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

What to do if your New Jersey driver's license is lost or stolen

If your New Jersey driver's license is lost or stolen, you need to report it and get a replacement. The process depends on whether you lost it within the state or out of state, and whether you want to replace it in person or by mail. New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) handles all replacements, and you can start the process online, by phone, or in person at an MVC office.

The fastest route is usually an in-person visit to an MVC office, where you can walk out with a temporary license the same day. If you cannot get to an office right away, you can request a replacement by mail, though it will take longer. Either way, you will need to bring specific documents and pay a replacement fee.

Key Takeaways

Report a lost or stolen license to the MVC by phone at 609-292-6500, online through the MVC website, or in person at any MVC office.
In-person replacement at an MVC office takes about 30 minutes and gives you a temporary license on the spot; a permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
By-mail replacement takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to submit a completed form, proof of identity, and proof of New Jersey residency.
The replacement fee is $24.50 for a standard license or $29.50 for a Real ID-compliant license, payable by cash, check, or card at an MVC office.
If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report for your records, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Replacing your license in person at an MVC office

Going to an MVC office is the fastest way to replace a lost license. You will need to bring a completed process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card (form BA-298), a valid form of identification (such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card), and proof of New Jersey residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). The MVC office will issue you a temporary license on paper that day, valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent replacement to arrive by mail.

To find an MVC office near you, visit the MVC website and use the office locator tool. Many offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some allow you to reserve a time slot online. Bring all required documents with you; if anything is missing, the office will turn you away and you will have to return another day. Processing usually takes 20 to 30 minutes once you are called.

Your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving during that time. Keep the temporary license with you until the permanent one arrives, because it is your only proof of a valid license.

Replacing your license by mail

If you cannot visit an MVC office, you can request a replacement by mail. read and complete form BA-298 from the MVC website, then mail it along with a copy of a valid form of identification and a copy of proof of New Jersey residency to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $24.50 (standard license) or $29.50 (Real ID license) made payable to "New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission."

Mail replacement takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the MVC receives your packet. You will not receive a temporary license, so you cannot legally drive during this period. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you will have to visit an MVC office in person instead. Do not send cash through the mail; use a check or money order only.

Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. If your packet does not arrive or gets lost, you will have no proof of what you submitted. Send your process via certified mail if you want a receipt showing the MVC received it.

What documents you need to bring or send

The MVC requires specific documents no matter which replacement route you choose. You must have a valid form of identification—this can be a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, Social Security card, military ID, or certain other government-issued documents. You also need proof of New Jersey residency, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or property tax bill. Both documents must show your current name and address.

If your name has changed since your original license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without this, the MVC cannot issue a license in your new name.

For in-person visits, bring the originals of these documents. For mail-in requests, send clear photocopies. Do not send original documents by mail unless the MVC specifically asks you to; originals can be lost in transit.

The replacement fee and payment methods

A standard New Jersey driver's license replacement costs $24.50. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (which meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access), the fee is $29.50. These fees are set by the state and do not vary.

At an MVC office, you can pay by cash, check, or debit or credit card. If you are mailing your request, send a check or money order only; do not send cash. Make the check or money order payable to "New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission." Include your driver's license number or date of birth on the check so the MVC can match it to your process.

If your license was stolen or used fraudulently

If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, you may want to file a police report. This creates an official record in case someone tries to use your license for fraud or identity theft. However, a police report is not required to get a replacement from the MVC. You can report the theft to local police and still proceed with the replacement process at the same time.

If you suspect your license has been used fraudulently—for example, if you see charges or accounts you did not open—contact the police non-emergency line and file a report. Keep a copy of the report number for your records. You should also monitor your credit report through the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) for any suspicious activity.

Getting a temporary license while you wait

A temporary license is only issued when you replace your license in person at an MVC office. The temporary is printed on paper and is valid for 30 days. It serves as proof of a valid license while you wait for your permanent replacement to arrive by mail. You must carry the temporary with you when driving; it is not valid without it.

If you are replacing by mail, you will not receive a temporary license, and you cannot legally drive until your permanent replacement arrives. This is one of the main reasons people choose to replace in person instead. If you need to drive before a mail-in replacement arrives, you will have to make a trip to an MVC office to get the temporary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?

The MVC typically processes mail-in requests within 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive your packet. This does not include the time it takes for your process to travel through the mail. Send your process via certified mail if you want proof of delivery. During busy periods, processing may take longer.

Can I drive with a temporary license?

Yes, a temporary license issued in person at an MVC office is valid for driving for 30 days. You must carry it with you at all times while driving. If you received a temporary, you are legally allowed to drive until your permanent replacement arrives or until the temporary expires, whichever comes first.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still request a replacement from New Jersey by mail or by visiting an MVC office when you return to the state. You do not need to be in New Jersey to start the process; you can mail in your process from anywhere. If you need to drive before returning to New Jersey, contact the motor vehicle agency in the state where you are located to see if they can issue a temporary permit.

Do I need a police report to get a replacement?

No, a police report is not required by the MVC to issue a replacement license. You can get a replacement whether your license was lost or stolen. However, if your license was stolen, filing a police report creates an official record and can help protect you if someone tries to use it fraudulently.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with errors?

Contact the MVC when ready if your replacement has errors (wrong name, address, or license number) or arrives damaged. You can call 609-292-6500 or visit an MVC office with your damaged or incorrect license. The MVC will issue a corrected replacement at no additional charge if the error was their mistake.

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.