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 online system (fastest), mail (takes longer), or walking into a Motor Vehicle Commission office in person. You do not need to renew your license to change your address — it is a separate transaction. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change recorded and whether you have the documents the MVC requires.

Your address on file matters because it is where the state sends renewal notices, ticket information, and official correspondence. If you move and do not update it, you may miss important important date or not receive documents you are legally required to get.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the MVC website takes minutes and is the fastest option if your license is not suspended or revoked.
  • By mail, you send a completed form with a copy of your license and proof of your new address; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In person at an MVC office, you bring your current license and one document proving your new address, and the change is recorded the same day.
  • You do not need to pay a fee to change your address — it is free regardless of which method you use.
  • Your physical license card will not change; the address update happens in the state system only.

Changing your address online through the MVC website

Go to nj.gov/mvc and look for the "Change of Address" option in the online services menu. You will need your current New Jersey driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using this information.

Enter your new address exactly as it appears on a recent piece of mail or a utility bill. The MVC system cross-checks addresses against postal databases, so if you type it incorrectly, the change may not process. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number on screen — save or print this. The address change takes effect when ready in the state system, though it may take a few days to appear in all MVC databases.

This method works only if your license is valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license status is not clear, call the MVC at 609-292-6500 before attempting the online change.

Changing your address by mail

read or request the Form BA-44 (Address Change) from the MVC website or call 609-292-6500 to have one mailed to you. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Make a copy of the front and back of your current driver's license and include it with your form.

You also need one document proving your new address. The MVC accepts recent utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, or bank statements — the document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days. Mail the completed form, your license copy, and the address proof to the address listed on the form (this varies by region, so check the form itself).

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail; the change is complete when the MVC processes your envelope. If you need to verify the change went through, call 609-292-6500 after two weeks.

Changing your address in person at an MVC office

Bring your current New Jersey driver's license and one document proving your new address to any MVC office. The proof document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement all work. You do not need an appointment for an address change, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you need an address change, not a renewal. They will verify your identity using your license, record your new address in the system, and give you a receipt. The change is effective when ready. Your physical license card stays the same; only the address in the state database updates.

MVC offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Find your nearest office and current hours at nj.gov/mvc under "Locations."

What counts as proof of your new address

The MVC accepts a narrow list of documents. They must show your full name and your new address, and they must be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a signed lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement.

Documents that do not work include a piece of mail from a government agency (even if it shows your address), a cell phone bill, a printed confirmation email, or a letter from an employer. If you are unsure whether your document will be accepted, call 609-292-6500 before you go to the office or attempt to mail it.

If you are moving out of state or your license is suspended

If you are moving out of New Jersey, you do not need to update your address on your New Jersey license. You should instead get a driver's license from your new state. Your New Jersey license remains valid for its expiration date, but using an out-of-state address on it can cause confusion with law enforcement or when you renew.

If your New Jersey license is suspended or revoked, you cannot change your address online. You must go in person to an MVC office or mail in the form. The address change itself does not affect your suspension status — it is a separate matter. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call 609-292-6500 to check before you attempt any change.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online change takes a few minutes to complete. The address updates in the state system when ready, though it may take a few days to show up in all MVC databases. You will receive a confirmation number on screen when the change is submitted.

Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?

No. Changing your address on your New Jersey driver's license is free, regardless of whether you do it online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office.

Will I get a new license card with my new address on it?

No. Your physical license card does not change when you update your address. Only the address in the state system is updated. Your card will still show your old address until you renew your license for a different reason.

What if I do not have a document that proves my new address?

You need at least one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address. If you do not have one yet, wait until you receive a utility bill, bank statement, or lease at your new address. You cannot change your address without this proof.

Can I change my address if I am moving in a few weeks but have not moved yet?

No. Your address change must reflect where you currently live. You can update it once you have moved and have a document proving your new address. Changing your address before you move can cause mail delivery problems and may be considered fraud.