Get a replacement New Jersey driver license through the Motor Vehicle Commission

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged New Jersey driver license by visiting a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office in person, or by mail if your license was only damaged and you still have it. The MVC will issue you a new license with the same number and expiration date as your original — you do not start over. The process takes about 15 minutes at an office, or two to three weeks by mail.

You will need to bring proof of identity and proof of New Jersey residency. A passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver license counts as identity proof. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. If your license was stolen, you should also file a police report, though the MVC does not require it to issue a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any Motor Vehicle Commission office with your identity document and proof of address to replace your license in one visit.
  • If your license is only damaged and you still have it, you can mail it to the MVC with a completed form to avoid a trip to an office.
  • Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original license.
  • The fee for a replacement license is $24.50 if you are under 62, or $12.25 if you are 62 or older.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report so you have documentation, though it is not required by the MVC.

Replacing your license in person at an MVC office

Walk into any Motor Vehicle Commission office during business hours with your identity document and proof of residency. Tell the clerk you need a replacement license. You will fill out form BA-298, which takes a few minutes. The MVC will take a new photo and issue your replacement on the spot.

MVC offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment for a replacement license — it is a walk-in service. Bring cash or a debit card; not all offices accept credit cards. The fee is $24.50 for drivers under 62, or $12.25 for drivers 62 and older.

Find the office nearest you on the MVC website at nj.gov/mvc. The site lists all locations, hours, and which offices have Saturday service. If you live near the Pennsylvania or New York border, you may find an out-of-state office faster, but you must use a New Jersey MVC office to get a New Jersey license.

Mailing in a damaged license

If your license is damaged but you still have it, you can mail it to the MVC instead of visiting an office. Complete form BA-298 and include your damaged license, a copy of your identity document, and a copy of your proof of residency. Mail everything to the Motor Vehicle Commission, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08625.

Include a check or money order for $24.50 (or $12.25 if you are 62 or older) made out to "State of New Jersey." Do not send cash. Your replacement license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. This option only works if you have the damaged license in your possession — if it is lost or stolen, you must visit an office.

What counts as proof of identity

The MVC accepts a U.S. passport, military ID, passport card, or an out-of-state driver license as proof of identity. Your document must not be expired. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a longer list: a birth certificate, Social Security card, school ID, employee ID, or a document showing your name and date of birth.

Your identity document does not have to show your current address — that is what the proof of residency is for. If your passport or military ID is expired, it still counts as long as the expiration was recent. Bring the original document; photocopies are not accepted.

What counts as proof of residency

Bring a document dated within the last 12 months that shows your name and current New Jersey address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement all work. Insurance documents, including auto and home insurance, also count. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy is not accepted.

If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new name at your new address, bring a lease or purchase agreement for your new home plus a utility bill or bank statement from your old address. The MVC will accept this combination as proof that you have moved.

If your license was stolen

File a police report with your local police department or the New Jersey State Police. You do not need the report to get your replacement license from the MVC, but having one on file protects you if someone uses your stolen license number for fraud. Keep a copy of the report for your records.

When you visit the MVC to get your replacement, mention that your license was stolen. The MVC does not take additional steps based on this information, but it is good to note in case there are later questions about the old license. Your replacement will have the same license number as the stolen one, so the old license becomes invalid once you receive the new one.

Replacing a license that expired while lost or stolen

If your license expired while it was lost or stolen, you will need to renew it rather than straightforward replace it. This means you will get a new license number and a new expiration date, and the process takes longer. You will need to pass the written test and the road test again, just as if you were getting your first license.

Contact the MVC to find out whether your license is considered expired. If it expired fewer than five years ago, you may be able to renew without retesting — ask when you call. If it has been more than five years, you will definitely need to test. The MVC phone line is 609-292-6500.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I report it stolen?

Yes. Visit an MVC office with your identity document and proof of residency, and you will receive your replacement in about 15 minutes. You do not have to file a police report first, though you should file one afterward for your own protection.

What if I do not have my original license number?

The MVC can look up your license number using your name, date of birth, and address. Bring your identity document and proof of residency to any office, and the clerk will find your number in the system before issuing your replacement.

Will my replacement license have a different number?

No. Your replacement license will have the same number as your original license. The only time you get a new number is if your license has expired and you need to renew it rather than replace it.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

If you mail in your damaged license, your replacement will be sent to the address on file. If you visit an office, you must be present to have your photo taken. You cannot authorize someone else to get your replacement license for you.

What if I lost my license and do not have proof of residency at my current address?

Bring any document showing your current address, even if it is not in your name — a lease, utility bill, or bank statement addressed to a household member at your address will work. If you have nothing at your current address, bring a recent document from your previous address plus a lease or purchase agreement for your current home.