How to change your address with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
You can change your address with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You will need your driver's license or ID card number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The MVC will mail your updated card to your new address within 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not want to go online, you can mail a completed form or visit an MVC office in person. Both methods take longer and may require you to bring documents. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives, so you do not need to rush — but updating your address before you move is easier than updating it after.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the MVC website is free and takes about 10 minutes, with your new card arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
- You will need your driver's license or ID number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to change your address online.
- If you prefer not to go online, you can mail Form BA-43 to the MVC or visit an MVC office in person with your current license or ID card.
- Your old card stays valid until your new card arrives, so there is no gap in your ability to use your license.
- If you are also renewing your license or ID card, you must do that separately — changing your address does not extend your card's expiration date.
Changing your address online through the MVC website
Go to nj.gov/mvc and click on "Change Address" under the "Online Services" section. You will be taken to a login page where you enter your driver's license or ID card number and your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to enter your new address.
After you submit your new address, the MVC will send a confirmation email to the address you provide. Check that email and click the link to verify your change. Once you verify, your address change is complete. The MVC will print your new card and mail it to your new address. You do not need to pay a fee for an address change.
If you cannot remember your license or ID number, you can look it up on the MVC website using your name and date of birth. If the online system will not accept your information, you may have a record issue — in that case, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Changing your address by mail
read or print Form BA-43 from the MVC website. Fill in your current license or ID number, your name, your old address, and your new address. Sign and date the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form — currently the MVC's mail processing center in Trenton.
Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The document should be dated within the last 60 days. Do not send your original license or ID card — the MVC does not need it and you may need it for identification while you wait for your new card.
Processing by mail takes 4 to 6 weeks. Your new card will be mailed to your new address. If you do not receive it within that time, contact the MVC to check the status of your request.
Changing your address in person at an MVC office
Visit any MVC office with your current driver's license or ID card and a document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will update your record on the spot.
You will pay a small fee — currently $5 for a duplicate card — and your new card will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. MVC offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check hours on the MVC website.
In-person visits can have wait times, especially during peak hours. You can make an appointment online through the MVC website to reduce your wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted.
What documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Time to Receive New Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | License or ID number, Social Security number, valid email | Free | 7–10 business days |
| By mail | Form BA-43, current license or ID number, proof of new address (dated within 60 days) | Free | 4–6 weeks |
| In person | Current license or ID card, proof of new address (dated within 60 days) | $5 | 7–10 business days |
What happens if you move before your new card arrives
Your old card is still valid for identification purposes until your new card arrives. You can use it to drive, board a plane, or show as ID. You do not need to carry proof that you have moved.
If you move again before your new card arrives, you can update your address a second time using any of the three methods. The MVC will mail your card to your most recent address on file. If you are moving multiple times in a short period, consider waiting until you have settled before updating your address.
Changing your address when you also need to renew your license
Changing your address and renewing your license are two separate transactions. If your license is expiring soon, you should renew it at the same time you change your address, but you will need to do this through the renewal process, not the address-change process.
You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person. When you renew, you will have the option to update your address as part of that renewal. This way, your new card will have both your updated address and your new expiration date. If you change your address first and then renew later, you will receive two cards in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address with the MVC if I already changed it with the post office?
Yes. The post office will forward your mail, but the MVC keeps its own records. Your driver's license or ID card will still show your old address unless you update it with the MVC. You need to do both separately.
What if I do not have a document showing my new address?
You will need one to change your address by mail or in person. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. If you cannot get one of these, the online method does not require a physical document — you only need your license number and Social Security number.
Can I change my address if my license or ID card is suspended or revoked?
You can change your address, but the MVC will not issue you a new card while your license or ID is suspended or revoked. Once your suspension or revocation is lifted, you can request a new card with your updated address. Contact the MVC directly to understand your specific situation.
How long is my old card valid after I change my address?
Your old card remains valid for identification and driving until your new card arrives. There is no gap in validity. Once your new card arrives, your old card is no longer valid for official identification purposes, though you can keep it as a record.
What if the MVC sends my new card to the wrong address?
Contact the MVC when ready by phone or through their website. Provide your license number and the address where the card was sent. The MVC can sometimes intercept the card or issue a replacement. The sooner you report the problem, the better your chances of recovery.