number. Only new licenses issued after a suspension or revocation receive a new number. Your driving record and license class stay exactly the same.

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.