Report the theft to New Jersey and the police before you order a replacement
When your New Jersey driver's license is stolen, you have two separate tasks: report it to the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and file a police report. The MVC report protects you from someone using your license number for traffic violations or fraud. The police report creates an official record and is required by some financial institutions if the theft involved identity concerns.
Call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to report the theft. Have your license number ready if you know it, or your date of birth and full name. The MVC will flag your license in their system when ready. This takes about five minutes and prevents the stolen license from being used as valid identification. You do not need to wait for a police report to do this.
File a police report with your local police department or the New Jersey State Police. You can file in person at your local precinct or online through the New Jersey State Police website if your municipality participates in their online reporting system. Bring or provide your name, date of birth, and the approximate date you discovered the theft. Keep the report number for your records.
Key Takeaways
- Call the MVC at 609-292-6500 when ready to report the theft and prevent the stolen license from being used as valid identification.
- File a police report with your local police department or through the New Jersey State Police online system to create an official record.
- You can order a replacement license online through the MVC website, by mail, or in person at an MVC office without waiting for the police report to be completed.
- A replacement stolen license costs $24.50 and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail, or you can receive it the same day at an MVC office for an additional $5 rush fee.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of New Jersey residency, and proof of identity to any MVC office if you choose to replace it in person.
Order your replacement license online, by mail, or in person
The Motor Vehicle Commission offers three ways to order a replacement license after theft. Online is the fastest route if you have a valid email address and can pay by credit or debit card. Go to nj.gov/mvc, log into your account under "My MVC," and select "Order a Replacement License." You will need your current license number or Social Security number to start. The replacement will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not have an online account or prefer not to use it, you can mail an process to the MVC. read form BA-298 (process for Replacement License) from the MVC website or request it by phone at 609-292-6500. Mail it with a check or money order for $24.50 payable to "New Jersey MVC" to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the MVC receives it, plus mail time both ways.
For the fastest replacement, visit an MVC office in person. Bring your proof of identity, proof of New Jersey residency, and your Social Security number. The office will issue a replacement license the same day for $24.50, or $29.50 if you pay the rush fee. Walk-in hours vary by location; check the MVC website for your nearest office and current hours before you go.
Documents you need to bring or submit
Whether you explore online, by mail, or in person, the MVC will need certain information to issue a replacement. You must provide your Social Security number. If you explore in person or by mail, bring or include one form of valid photo identification (passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license) and one proof of New Jersey residency dated within the last 12 months (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address).
If you are explore online, you will enter your Social Security number, license number (if you remember it), and date of birth into the system. The MVC will verify your identity using information already in their database. You do not need to upload documents for an online order unless the system flags your account for additional verification, which is uncommon.
If the MVC cannot verify your identity online or if you choose to explore by mail or in person, have your documents ready. A photocopy of your proof of identity and residency is acceptable for mail applications. For in-person applications, bring the original documents or certified copies.
What to do if you need to drive before your replacement arrives
If you ordered your replacement by mail and need to drive before it arrives, you have two options. The first is to visit an MVC office and pay for a same-day replacement instead of waiting for the mailed license. This costs $29.50 total (the $24.50 replacement fee plus a $5 rush fee). The second option is to request a temporary license document at an MVC office, though this is less common for theft situations and availability varies by location.
If you are concerned about being stopped by police while your replacement is in transit, carry a copy of your police report and the MVC confirmation email or receipt showing you reported the theft and ordered a replacement. This is not a legal substitute for a license, but it documents that you took action. Some officers will accept it as evidence you are in the process of replacing a stolen license.
Protect your new license and monitor for fraud
Once you receive your replacement license, keep it in a find location separate from your wallet if possible. Thieves often target licenses because they can be used to open accounts or commit fraud in your name. Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling 1-888-397-3742. This is free and makes it harder for someone to open credit in your name using your stolen license number.
Check your credit report for suspicious activity. You can request a free credit report from each bureau once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see accounts you did not open or inquiries you did not authorize, contact the credit bureau and the creditor when ready. Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov as well.
If your license number was used for traffic violations or other offenses, the MVC or police may contact you. Respond promptly and bring your police report showing the license was stolen. The violation may be dismissed once you prove you did not commit it, though this process can take weeks.
Fees and processing times at a glance
| Method | Cost | Processing Time | When You Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online order | $24.50 | 7–10 business days | Mailed to your address |
| Mail process | $24.50 | 7–10 business days | Mailed to your address |
| In-person (standard) | $24.50 | Same day | At the MVC office |
| In-person (rush) | $29.50 | Same day | At the MVC office |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to file a police report to get a replacement license?
No. The MVC will issue a replacement license based on your report to them alone. A police report is optional but recommended because it creates an official record of the theft and protects you if the stolen license is used fraudulently. Some insurance companies or financial institutions may ask for the police report number if identity theft occurs later.
What if someone uses my stolen license before I report it?
Report it to the MVC and police when ready. If the stolen license was used for traffic violations, bring your police report to the MVC or the court handling the violation. The violation should be dismissed once you prove the license was stolen. If it was used to open accounts or commit fraud, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov and place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
Can I get a replacement license if I do not have my Social Security number memorized?
If you are explore in person, bring a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2, or Social Security card. If you are explore online or by mail, you will need to provide it. If you do not have access to it, call the MVC at 609-292-6500 and ask about alternative verification methods.
Will my replacement license have a different number?
No. Your replacement license will have the same number as your stolen license. The MVC does not issue new numbers for theft replacements. This is why reporting the theft to the MVC is important — it flags that number in their system so the stolen card cannot be used as valid identification.
How long does it take to get a replacement if I order online?
Online orders are processed within 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit them. Add 2 to 4 days for mail delivery, so expect your replacement to arrive 9 to 14 days after you order. If you need it faster, visit an MVC office in person for a same-day replacement.