How does one go about getting a replacement?

Here's what I did yesterday. I have a new hard copy enroute to my house for free. Technically I didn't need a replacement, I just wanted to get into the system and see if I could get an updated copy.

Go here:
https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do
Register and you will generate an FRN (FCC Registration Number)

Then I called 877-480-3201
Told them I still had my RRTOP originally issued in 1997. Asked if I could make a change of address and get a new one issued to that address. From what I understand, the normal delivery method is via .pdf attached to an email. However, you can update your delivery method and ask to have it mailed to you (which I did)

She found my newly recreated FRN and got my old RRTOP entered into their system. That generated an email which arrived with my new license callsign and also had specific instructions to associated my license with my new FRN. It has you fill in your new callsign and associate that with your license as well.

Once I did that, I was able to update my profile with my current address. After that, there is another page which requires you to certify the information is correct, sign online by filling your name in and submit. This generated an update and delivery of a new RRTOP at no charge.

Cost is $70 now lol

For interview purposes, does one need what I assume the FCC delivers by mail in the form of a plastic card (like your FAA pilot licenses) or does the PDF printout that says”official” across it suffice? I paid nothing to get the PDF with “official” written across it and just saved it straight off the FCC site.
What should be a simple process seems to have an even split of guys paying $60-70 and others paying $0.

I would think if the pdf is issued as a legal license that would suffice for flight operations, and thus for an interview.

Advantage of a plastic card is it might still be legible 20+ years from now, but you could always save and reprint the pdf occasionally.

If you're expecting them to send you a plastic card, I think you're going to be disappointed.

Unless they’ve changed, I printed mine at home. The top part was my certificate, the bottom part was the actual card. Cut the card off, fold it and have it laminated and it’ll last a long time.

It will cost you about $70. If you lose it you can reprint it for free. There is no plastic card that I know of.

I just tried this multiple times today and it doesn't quite work the same anymore. Basically after you select online application it takes you to the FCC Fee Filer page, which is a dead end. What I ultimately did was just type "Apply for a new license," in the search bar. At that point, I was able to easily navigate my way through the menus to apply for the RR permit. Make sure you select RR during the drop down when it asks you what type of license you are requesting. After that, it's very easy.

Thank you for posting this and verifying that I wasn't going crazy and that it is indeed now a dead-end. I did as you suggested and was apply to successfully apply. Again, thanks!