You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office

New Jersey allows you to update your driver's license address through three routes: the Motor Vehicle Commission website, the mail, or a visit to a local MVC office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. Mail takes longer but requires no trip. In-person visits at an MVC office let you handle it the same day, though you may wait in line.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the address update is a separate transaction. Your license remains valid; only the address on file changes. New Jersey will mail you a replacement card with the new address within two weeks of approval.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the MVC website is free and takes about five minutes, with your new card arriving by mail in roughly two weeks.
  • By mail, you send a completed form and proof of your new address to the MVC; processing takes four to six weeks.
  • In-person at an MVC office, you bring your current license and proof of address, and leave with a temporary paper license the same day.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days.
  • You must update your address within a reasonable time after moving; New Jersey does not specify an exact important date, but delaying can cause problems with traffic stops or vehicle registration.

Changing your address online through the MVC website

Go to nj.gov/mvc and select "Change Address Online" from the main menu. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter your new address and review it for accuracy before submitting. The system will confirm receipt when ready.

After you submit, the MVC processes the change within five to seven business days. You do not receive a confirmation email or letter — the first sign that your change went through is the arrival of your new card in the mail, which typically takes another week or two. If you do not receive a card within three weeks, contact the MVC to verify the address was recorded correctly.

Changing your address by mail

read or request Form BA-49 (process for Duplicate Driver's License or Identification Card) from the MVC website or any MVC office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Attach a copy of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days will work.

Mail the completed form and proof to the address listed on the form (currently the MVC office in Trenton, though this can change). Include a check or money order for $5 if you want a replacement card mailed to you; if you do not include payment, your address will be updated in the system but you will not receive a new card until your license expires. Processing by mail takes four to six weeks.

Changing your address in person at an MVC office

Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax bill or voter registration card) dated within the last 30 days. The document must show your name and new address.

Visit any MVC office during business hours. You can check wait times and book an appointment online at nj.gov/mvc, though walk-ins are also accepted. Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will verify your identity, confirm your new address, take a new photo, and issue a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent replacement card will arrive by mail within two weeks. The fee is $5.

What counts as proof of your new address

New Jersey accepts documents dated within the last 30 days that show both your name and your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common form of proof. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and bank or credit card statements also work. Government mail such as a voter registration card or tax notice is acceptable.

Proof must be an original or certified copy, not a screenshot or photo on your phone. If your name does not appear on the document exactly as it appears on your license, bring a second document showing the connection — for example, a marriage certificate if your name changed, or a lease in a spouse's name plus a utility bill in yours. 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; they may accept a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on letterhead.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change

Online submission takes five to seven business days to process, then one to two weeks for the card to arrive by mail. By mail, the entire process takes four to six weeks. In person, you walk out with a temporary paper license and receive your permanent card within two weeks.

Your address change is active in the system as soon as it is processed, even if your new card has not arrived yet. If you are stopped by police or need to show your license before the new card arrives, the temporary paper license (if you got one in person) or your old license with a note from the MVC (if you submitted online or by mail) will show the change. If you submitted online and have not received your new card after three weeks, call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to confirm the address was entered correctly.

Changing your address at the same time as vehicle registration

If you also need to update the address on your vehicle registration, you can do both at an MVC office in one visit. Bring your current driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of your new address, and proof of insurance. The clerk will process both changes together. Online, you must change your driver's license address and vehicle registration address separately through different portals on the MVC website.

If you change your driver's license address but forget to update your vehicle registration, your registration remains at your old address. This can cause mail from the MVC (such as renewal notices) to go to the wrong place. Update your registration as soon as you update your license to avoid missing important date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move?

New Jersey law does not specify an exact important date, but you should update your address within a reasonable time after moving. Driving with an outdated address on your license can result in a ticket during a traffic stop, and it may complicate vehicle registration renewal or insurance claims. The sooner you update, the fewer problems you will face.

What if I do not have a document with my new address yet?

Contact the MVC before you visit an office. They may accept a signed lease, a letter from your landlord on letterhead, or a utility bill process confirmation. If you are staying with family or in temporary housing, ask the MVC what documents they will accept in your situation.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license can still be used to change your address. However, if your license has been expired for more than a year, you may need to renew it instead of just updating the address. Contact the MVC or check nj.gov/mvc to confirm whether your license can be updated or must be renewed.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or points?

No. Changing your address does not affect your driving record, points, or insurance. It is a straightforward administrative update. Your driving history remains the same regardless of where you live.

What if I move again before my new card arrives?

You can submit another address change request. If you submitted online and move before the card arrives, submit a new online change with your current address. The MVC will send the card to your newest address. If you are concerned about timing, visit an MVC office in person so you receive a temporary paper license when ready.