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 (MVC) website, by mail, or by visiting an MVC office in person. The online method is fastest if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. If your license has expired or you need to renew it anyway, you will handle the address change as part of that renewal. The in-person route takes the longest but works if your online process is rejected or if you prefer to complete everything in one visit.

You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to start any of these processes. If you are moving out of state or your address is changing because of a court order, some routes may not work — those situations require an in-person visit.

Key Takeaways

  • The MVC website lets you change your address in minutes if your license is current and you have not changed your name.
  • You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to update online.
  • If your license is expired or will expire within 30 days, you must renew it instead of just changing your address.
  • Mailing in a change takes two to three weeks; visiting an MVC office in person takes one to two hours depending on wait times.
  • A name change, address change due to court order, or rejection of your online request all require an in-person visit to an MVC office.

Changing your address online through the MVC website

Go to nj.gov/mvc and log into your account using your driver's license number and date of birth. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one first. Once logged in, select "Change Address" from the menu. Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your mail or lease, then review the information for accuracy before submitting.

The MVC will send you a confirmation email within minutes. Your new address takes effect when ready for their records, but your physical license card will still show the old address until it expires and you renew it. If you need the address to appear on your card sooner, you can request a replacement card for a fee, though this is not required.

This method only works if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. If either of those explore to you, skip to the renewal section below.

Renewing your license when your address is changing

If your license expires within the next 30 days or has already expired, you cannot use the online address-change tool. Instead, you must renew your license, which includes updating your address in the same process. You can renew online at nj.gov/mvc if your license expired less than two years ago and you have not changed your name.

During the online renewal, you will enter your new address as part of the process. The MVC will mail you a new license card with the updated address within two to three weeks. You can continue driving on your old license until the new one arrives, as long as your old license is not expired.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at an MVC office. Bring your old license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). The office will take a new photo and issue your card on the spot or mail it within a few days, depending on the office location.

Mailing in your address change

read the "Change of Address" form from nj.gov/mvc or request one by calling the MVC at 609-292-6500. Fill in your current license number, new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form along with a copy of your current license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).

The MVC processes mail requests in the order they arrive. You should expect a confirmation email or letter within two to three weeks. Your address will be updated in their system when ready, but your physical card will not change until you renew your license.

Do not send cash or checks through the mail. If a fee applies (for example, if you are requesting a replacement card with your new address), the MVC will contact you with payment instructions.

Visiting an MVC office in person

Find your nearest MVC office at nj.gov/mvc and check the current wait times before you go. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or a document that shows it. You do not need an appointment for an address change, but arriving early in the day or on a weekday typically means shorter waits.

Tell the staff member at the window that you are changing your address. If your license is not expired, they will update it in the system and you will leave with a confirmation. If your license is expired or expiring soon, they will process a renewal at the same time. A replacement card with your new address will be mailed to you within a few days.

Some MVC offices are busier than others. Wait times can range from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the location and time of day. If you are changing your address because of a court order, a name change, or because your online request was rejected, an in-person visit is your only option.

What happens if you move before updating your address

Your driver's license remains valid even if the address on it no longer matches where you live. However, the MVC will use the address on file to mail you renewal notices and other documents. If you move without updating your address, renewal notices may go to your old address and you could miss the important date to renew.

If you did not receive a renewal notice because mail went to your old address, you can still renew online or in person. The MVC does not penalize you for a late renewal as long as you renew before your license expires. Once your license expires, you cannot drive legally and must renew in person.

Changing your address if you also changed your name

You cannot change both your name and address online at the same time. If you changed your name (through marriage, divorce, or court order), you must visit an MVC office in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it.

The staff will process both the name change and address change during your visit. You will receive a new license card with both updates within a few days. This is the only route available for a name change, regardless of whether you are also changing your address.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process takes about five minutes to complete. The MVC sends a confirmation email within minutes of submission. Your address is updated in their system right away, though your physical license card will still show the old address until you renew it.

Do I need to get a new license card when I change my address?

No. Your current license remains valid with the old address on it. The MVC updates your address in their system, and that is what matters for legal purposes. If you want the new address to appear on your card, you can request a replacement card for a fee, but it is not required.

What if I move out of state?

You must get a driver's license from your new state. New Jersey will not update your address if you are moving permanently out of state. Contact your new state's motor vehicle agency to learn about their licensing process.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, not through the online tool. If your license is expired or will expire within 30 days, you must renew it instead. The address change happens as part of the renewal process. You can renew online if your license expired less than two years ago, or in person if it expired longer ago.

What counts as proof of residency?

The MVC accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and new address. A bank statement, insurance bill, or government letter also works if it is dated within 60 days and shows your address.