You can change your address at the Motor Vehicle Commission office, by mail, or online through the MVC website — the fastest route depends on whether you need the card itself right away.
New Jersey allows you to update your driver's license address without getting a new photo taken, which means you do not have to pay a replacement fee. The address change itself is free. You have three ways to do it: in person at an MVC office, by mail using Form BA-298, or online through the MVC portal if you have a valid email address on file.
The online method is the quickest if your address is already in the system — you can submit the change in minutes and receive confirmation by email. The in-person route takes longer because of wait times at offices, but you walk out with proof the same day. Mail takes the longest, usually two to three weeks, because the MVC has to process your form and mail back a new card.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your address online through the MVC website, by mail with Form BA-298, or in person at any Motor Vehicle Commission office.
- Changing your address does not require a new photo or a replacement fee — you keep your current license number and expiration date.
- Online changes are processed fastest and you receive email confirmation, but you must have a valid email address already registered with the MVC.
- If you change your address in person, bring your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
- A new card with your updated address arrives by mail within two to three weeks of any change method.
Changing your address online through the MVC website
Go to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website and select the option to update your driver's license information. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current record and ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving history.
Once you pass the identity check, you enter your new address and review it for accuracy before submitting. The MVC sends a confirmation email to the address on file, and your new card is mailed to your new address within two to three weeks. You do not need to visit an office or mail anything in — the entire process happens on your computer or phone.
The online method works only if you already have an email address registered with the MVC. If you do not, you can add one during the update process, or you can use the in-person or mail methods instead.
Changing your address in person at an MVC office
Visit any Motor Vehicle Commission office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address. You do not need to bring your Social Security card or passport.
Tell the staff member at the counter that you want to update your address. They will scan your license, enter the new address into the system, and print a receipt showing the change has been recorded. You walk out with proof the same day, though your physical card arrives by mail in two to three weeks. There is no fee for this service.
Wait times at MVC offices vary widely by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded on weekday mornings and more crowded on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. You can check the MVC website for the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.
Changing your address by mail with Form BA-298
read Form BA-298 (Address Change Request) from the MVC website or request it by calling the MVC at 609-292-6500. Fill out the form with your current license number, date of birth, and new address. You do not need to include a copy of your license or proof of address — the form itself is enough.
Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form, which is the MVC's central processing office in Trenton. Processing takes two to three weeks after the MVC receives it, and your new card is mailed to your new address. There is no fee. Keep a copy of the form for your records in case you need to follow up.
This method is useful if you cannot visit an office or prefer not to use the online system, but it is the slowest option because of mail delivery time in both directions.
What happens to your license number and expiration date
Your driver's license number stays the same when you change your address. Your expiration date also does not change — you do not have to renew your license early. The only thing that changes is the address printed on the card itself.
The new card you receive by mail will have your updated address, your same license number, and your same expiration date. If your license expires soon, you can still change your address now and renew your license later when it is actually due, or you can do both at the same time if you prefer.
Proof of address documents the MVC accepts
If you are changing your address in person, bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. The MVC accepts utility bills (electric, gas, water, or phone), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, bank or credit card statements, insurance policies, and government mail such as tax forms or voter registration cards.
The document must be an original or a copy — a photo of the document on your phone is not accepted. If the document is in a different name (for example, a spouse's name on a utility bill), bring a second document showing that you live at that address, such as a lease in your name or a bank statement.
If you moved out of state or to a new county
The address change process is the same whether you moved across town or across the state. You update your New Jersey address through the same online, mail, or in-person methods. Your license remains valid as long as you are a New Jersey resident and your license has not expired.
If you move out of New Jersey permanently, you should get a driver's license in your new state instead of keeping your New Jersey license. Each state has its own rules about how long you can keep an out-of-state license before you are required to switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a new photo when I change my address?
No. Address changes do not require a new photo. You keep your current license with the same photo, number, and expiration date. Only the address on the card changes.
How long does it take to receive my new card in the mail?
Most new cards arrive within two to three weeks of your address change, regardless of whether you made the change online, in person, or by mail. If more than three weeks pass, you can call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to check the status.
Can I use my old license with the wrong address while I wait for the new card?
Yes. Your old license remains valid until it expires, even though the address is outdated. The MVC has your new address on file, so there is no problem using the old card while the new one is in the mail.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?
Bring any document from the list above dated within the last 60 days — a bank statement, insurance policy, property tax bill, or government mail all work. If you cannot find any document in your name, ask a family member or landlord for one in their name plus a second document showing you live there.
Can I change my address online if I do not have an email address registered?
You can add an email address to your MVC account during the online update process, or you can visit an office in person or mail Form BA-298 instead. The online method requires an email so the MVC can send you confirmation.