You can change your address on your New Jersey driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office
New Jersey allows you to update your address without renewing your license. The fastest method is online through the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) website if your license is valid and you have not changed your name. If you need to change your address and your license is expired, or if you prefer to handle it in person, you can visit an MVC office or mail in a form. The process takes a few minutes online but can take several weeks by mail.
You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to change your address online. If you go in person, bring your current license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. There is no fee to change your address.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the MVC website take effect when ready and require only your license number and Social Security number.
- In-person changes at an MVC office are processed on the spot, and you can walk out with an updated license the same day.
- Mail-in changes require the form MV-14 (Address Change), proof of your new address, and your current license; processing takes two to four weeks.
- You cannot change your address online if your license is expired, if you have changed your name, or if your license was suspended or revoked.
- Proof of address must be dated within 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government document showing your name and new address.
Changing your address online through the MVC website
The online method is the quickest option if your license is current. Go to the MVC website (nj.gov/mvc) and select "Address Change" under the "Online Services" section. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current information.
After verification, you enter your new address and confirm it. The system will show you a preview of what your updated license record will look like. Once you submit, your address change is recorded when ready in the MVC database. You do not receive a new physical card in the mail — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the MVC records show your new address. When you renew your license later, the new address will print on the card.
This method does not work if your license has expired, if you changed your name since you got your license, or if your license status shows suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must visit an MVC office or use the mail-in form.
Changing your address in person at an MVC office
Walk-in address changes are available at all MVC offices during regular business hours. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government document like a property tax bill or vehicle registration.
The MVC staff will verify your identity using your license, check your proof of address, and update your record on the spot. You will receive a new physical license card with your updated address printed on it. The card is issued when ready, though it may take a few days to arrive by mail. You can ask for expedited delivery for an additional fee, or you can pick up your card at the office if that option is available at your location.
No appointment is required for an address change, but wait times vary by office and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines. You can check current wait times on the MVC website before you go.
Changing your address by mail
read or request form MV-14 (Address Change) from the MVC website or by calling the MVC customer service line. Fill out the form with your current license number, name, date of birth, and new address. Include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and one document proving your new address dated within the last 60 days.
Mail the completed form, your license copy, and your proof of address to the MVC address listed on the form. Do not send your original license — send only a copy. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the MVC receives your mail. You will receive a new physical license card by mail with your updated address.
Keep a record of when you mailed the form. If you do not receive your new card within six weeks, contact the MVC to confirm they received your submission. Mail can be delayed, and the MVC may need to request additional information if your proof of address does not meet their requirements.
What counts as proof of your new address
Your proof of address must show your full name and your new address, and it must be dated within 60 days of when you submit it. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) is the most common form of proof. Lease agreements, rental agreements, and mortgage statements all work. Bank statements, credit card statements, and brokerage statements are accepted if they show your name and address.
Government documents that work include property tax bills, vehicle registration cards, voter registration cards, and tax returns. Some people use insurance documents — homeowners, renters, or auto insurance policies are acceptable. If you are living with someone else and the document is in their name, you will need a separate letter from them stating that you live at that address, signed and dated.
Documents that do not work include cell phone bills (unless they show a physical address), mail from a doctor's office or hospital, or letters from your employer. The MVC is strict about this requirement because address verification is part of identity verification for license purposes.
When you cannot change your address online
If your license is expired, you cannot use the online address change tool. You must either visit an MVC office in person or mail in form MV-14. An expired license means you will need to renew it at the same time you change your address, which requires additional documents and fees.
If you have changed your name since you received your current license, the online tool will not allow you to proceed. You must go in person to an MVC office and bring proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate. The MVC will issue a new license with both your new name and new address.
If your license status shows suspended or revoked, you cannot change your address until that status is cleared. Contact the MVC to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to restore it. Once your status is resolved, you can change your address using any of the three methods.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
Online changes take effect when ready. Your address is updated in the MVC database right away, even though your physical license card still shows the old address. This means your new address is on file for official purposes, and you can use it for things like voter registration or address changes with banks and insurance companies.
In-person changes at an MVC office are processed the same day. You walk out with your new license card or receive it by mail within a few days, depending on whether you ask for it to be mailed or pick it up at the office. Some offices offer same-day pickup; others mail all cards. Ask the staff when you arrive.
Mail-in changes take two to four weeks from the date the MVC receives your envelope. The MVC does not send a confirmation that they received your mail, so keep a copy of what you sent and note the date. If you do not receive your new card within six weeks, call the MVC to check the status of your submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address if I move within New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey law requires you to report an address change within a certain timeframe. While there is no specific penalty for a short delay, keeping your license address current is important for legal notices, voter registration, and official identification purposes. It is free to change, so updating it promptly is the safest approach.
Will I get a new license card if I change my address online?
No. An online address change updates your record in the MVC database, but you keep your current physical license card. The old address remains printed on the card. When you renew your license at the end of its validity period, you will receive a new card with the updated address. If you want a new card when ready, you must visit an MVC office in person.
What if my proof of address is older than 60 days?
The MVC will not accept it. You need a document dated within 60 days of when you submit your address change. If your only proof is older, request a new statement from your utility company, bank, or landlord, or use a different document that is more recent. A letter from your landlord on their letterhead, dated and signed, can work if it states your current address.
Can I change my address if I do not have a physical address yet?
No. The MVC requires a physical street address for your license. If you are homeless or living in a shelter, you can use the shelter's address as your mailing address. Some shelters provide letters confirming residents' addresses for this purpose. Contact your local shelter or a social services agency to ask how to document your current location for MVC purposes.
How long does my current license stay valid after I change my address?
Your license remains valid for its full expiration date, regardless of when you change your address. The address change does not affect the validity of your license or require you to renew early. Your license will continue to work for identification and driving purposes even though the printed address is outdated.