How to change your address on a New Jersey driver's license

You can change your address on your New Jersey driver's license in person at any Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office, by mail, or online through the MVC website if you have a REAL ID-compliant license. The online method is fastest — you submit your new address, pay a $5 fee, and receive an updated license by mail within two to three weeks. If you do not have REAL ID or prefer not to use the online system, you can visit an MVC office with your current license and proof of your new address, or mail in a form with supporting documents.

The method you choose depends on whether you need the updated license quickly, whether you want to leave your house, and what documents you have on hand. Most people find the online route simplest if their license already meets REAL ID standards.

Key Takeaways

  • The New Jersey MVC allows address changes online, by mail, or in person at any MVC office.
  • Online changes cost $5, take two to three weeks, and work only if your license is REAL ID-compliant.
  • In-person changes at an MVC office require your current license and one document proving your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Mail-in changes require Form BA-298 and proof of address but take four to six weeks and may require a follow-up visit if documents are unclear.

Changing your address online through the MVC website

The online method works only if your New Jersey driver's license displays a gold or silver star in the upper right corner, which indicates REAL ID compliance. Go to the MVC website, select "Change Address Online," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will enter your new address, review it for accuracy, and pay the $5 fee by debit or credit card. The MVC will mail your updated license to the new address you provided.

This process takes about 10 minutes and avoids a trip to an MVC office. Your new license should arrive within two to three weeks. If your current license does not have the star, you will need to use the in-person or mail-in method instead.

Changing your address in person at an MVC office

Visit any MVC office with your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original or a certified copy — photocopies alone are usually not accepted.

Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will update your record on the spot and issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. The permanent license typically arrives within two to three weeks. There is no fee for an address change at an MVC office.

MVC offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter lines. You can check wait times on the MVC website before you go.

Changing your address by mail

read or request Form BA-298 (process for Duplicate License or Permit) from the MVC website or by calling the MVC at 609-292-6500. Complete the form with your current license number, new address, and signature. Include one document proving your new address — the same documents accepted in person work by mail, including utility bills, leases, and bank statements dated within 60 days.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the address listed on the MVC website. Do not send your current license unless the form specifically instructs you to do so. Processing takes four to six weeks. The MVC will mail your updated license to your new address.

If the MVC cannot read your documents or has questions about your submission, they will contact you by mail. This can delay processing by another two to four weeks. Keep copies of everything you mail in case you need to resubmit.

What counts as proof of your new address

The MVC accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works if it is recent and shows your name and address clearly. Bank statements, credit card statements, and property tax bills are also acceptable.

The document must be an original or certified copy. A photocopy of a utility bill or lease is usually rejected. If you just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, you can sometimes use a letter from your landlord or a recent lease signed by both you and the landlord, though policies vary by MVC office. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your document will be accepted.

Timing and what to expect after you submit

Online changes are the fastest route: two to three weeks from submission to delivery. In-person changes at an MVC office are when ready for the temporary paper license, with the permanent license arriving in two to three weeks. Mail-in changes take four to six weeks, and longer if the MVC needs to contact you about your documents.

During the waiting period, your old address remains on file with the MVC. If you need to renew your license or obtain a new one before the address change is processed, the MVC will use your updated address. Your temporary paper license (issued in person) is valid for driving and identification during the waiting period.

Changing your address if you do not have REAL ID

If your license does not have a star in the upper right corner, you cannot use the online method. You must change your address in person at an MVC office or by mail. An in-person visit is usually faster and simpler — you walk out with a temporary license the same day and avoid the risk of mail delays or document rejection.

If you want to upgrade to REAL ID at the same time you change your address, you can do that in person. Bring your current license, proof of address, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a birth certificate or passport). The fee for a REAL ID license is $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, in addition to any address-change fee if applicable. However, an address change alone has no fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No appointment is required for an address change. You can walk in during business hours. However, some MVC offices allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time. Check the MVC website for your nearest office to see if reservations are available.

What if I moved out of state but still have a New Jersey license?

You can change your address to an out-of-state address online, by mail, or in person if you are visiting New Jersey. The process is the same. However, if you now live permanently in another state, you should consider obtaining a driver's license from that state, as most states require you to get a local license within a certain period after moving.

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

Yes. An address change is separate from the status of your license. You can update your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. However, you cannot drive legally until the suspension or revocation is lifted.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

The temporary paper license issued in person at an MVC office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail before that expires. If it does not, contact the MVC to check the status.

What if I move again before my new license arrives?

Contact the MVC as soon as possible. If your new license has not been mailed yet, they may be able to update the mailing address. If it has already been mailed, it may be returned to the MVC as undeliverable. Call 609-292-6500 to report the change and ask what to do next.