Where to report your address change in New Jersey

New Jersey requires you to notify the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) within 60 days of moving to a new address. You can report the change in three ways: online through the MVC website, by mail, or in person at an MVC office. The online method is fastest and requires no documents — you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, then enter your new address. The MVC will mail you an updated license within 7 to 10 business days.

If you choose to report by mail, send a signed letter with your name, driver's license number, old address, and new address to the MVC address listed on their website. Include a copy of a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Mail processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.

In-person visits are an option if you prefer to handle it when ready, though you will need to visit during MVC office hours and may encounter wait times. Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. The MVC will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent updated license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 days.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 60 days from your move date to report your address change to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
  • The online method is the fastest route — no documents needed, and your updated license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
  • By mail, you must include a document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days, and processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • In-person visits at an MVC office let you get a temporary paper license when ready, with your permanent license mailed later.
  • Missing the 60-day window does not cancel your license, but driving with an outdated address on file can complicate traffic stops and vehicle registration.

What documents you need for each method

The online method requires nothing beyond your driver's license number and date of birth. You will log into your MVC account on the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website and update your address directly in the system.

For mail, you need two things: a signed letter stating your name, driver's license number, old address, and new address, plus one document proving your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days. Make copies — send the copies, not originals.

For in-person visits, bring your current driver's license and one of the same proof-of-address documents listed above. You do not need to bring the signed letter; the MVC staff will complete the paperwork for you. If you do not have a document showing your new address yet, call the MVC ahead of time to ask what alternatives they accept — some offices will take a signed statement from a landlord or utility company representative.

How the online address change process works step by step

Go to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on the link for address change or license information updates. You will be asked to log in using your driver's license number and date of birth. If you do not have an online account yet, you will create one at this step — the system will send a verification code to the email address you provide.

Once logged in, select "Update Address" or "Change Address" from the menu. Enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Double-check the address for spelling and accuracy — the MVC will mail your updated license to this address. Review the information on the confirmation screen, then submit. The system will show you a confirmation number; save or print this for your records.

Your updated driver's license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your old license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, contact the MVC with your confirmation number and they will investigate.

Reporting your address change by mail

Write a letter on plain paper that includes your full name, driver's license number, old address, and new address. Sign the letter and date it. On the same page or attached, include a copy of one document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or recent bank statement all work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address.

Mail both the letter and the copy of your proof-of-address document to the address listed on the MVC website for address changes. Do not send originals; send copies only. Include your driver's license number in the address line if possible, so the MVC can match the mail to your record quickly. Mail typically takes 3 to 5 business days to reach the MVC, and processing takes another 1 to 2 weeks after arrival.

You will not receive a confirmation that the MVC received your letter. If you want proof of mailing, use certified mail with return receipt. Your updated license will arrive by regular mail within 2 to 3 weeks of the MVC receiving your letter. If you do not receive it within that timeframe, contact the MVC with your old address and driver's license number.

What happens if you miss the 60-day important date

Missing the 60-day window does not automatically cancel your driver's license or make it invalid. Your license remains legal to use. However, driving with an outdated address on file creates practical problems: a police officer who pulls you over may question why your license does not match your current residence, and you may face delays if you need to renew your registration or handle other vehicle-related transactions.

If you have already missed the important date, report your address change as soon as you can using any of the three methods above. The MVC does not penalize late reports. Your updated license will be processed the same way as if you had reported within 60 days.

Updating your address when renewing your license

If your driver's license is expiring soon, you can update your address at the same time you renew. New Jersey allows you to renew online if your license is not suspended and you do not need a new photo. During the online renewal process, you will be prompted to confirm or update your address. This is the most efficient approach if both your renewal and address change are due around the same time.

If you renew in person at an MVC office, bring your current license and one proof-of-address document. The staff will update your address as part of the renewal transaction, and you will receive a new license with your current address printed on it. You will not need to report the address change separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address on my vehicle registration too?

Yes. Your vehicle registration is separate from your driver's license. You must update your registration address with the MVC as well. You can do this online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as your license address change. Some people update both at once by visiting an MVC office in person.

What if I moved but do not have a document showing my new address yet?

Call the MVC before you visit or mail your request. Some offices will accept a signed statement from your landlord, a utility company representative, or a notary confirming your new address. A few offices may also accept a lease agreement that has not yet been dated by the utility company. Calling ahead prevents a wasted trip or rejected mail.

Can I update my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes. You can report an address change even if your license is suspended or revoked. The MVC needs your current address on file for legal notices and correspondence. Use the mail or in-person method rather than online, since online services may be restricted for suspended licenses.

How long does it take to get my updated license if I go in person?

You will receive a temporary paper license when ready when you visit an MVC office. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification. Your permanent updated license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

What if I moved out of state — do I still need to notify the MVC?

If you moved out of New Jersey permanently, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead of updating your New Jersey address. However, if you are moving temporarily or keeping a New Jersey address for mail, report the change to the MVC. Contact the MVC directly if you are unsure whether to update or switch licenses.