You can change your address on your New Jersey driver's license through the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) in person, by mail, or online
New Jersey requires you to notify the Motor Vehicle Commission of an address change within 60 days of moving. The MVC offers three ways to update your address: online through its website, by mail using a form, or in person at an MVC office. The fastest route is online if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. If your license is expired or you need to renew it anyway, you can combine the address change with renewal in the same transaction.
The address you provide becomes official once the MVC processes it. Your new license or confirmation will be mailed to the address you submit, so make sure it is correct before you finish. If you move again before receiving your updated license, you can request that the MVC mail it to a different address by contacting the office directly.
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey law requires you to report an address change within 60 days of moving, or you risk a fine.
- Online address changes take a few minutes and cost nothing if your license is current and you have not changed your name.
- If your license is expired or expiring soon, renewing it at the same time may be faster than updating the address separately.
- Mail and in-person updates require different forms and take longer, but work if you cannot use the online system.
Changing your address online through the MVC website
The MVC's online address change system is the quickest option if your license is valid and your name has not changed. Go to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website, select "Change Address," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will enter your new address, review it for accuracy, and submit. The system will confirm the change when ready and tell you when to expect your updated license in the mail.
Online changes are free and do not require any documents. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need proof of your new address before the license arrives, the MVC can issue a temporary address confirmation letter that you can print or pick up at an office.
The online system will not work if your license has expired, if you have changed your name, or if your license was suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must use mail or visit an MVC office in person.
Updating your address by mail
To change your address by mail, read and print the "Address Change" form from the MVC website, or request one by calling the MVC at 609-292-6500. Fill in your current license number, new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form along with a copy of a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.
Mail processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. Your updated license will be sent to the new address you provided. Keep a copy of what you mailed for your records in case there is a delay or error. If you do not receive your updated license within 8 weeks, contact the MVC to check the status.
Changing your address in person at an MVC office
You can walk into any MVC office and request an address change. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address — the same documents accepted by mail work here. The staff will update your address on the spot, and you can choose to receive your new license by mail or pick it up at the office if you pay an expedited fee.
In-person visits require you to take time off work or rearrange your schedule, and MVC offices often have long wait times. However, if you need your updated license quickly or want to handle multiple transactions at once (such as renewing your license and changing your address together), visiting an office may be worth the wait. Check the MVC website for office hours and locations near you.
What documents prove your new address
The MVC accepts any of these documents as proof of your new address: a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government letter addressed to you at the new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and the address you are claiming.
If you do not have any of these documents yet, ask your utility company, landlord, or bank for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address. Some will provide this free of charge. You cannot use a post office change-of-address confirmation or a letter from a friend or family member as proof.
The 60-day important date and what happens if you miss it
New Jersey law requires you to report your address change within 60 days of moving. If you do not update your address by that important date, you can still do so, but you may face a fine of up to $25 for failing to notify the MVC on time. The fine is not automatic — it is issued only if you are stopped by police or if the MVC discovers the discrepancy during a transaction.
Keeping your address current also matters for other reasons. If you receive a traffic ticket or court notice at your old address and do not know about it, missing a court date can result in additional penalties. Insurance companies may also deny claims if they discover your address on file does not match where you actually live.
Renewing your license at the same time as changing your address
If your license is expiring within the next six months, you can renew it and change your address in one transaction. Online renewal with an address change takes the same time as an address-only change. By mail or in person, you will fill out a renewal form instead of an address-change form, but the process is similar and costs the same as a regular renewal.
Combining the two transactions saves you a trip or a second mailing. Your new license will reflect both the updated address and the extended expiration date. Check your license expiration date before deciding whether to renew now or wait — if your license is not expiring soon, a separate address change is simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I move again before my new license arrives?
Contact the MVC when ready with your second new address. Provide your driver's license number and explain that you moved again. The MVC can redirect your license to the second address or hold it for pickup at an office. Do not wait for the first license to arrive before reporting the second move.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the MVC. Once your license is reinstated, you can update your address through any of the three methods.
Do I need to change my address if I have a Real ID license?
Yes. Real ID licenses are still driver's licenses, and the same 60-day address change requirement applies. The process is identical whether your license is Real ID or standard. Your new Real ID license will arrive with the same security features as your current one.
How much does it cost to change my address?
Online and mail address changes are free. In-person changes are also free unless you request expedited pickup or expedited mail delivery, which cost extra. Standard mail delivery is included with all methods.
What if the MVC sends my updated license to the wrong address by mistake?
Call the MVC when ready at 609-292-6500 with your driver's license number. Explain the error and provide the correct address. The MVC can issue a replacement license and mail it to the right address. You may be charged a replacement fee depending on how the error occurred.