You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at the Motor Vehicle Commission

New Jersey allows you to update your driver's license address without renewing your entire license. The Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) offers three routes: an online change through their website, a mail-in form, or an in-person visit to an MVC office. The online method is fastest — it takes minutes and costs nothing — but it works only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. If either of those conditions applies, you will need to visit an office or use the mail option.

Your address change takes effect when ready online or at an office visit. Mail submissions typically process within two to three weeks. You do not need to surrender your current license or pay a fee for an address-only change.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at nj.gov/mvc takes five minutes, costs nothing, and works if your license is current and your name has not changed.
  • If your license is expired or you changed your name, you must visit an MVC office or mail in Form BA-298 with proof of your new address.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
  • In-person changes are processed on the spot; mail submissions take two to three weeks.
  • You keep your current license — no surrender or replacement fee applies to address-only changes.

Changing your address online through the MVC website

Visit nj.gov/mvc and log into your account using your driver's license number and date of birth. Select "Change Address" from the menu. Enter your new address, review it for accuracy, and submit. The system will confirm the change when ready and send you an email receipt.

This method works only if your license has not expired and you have not changed your name since it was issued. If your license expired more than two years ago, the online system will reject your request and direct you to schedule an office visit or use the mail option instead.

Mailing in your address change with Form BA-298

read Form BA-298 (Address Change) from nj.gov/mvc or pick one up at any MVC office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Attach one document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Do not send your physical license.

Mail the form and proof to the address listed on the form (typically the MVC's central processing office in Trenton). Processing takes two to three weeks. You will receive a confirmation by mail. Your current license remains valid at your old address until the change is processed; after that, the MVC's records will show your new address even though your card itself does not change.

Visiting an MVC office in person

Find your nearest office at nj.gov/mvc and check its hours. Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent government mail). You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now use an online reservation system — check before you go.

Tell the staff member you need an address change only. They will verify your identity, scan your proof of address, and update the system. The change is complete when ready. You walk out with your current license showing your old address, but the MVC's records now reflect your new one. Your license card itself does not change unless you renew it.

What counts as proof of your new address

The MVC accepts documents dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable forms include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowners or renters insurance declaration, or government mail (such as a tax notice or voter registration confirmation). The document must show your name and your new address.

Bank statements, credit card statements, and pay stubs are not accepted. If you recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your occupancy and the move-in date. Some MVC offices will accept this as temporary proof while you wait for official documents to arrive.

Changing your address if your license is expired

If your license expired within the last two years, you can still use the mail option with Form BA-298. If it expired more than two years ago, you must visit an MVC office in person. The staff will process your address change and may ask whether you want to renew your license at the same time — renewal is optional, but many people do both together to avoid a second trip.

Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, and your Social Security card or passport. If your license has been expired for more than ten years, the MVC may require additional documents such as a birth certificate or proof of legal presence. Call your local MVC office ahead of time to confirm what you need.

Changing your address if you also changed your name

Name changes require an in-person visit. Bring your current license, a court order or certified copy of your marriage certificate (or divorce decree, if applicable), proof of your new address, and your Social Security card. The MVC will update both your name and address in their system and issue you a new license card with both changes.

There is no fee for a name change on your license. Processing at the office takes about 15 minutes. Your new license card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks; you can request a temporary paper license to use in the meantime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to notify my insurance company when I change my address?

Yes. Your auto insurance policy is tied to your address, and your rates may change based on location. Contact your insurer as soon as you move to update your policy. Some insurers allow online updates; others require a phone call. Failing to notify them could affect your coverage.

What if I moved out of state but still have a New Jersey license?

You can change your address to an out-of-state address online or by mail using the same methods. However, most states require you to get a license in your new state within a certain period (usually 30 to 60 days). Check your new state's requirements and plan to get a license there as well.

How long does my old address stay in the MVC system after I change it?

Once your change is processed, the MVC's records show only your new address. However, your physical license card will still display your old address until you renew it. This can cause confusion at places that scan your license. If this becomes a problem, you can request an early renewal at any MVC office.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes. An address change is a separate transaction from your license status. You can update your address even if your license is suspended. However, you must resolve the suspension before you can renew or use your license to drive.

What if I move and then move again before my address change is processed?

If you submitted a mail form, contact the MVC before it is processed and ask them to update it to your new address instead. If your change has already been processed, submit a second address change using any of the three methods. You can change your address as many times as you need.