How to replace your New Jersey driver's license
You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged New Jersey driver's license through the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The fastest route is usually the MVC website if your license was straightforward damaged or you lost it but have no other issues on your record. If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police first — the MVC may ask for a police report number. The whole process takes about 10 business days by mail and is when ready if you go in person to an MVC office.
The cost is $24 for a replacement license, and you'll need to bring or submit proof of your identity and New Jersey residency. If you're replacing a license that was damaged in your possession, bring the damaged card itself. If it was lost or stolen, you'll need a different form of ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace your license online through the MVC website, by mail, or in person at any MVC office, with online being fastest for straightforward replacements.
- A replacement license costs $24 and takes about 10 business days by mail or is issued when ready if you visit an MVC office in person.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first and have that report number ready when you contact the MVC.
- You'll need to prove your identity with a passport, military ID, or state ID card if your license is lost or stolen.
- Your new license will have the same number as your old one unless you request a new number, which you can do for a fee.
Replacing your license online through the MVC website
The New Jersey MVC website lets you request a replacement license without visiting an office if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged and you have no other violations or holds on your record. Go to nj.gov/mvc, log into your account, and select the option to report your license lost or damaged. You'll answer questions about what happened and confirm your current address. The MVC will mail your new license to that address within 10 business days.
Online replacement works only if your license is still valid and you have no outstanding tickets, suspensions, or other issues. If the system tells you that you can't replace online, you'll need to visit an MVC office or mail in a form. You'll pay the $24 fee by credit or debit card during the online process.
Replacing your license by mail
You can mail a replacement request to the MVC along with a completed form and copies of your ID and proof of residency. read form BA-298 (process for Replacement Driver License/Permit) from the MVC website, fill it out completely, and include a photocopy of your identity document (passport, military ID, or state ID) and a utility bill or lease showing your current address. Mail everything to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $24 made out to "New Jersey MVC."
Mail processing takes about 10 business days from the date the MVC receives your envelope. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the MVC to return your original documents. If your license was stolen, include a copy of the police report or the report number in your letter.
Replacing your license in person at an MVC office
Walking into an MVC office with your documents is the fastest way to get a replacement license — you'll receive it the same day or within a few hours. Bring your original identity document (passport, military ID, or state ID card), proof of your current New Jersey address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and the $24 fee in cash or card. If your license was damaged, bring the damaged card itself.
MVC offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours. You can check wait times and book an appointment on the MVC website before you go. Bringing an appointment confirmation usually means a shorter wait, though walk-ins are accepted. If your license was stolen, bring a copy of the police report or write down the report number to give to the clerk.
What to do if your license was stolen
File a police report with your local police department as soon as you realize your license is stolen. You don't need to wait for the report to be filed before you start the replacement process, but having the report number speeds things up. When you replace your license online, by mail, or in person, mention that it was stolen and provide the police report number if you have it.
Some people ask the MVC to issue a new license number instead of reissuing the same number. This costs an additional fee (usually around $10 to $15, though this varies) and is optional. A new number can be useful if you're concerned about identity theft, but it's not required. You can request a new number when you submit your replacement request.
Getting a new license number instead of reusing your old one
Your replacement license normally carries the same number as your lost or stolen license. If you want a completely new number — for example, because you're worried about fraud — you can request one. This requires paying an additional fee beyond the $24 replacement cost. The exact fee varies, so call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to confirm the current amount before you submit your request.
A new number doesn't change your driving record or insurance — it's purely a new identifier on the physical card. Your insurance company and the MVC will link the old and new numbers in their systems so there's no gap in your coverage or driving history. You can request a new number online, by mail, or in person at the same time you request your replacement license.
Replacing a damaged license that you still have
If your license is damaged but you still possess it, bring the damaged card with you to an MVC office or include it with your mail-in request. Damage that qualifies for replacement includes cracks, fading, peeling, water damage, or anything that makes the card unreadable or unsafe to carry. The MVC will take the damaged card and issue a replacement with the same number at no extra cost beyond the $24 fee.
You don't need a police report for a damaged license. If you're going in person, the process is the same as any other replacement — bring your identity document, proof of address, the damaged card, and $24. If you're mailing it in, include the damaged card in the envelope with your completed form BA-298.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement license in New Jersey?
If you go to an MVC office in person, you'll receive your license the same day or within a few hours. By mail, it takes about 10 business days from the date the MVC receives your envelope. Online requests also take about 10 business days for the new license to arrive by mail.
Can I drive while I'm waiting for my replacement license?
If you go in person to an MVC office, you can drive when ready after receiving your new license. If you're waiting for a replacement by mail or online, you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives. If you need to drive before then, you can request a temporary paper license at an MVC office, though this is not standard for replacements — ask the clerk what options are available.
What if I don't have a passport or military ID to prove my identity?
A New Jersey state ID card works just as well as a passport or military ID for proving your identity. If you don't have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents like a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a document showing your current address. Call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to confirm what combination they'll accept before you visit or mail in your request.
Do I have to report my license stolen to the police before replacing it?
You don't have to file a police report to replace your license, but it's a good idea if you're concerned about fraud. If you do file a report, include the report number when you request your replacement — it helps the MVC process your request faster and creates an official record in case the stolen license is misused.
Will my insurance know about my replacement license?
Your insurance company doesn't need to be notified about a replacement license. The MVC keeps your driving record linked to both your old and new license numbers, so your insurance information stays connected automatically. You only need to contact your insurance company if your address changed or if you want to update your policy for other reasons.