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 current address on file, and your new address. The MVC will mail you an updated card within 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to handle it in person, you can visit any MVC office with proof of your new address. Mail is also an option but takes longer. This guide covers all three methods, what documents you need, and what to expect after you submit the change.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the MVC website is free and the fastest way to change your address, taking about 10 minutes from start to finish.
  • You will need your driver's license or ID number, your current address as it appears on your card, and your new address to complete any method.
  • Your updated card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you submit the change online or in person.
  • If you change your address in person, bring one document that shows your new address, such as a lease, utility bill, or bank statement.
  • You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee to change your address — the card itself stays valid until its expiration date.

Changing your address online through the MVC website

Go to nj.gov/mvc and select "Address Change" from the main menu. You will be directed to a form that asks for your driver's license or ID number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The MVC uses this information to pull up your current record. Have your license or ID card in front of you so you can enter the number correctly.

On the next screen, confirm your current address as it appears on your card. This is important — if you type it wrong, the system may not find your record. Then enter your new address. Double-check the spelling and zip code. When you submit, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your new card will be mailed to the address you just entered.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no fee for an address change. If you run into an error message saying your information does not match, call the MVC at 609-292-6500 before trying again — this usually means your record has a typo that needs to be corrected first.

Changing your address in person at an MVC office

Visit any MVC office with your driver's license or ID card and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a lease, utility bill, bank statement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill. The document must show your name and your new address. A piece of mail addressed to you at the new address also works.

You do not need an appointment at most MVC offices, but wait times vary. Check nj.gov/mvc for current wait times at offices near you before you go. Bring your current license or ID and your address proof. The staff will update your record on the spot, and you will receive a temporary paper document that you can use while your new card is mailed. Your permanent card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

There is no fee for this service. If you cannot find your address proof document, ask the MVC staff what other documents they can accept — policies can vary slightly by location, and staff may be able to work with you.

Changing your address by mail

Print the Address Change form from nj.gov/mvc or request one by calling 609-292-6500. Fill in your name, driver's license or ID number, current address, and new address. Include a copy of one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. Do not send your original license or ID card.

Mail the completed form and your address proof to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the MVC receives your mail, plus the time for your envelope to arrive. Your new card will be mailed to your new address once the change is processed. This method is slower than online or in-person, so use it only if you cannot access the other two options.

What happens after you submit your address change

Once you submit your change — whether online, in person, or by mail — the MVC updates your record when ready. Your new card is printed and mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to do anything else. Your old card remains valid until it expires, even though the address on it is outdated.

If you move again before your new card arrives, you can submit another address change. The MVC will send the card to your most recent address on file. If you need to verify that your address change went through, log into your MVC account at nj.gov/mvc or call 609-292-6500.

What to do if you do not receive your new card

If your new card does not arrive within 10 business days, check your mail carefully — it may have been delivered to a different unit or held at your mailbox. If you have moved multiple times or submitted the change from an address you no longer use, the card may have been sent to an old address.

Call the MVC at 609-292-6500 with your confirmation number (if you have it) or your driver's license number. They can tell you where the card was mailed and whether it has been delivered. If the card was lost in the mail, the MVC can reissue it. There is no fee for a replacement card due to a mail delivery issue.

Changing your address for vehicle registration separately

Your driver's license address and your vehicle registration address are separate records. Changing one does not automatically change the other. If you own a vehicle registered in New Jersey, you will need to update that address separately through the MVC.

You can change your vehicle registration address online at nj.gov/mvc, by mail, or in person using the same methods as your driver's license. The process is similar, but you will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and registration number instead of your license number. If you have both a license and a vehicle to update, you can do them in the same online session or visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address before I move or after?

You can change your address before or after you move. However, the MVC will mail your new card to the address you provide, so make sure the address is one where you can receive mail. If you change it before you move and then move to a different address, you can submit another change and the card will be sent to your new address instead.

Will I get a new expiration date when I change my address?

No. Your license or ID card keeps the same expiration date. You are only updating the address printed on the card. The card itself does not expire any sooner or later because of an address change.

What if my name changed at the same time I moved?

An address change and a name change are two separate transactions. You cannot do both at once online. Change your name first by visiting an MVC office in person with your license and a document that shows your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order). Once your name is updated, you can then change your address online or in person.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can change your address on an expired license. However, you will need to renew your license separately if you want to use it again. The address change itself does not renew your license — it only updates where the MVC has on file.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No. Changing your address with the MVC is free, whether you do it online, in person, or by mail. You do not pay anything for the new card or the address update.