You can change your address on your New Jersey driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission office

New Jersey offers three routes to update your address: the fastest is online through the MVC website if your license is valid and not suspended; by mail if you prefer not to visit an office; or in person at any MVC location if you need to handle it the same day. You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the address change is a separate transaction that takes about 10 minutes online or 15 to 20 minutes in person. The fee is $5 for an online change and $10 for a mail or in-person change.

New Jersey law requires you to notify the MVC of an address change within 60 days of moving. If you do not update your address, your license remains valid, but mail from the state will go to your old address, and you may face a fine if stopped by police and cannot produce proof of your current residence. The address on your license does not have to match your vehicle registration address, but keeping both current prevents confusion during traffic stops.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes cost $5 and take about 10 minutes; you receive a confirmation email when ready and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail-in changes require a completed form, a copy of your new address proof, and your driver's license number; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • In-person changes at an MVC office cost $10 and are processed the same day, but you must bring your license and one document showing your new address.
  • You have 60 days from the date you move to update your address; after that, you may be fined if stopped by police.
  • Your license remains valid during the address change process — you do not need to stop driving while waiting for your new card.

Changing Your Address Online

The online method is the fastest and cheapest option. Go to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website and select "Change Address" under the driver's license services menu. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in. Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of residency document — the system will not accept a mismatch.

After you submit your new address, you will receive a confirmation email with a transaction number. Keep this email. The MVC will mail your updated license to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive. The $5 fee is charged to the credit or debit card you provide during the online transaction.

Online changes are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, the system is occasionally down for maintenance, usually on Sunday evenings. If you cannot access the online portal, try again later or use the mail or in-person method instead.

Changing Your Address by Mail

To change your address by mail, read and print the "process for Duplicate Driver's License" form (form BA-44) from the MVC website, or request it by calling the MVC at 609-292-6500. You do not need to fill out the entire form — only the address section and your signature are required. Include a copy of one document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Mail your form, address proof, and your driver's license number (you do not need to send the physical license) to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $10 payable to "New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission." Do not send cash. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVC receives your envelope. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If your envelope is lost in the mail, you will have proof of what you sent. The MVC does not send confirmation of receipt for mail-in changes, so if you do not receive your new license within 4 weeks, call 609-292-6500 to check the status.

Changing Your Address In Person at an MVC Office

Visit any Motor Vehicle Commission office with your current driver's license and one document showing your new address. Acceptable address proofs include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your full name and your new address.

Bring your license and address proof to the service counter. Tell the clerk you want to change your address. The clerk will scan your documents, update your record in the system, and collect the $10 fee. Your new license is printed on-site and you receive it before you leave the office. The entire process takes 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

MVC offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. Check the MVC website for the office nearest you and its hours before you go. You do not need an appointment for an address change — it is a walk-in service.

What Documents Prove Your New Address

The MVC accepts a limited list of documents as proof of your new address. The document must show your full name, your new street address, and be dated within the last 60 days. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) are the most common proof. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and homeowners insurance policies also work. Bank statements and credit card statements are accepted if they show your name and address.

Documents that do not work include mail from the MVC itself, voter registration cards, school records, or letters from employers. A handwritten note from your landlord is not accepted. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at your new address, you can use a lease signed by both you and your landlord, even if it is dated before you moved in, as long as it shows your new address.

If you are homeless or living in temporary housing, call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to discuss alternative documentation. The MVC has procedures for address changes in these situations, but you must speak with a representative to arrange it.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Change Your Address

Online changes are the fastest: you receive confirmation when ready, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in changes take 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVC receives your envelope, plus 3 to 5 days for mail delivery to the MVC office. In-person changes are the quickest for the physical card — you walk out with your new license the same day, but you must go to an office during business hours.

Your old license remains valid and can be used for identification and driving until your new license arrives. You do not need to surrender your old license or carry both. Once your new license arrives, destroy the old one or keep it in a safe place — do not carry both at the same time, as it can cause confusion during a traffic stop.

If you do not receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact the MVC. For online changes, wait 12 business days before calling. For mail-in changes, wait 4 weeks. Have your transaction number (for online changes) or the date you mailed your form ready when you call. The MVC can reissue your license if it was lost in the mail.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common error is entering your address differently than it appears on your proof document. If you write "123 Main Street" online but your utility bill says "123 Main St.", the system will reject the change or create a mismatch that delays your new license. Copy your address word-for-word from your proof document before you enter it anywhere.

Another frequent mistake is sending the wrong form or incomplete information by mail. Use only the BA-44 form, include a copy of your address proof (not the original), and sign the form. Do not send your physical license unless the form specifically asks for it — for address changes, you only need to include your license number. Missing any of these items delays processing by several days.

A third mistake is using an address proof that is too old. The MVC requires documents dated within the last 60 days. If your utility bill is from three months ago, it will not be accepted. If you have just moved and do not yet have a bill in your name, a signed lease is your best option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address on my license if I move?

New Jersey law requires you to notify the MVC within 60 days of moving. If you do not update your address, your license remains valid for driving, but you may be fined if stopped by police and cannot show proof of your current residence. Mail from the state will also go to your old address, so you may miss important notices.

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

No. You cannot change your address online or by mail if your license is expired or suspended. You must go in person to an MVC office and bring your expired or suspended license plus your address proof. The clerk will update your address and may be able to renew or reinstate your license at the same time, depending on why it is expired or suspended.

What if I move again before my new license arrives?

If you change your address online and then move again before your new license arrives, contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 with your transaction number. Provide your new address and ask them to update it in the system before your license is mailed. If your license is already in the mail, it will go to your first new address, and you can change it again once you receive it.

Does changing my address on my license affect my vehicle registration?

No. Your driver's license address and your vehicle registration address are separate. You can change one without changing the other. However, the MVC recommends keeping both current to avoid confusion during traffic stops. To change your vehicle registration address, you must contact the MVC separately or do it online through their vehicle services portal.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No. Only you can change your address on your license. If you change it online, you must log in with your license number and Social Security number. If you change it in person, you must bring your license. If you change it by mail, you must sign the form. A family member or representative cannot do it on your behalf.