What you need to do right now

If your New Jersey driver's license is lost, you can replace it by visiting a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office in person or by mail. The in-person route takes about 20 minutes and costs $24.50; the mail route takes two to three weeks and costs $26. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of New Jersey residency, and your Social Security number. The MVC will not issue a replacement online, and you cannot use a temporary license while waiting — you are legally not permitted to drive until your new license arrives.

The fastest option for most people is to go to an MVC office with your documents ready. If you cannot leave your home or work, the mail-in process works but requires you to be off the road for several weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVC office in person or mail in your request; there is no online replacement option for a lost license in New Jersey.
  • Bring a valid passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID, plus a utility bill or lease showing your current address and your Social Security number.
  • In-person replacement costs $24.50 and takes about 20 minutes; mail-in replacement costs $26 and takes two to three weeks.
  • You cannot legally drive while waiting for your replacement license, even if you have a temporary document.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Replacing your license in person at an MVC office

Walk into any Motor Vehicle Commission office with your documents and tell the staff member you need to replace a lost license. You do not need an appointment. The office will take your photo, process your request, and issue your new license on the spot. Bring the documents listed below and have your Social Security number ready.

MVC offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; offices tend to be less crowded early in the morning and mid-week. You can find your nearest office and current wait times on the MVC website.

Documents you need to bring

You must bring one form of primary identification and one form of secondary identification. A primary ID is a valid passport, birth certificate, or government-issued ID from another state or country. A secondary ID is a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return.

You also need proof that you live in New Jersey. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Bring the original document, not a photocopy.

Have your Social Security number memorized or written down. The MVC will ask for it during the process process.

Mailing in your replacement request

If you cannot visit an MVC office, you can mail in a replacement request. read the process for New Jersey Driver License or Permit (form BA-298) from the MVC website, fill it out completely, and mail it with copies of your ID documents and proof of residency to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the MVC receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license or any confirmation that your process arrived. Your new license will come by mail when it is ready. Do not drive during this time.

Mail your request to the Motor Vehicle Commission, Document Examination Section, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08625. Use certified mail or a tracked service if you want proof of delivery, though it is not required.

If your license was stolen

A stolen license is replaced the same way as a lost one — you follow the process above with the same documents and fees. However, you may want to file a police report first. A report creates an official record that your license was stolen rather than lost, which can protect you if someone tries to use your license number for fraud.

You do not need a police report to get your replacement license, but having one on file is a good precaution. Contact your local police department's non-emergency line to file a report. They will give you a report number, which you can keep for your records.

What happens after you submit your request

If you applied in person, your new license is ready when ready. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is being produced. You can drive on this temporary license.

If you mailed in your request, your new license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. There is no temporary license issued for mail-in requests, so you cannot drive during the waiting period. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you will have to return to an MVC office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?

Only if you applied in person and received a temporary paper license. If you mailed in your request, you cannot drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before then, you must go to an MVC office in person to get a temporary license.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use a government-issued ID from another state, a military ID, or a tribal ID as your primary identification. If you do not have any of these, contact your local MVC office to ask what other documents they will accept. Some offices can work with you on a case-by-case basis.

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

No, a police report is not required to get a replacement license. However, filing one creates an official record that protects you if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. You can file a report with your local police department's non-emergency line.

How much does a replacement license cost?

An in-person replacement costs $24.50 and you receive your license the same day. A mail-in replacement costs $26 and takes two to three weeks. Both fees are paid at the time of request.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You must replace it through New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission, either in person at an MVC office or by mail. If you are far from New Jersey, the mail-in option is your best choice. You cannot get a replacement from another state's DMV.