How to change your address on your New Jersey driver license
You can change your address on your New Jersey driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you go in person, bring your current license, proof of your new address, and a completed process form. By mail, you send the same documents to the MVC and wait 7 to 10 business days.
New Jersey requires you to notify the MVC of an address change within a reasonable time after you move. The state does not specify an exact important date, but doing it promptly keeps your license current and ensures you receive any notices or renewal documents at the right location.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the MVC website is free and takes about 10 minutes if your license is not suspended or revoked.
- In-person visits to an MVC office require your current license, proof of your new address, and a completed process — no appointment needed but wait times vary.
- By mail, you send your documents to the MVC address processing unit and receive your updated license in 7 to 10 business days.
- Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days.
- Your license remains valid at your old address until you update it, but you should not delay if you have moved.
Changing your address online
The online method is the fastest and most convenient option. Go to the New Jersey MVC website and select "Change of Address" under the services menu. You will need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.
Enter your new address and review the information for accuracy before submitting. The system will confirm your request when ready. You do not pay a fee for an online address change. Your updated license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.
The online option is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than two years. If any of those explore, use the in-person or mail method instead.
Changing your address in person at an MVC office
Visit any Motor Vehicle Commission office with your current driver license, proof of your new address, and a completed process for Driver License or Permit (form BA-44). You can read and print the form from the MVC website before you go, or pick one up at the office. Bring the original proof of address — a photocopy is not accepted.
Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax document or court notice) dated within the last 30 days. The document must show your name and new address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count.
No appointment is required, but wait times at MVC offices vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings typically have shorter lines than afternoons or weekends. You will pay no fee for the address change. Your updated license will be issued on the spot, or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days depending on the office's processing method.
Changing your address by mail
Complete form BA-44 (process for Driver License or Permit) and mail it along with your current driver license and proof of your new address to the MVC. The address for mail-in changes is listed on the MVC website under "Mailing Addresses." Send your documents to the address processing unit, not the main office.
Use certified mail or a tracked service so you have proof of delivery. Include a note with your name, license number, and phone number in case the MVC needs to contact you. Do not send cash — there is no fee for an address change.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the MVC receives your envelope. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address. During this time, your old license remains valid. If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, contact the MVC to confirm they received your documents.
What counts as proof of your new address
The MVC accepts documents dated within the last 30 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 homeowner or renter insurance documents also work.
Government mail counts if it is dated within 30 days — examples include tax documents, court notices, or voter registration confirmations. Bank statements and credit card statements do not count. A letter from your landlord or employer does not count either, even if notarized.
If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, contact the MVC before you visit or mail your process. They may accept a lease agreement or a signed letter from your landlord as temporary proof while you wait for a utility bill to arrive.
What happens after you update your address
Your updated license will show your new address and will be mailed to that address. If you changed your address online or by mail, you will receive it in 7 to 10 business days. If you changed it in person at an office, you may receive it when ready or by mail depending on the office's process.
Your old license is no longer valid once your new one arrives. You should destroy it or return it to the MVC. Any future renewal notices, vehicle registration documents, or official correspondence from the state will be sent to your new address on file.
If you move again, you can update your address the same way — online, in person, or by mail. There is no limit to how many times you can change your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to change my address at an MVC office?
No, appointments are not required for address changes. Walk in during office hours with your current license, proof of address, and form BA-44. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so arriving early in the morning on a weekday may mean a shorter wait.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can change your address online. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew your license instead of just changing your address — visit an MVC office or use the online renewal process. An address change alone does not renew an expired license.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Contact the MVC when ready with your new address. If you changed your address online or by mail and then moved again before receiving your license, call the MVC to update your address a second time. They can redirect your license to your current address or reissue it.
Is there a fee to change my address on my driver license?
No, changing your address is free whether you do it online, in person, or by mail. The MVC does not charge a fee for address updates.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
The online method is not available if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit an MVC office in person or mail your documents. Bring your current license, proof of address, and form BA-44 to complete the change.