Where to change your address and what you'll need

You can change your address on your New Jersey driver's license at any Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office in the state, or online through the MVC website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster — it takes about 10 minutes — but it only works if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and you are not changing your address because of a court order.

If you go in person, bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address means a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. You do not need to bring anything else.

There is no fee to change your address. The MVC will issue you a new license with the updated address, and you will receive it by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online through the MVC website in about 10 minutes if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name.
  • At an MVC office, bring your current license and a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your new address.
  • There is no charge to update your address, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you changed your address because of a court order, you must go to an MVC office in person and bring the court document.

Changing your address online through the MVC website

Go to nj.gov/mvc and log in with your New Jersey online account credentials. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one — this takes a few minutes and requires your Social Security number, driver's license number, and date of birth.

Once logged in, select "Change Address" from the menu. Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of address document. Review the information for accuracy, then submit. The MVC will send you a confirmation email, and your new license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days.

If the online option does not work for you — for example, if your license is expired or you changed your name — you will see a message telling you to visit an MVC office instead. Do not try to work around this; the system will not process the request.

Changing your address in person at an MVC office

Find your nearest MVC office on the nj.gov/mvc website and check its hours before you go. Some offices take walk-ins, but many now require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Booking ahead usually means a shorter wait.

Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. The document must show both your name and your new address. A utility bill in your name works best; if you are new to the address and the utility is not yet in your name, a lease or mortgage statement is acceptable. A bank or credit card statement also works.

Tell the MVC representative that you are changing your address. Hand over your license and proof of address. They will process the change on the spot, and you will leave with a receipt. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, your old license is still valid for identification purposes.

What happens if your address changed because of a court order

If you changed your address because of a protective order, restraining order, or other court order, you must go to an MVC office in person. You cannot do this online. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (dated within the last 60 days), and the court document itself or a certified copy of it.

Tell the representative that your address change is related to a court order and hand over all three documents. The MVC will process this differently than a routine address change — the court document goes into your file, and the MVC may flag your record so that your new address is not visible to the public through routine license lookups. This process takes the same 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive.

If you are moving out of state or your license is expired

If your New Jersey driver's license is expired, you cannot change your address online. You must go to an MVC office in person and renew your license at the same time. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate. You will pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on how long your license has been expired.

If you are moving out of New Jersey, you do not need to update your New Jersey license. Once you move, you should get a driver's license from your new state. Your New Jersey license will remain valid for identification in New Jersey, but your new state's license is what you will need to drive there.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new license after I change my address?

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, your old license is still valid. If you need to drive before the new one comes, you can use the old license with a receipt showing you changed your address.

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

Yes, you can change your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change does not affect the suspension or revocation status. Go to an MVC office in person with your license and proof of address.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

A bank statement, credit card statement, mortgage statement, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address will work. If none of these are available, contact your local MVC office to ask what other documents they accept.

Do I need an appointment to change my address at an MVC office?

Many MVC offices now require appointments, though some still take walk-ins. Check the nj.gov/mvc website for your nearest office to see whether it takes appointments or walk-ins, and book ahead if possible to avoid a long wait.