Change your address online, by mail, or in person at the MVC
You can change your address on your New Jersey driver license through the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) in three ways: online through the MVC website, by mail with a form, or in person at an MVC office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a new address to start. The MVC updates your address in their system within one business day when you use the online portal.
New Jersey requires you to report an address change within 60 days of moving. Driving with an outdated address on your license is not illegal, but it can cause problems if you're stopped by police or need to renew your license. Your registration and insurance should also match your current address, so updating your license keeps everything aligned.
Key Takeaways
- The MVC online portal at nj.gov/mvc is the fastest way to change your address and takes about five minutes.
- You need your driver license number, Social Security number, and new address to update online.
- If you prefer mail or in-person service, you'll need to submit form BA-298 along with proof of your new address.
- Address changes are free and do not require a new photo or renewal fee.
- The MVC processes online changes within one business day; mail takes two to three weeks.
Update your address online through the MVC website
Go to nj.gov/mvc and look for the "Change Address" option under the "Online Services" section. You will be asked to log in or create an account. Have your driver license number and Social Security number ready. Enter your new address exactly as it appears on mail or documents you receive at that location, including apartment or unit numbers if applicable.
After you submit the form, the MVC will send you a confirmation email. Your address updates in their system within one business day. You do not need to carry any paperwork or visit an office. Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it, but the MVC's records will reflect the new one when ready.
Mail a form and proof of address to the MVC
read or request form BA-298 (Address Change process) from the MVC website or call 609-292-6500. Fill out the form with your current license number, name, and new address. You must include one document that proves you live at the new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address.
Mail the completed form and proof document to: Motor Vehicle Commission, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08625. Do not send your physical license. The MVC will process your request in two to three weeks and send you a confirmation letter. Keep that letter as proof of your address change until your next license renewal.
Visit an MVC office in person
You can change your address at any MVC office without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your current driver license and one document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days). The staff member will update your address on the spot, and you'll receive a confirmation receipt.
MVC offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some locations open until 7 p.m. on certain weekdays. Find your nearest office and current hours at nj.gov/mvc. Arriving early in the day or mid-week typically means shorter waits than late afternoon or Friday.
What documents count 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. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and bank or credit card statements also work. Some people use a letter from their employer or a government agency, as long as it includes the new address and is recent.
Do not use a post office change-of-address form or a forwarding notice. The MVC needs a document from a third party that confirms you live at that address. If you're moving into a new home and don't yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord or property manager will work instead.
Update your vehicle registration and insurance at the same time
Changing your driver license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration or insurance. Contact your insurance company and provide your new address so your policy reflects the correct location. You can usually do this by phone, online, or through your agent in minutes.
Your vehicle registration will update when you renew it or when you register a new vehicle. If you want to update it sooner, you can submit form BA-49 (process for Registration) to the MVC with your new address. Most people wait until their registration renewal, since the address change on your license is sufficient for most purposes.
What happens if you move and don't update your address
Your license remains valid even if your address is outdated. However, if you're stopped by police, they may question why your address doesn't match where you're driving. More practically, renewal notices will go to your old address, and you might miss them and accidentally let your license expire.
If you're involved in an accident or receive a traffic ticket, having an outdated address can delay notifications or cause confusion with insurance claims. For these reasons, the MVC recommends updating within 60 days of moving, even though it's not a legal requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?
No. Address changes are free through all three methods: online, mail, or in person. You will not be charged, and you do not need to renew your license or pay any renewal fee.
Will I get a new license card with my new address?
No. Your physical license card will continue to show your old address until you renew your license. The MVC's records update when ready, but the card itself does not change. When you renew your license (typically every four years), you'll receive a new card with your current address.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online process takes about five minutes to complete. The MVC updates their system within one business day. You'll receive a confirmation email, and your address change is official even though your physical card hasn't changed.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. You can change your address on an expired license through the online portal or by mail. If you visit an MVC office in person, they may ask you to renew your license at the same time, which involves a fee and a new photo.
What if I'm moving out of state?
If you're moving permanently out of New Jersey, you should obtain a driver license from your new state rather than updating your NJ address. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department for their requirements. You can keep your NJ license as a second ID if you wish, but your primary license should be from the state where you live.