How to Change Your Address on Your New Jersey License
You can change your address on a New Jersey driver's license or ID card through the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address. The address change takes effect when ready online, though your physical card with the new address arrives by mail in about two weeks.
If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed form to the MVC or visit a local office. Each method has different wait times and requirements, which we'll break down below. New Jersey does not charge a fee for an address change on an existing license.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the MVC website is free and the fastest option, taking effect when ready even though your new card arrives by mail.
- You need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to change your address online.
- If you mail your request, you must include a completed form and proof of your new address, and processing takes four to six weeks.
- Visiting an MVC office in person requires an appointment (which you book online) and typically takes one to two weeks for your new card to arrive.
- Your old license remains valid at your old address until your new card arrives; you do not need to surrender it when ready.
Changing Your Address Online
The New Jersey MVC website lets you update your address without leaving home. Go to nj.gov/mvc and select "Change Address Online." You'll enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system verifies your identity using information on file with the state.
Once approved, your address change is active when ready in the MVC system. You can use your old license at your old address for everyday purposes while you wait for the new card. The MVC will mail your updated license to your new address within about two weeks. You do not need to return your old license; straightforward keep it until the new one arrives, then destroy the old one.
If the online system cannot verify your identity, you'll be directed to mail your request or visit an office instead. This sometimes happens if your information doesn't match what the MVC has on file, or if you've recently moved and the address verification fails.
Mailing Your Address Change Request
To change your address by mail, read and complete the process for Duplicate Driver's License or ID Card (form BA-49) from the MVC website. Write your new address clearly on the form. Include one document that proves your new address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. Do not send your original license.
Mail the completed form and proof of address to the MVC address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $0 (address changes are free). Processing by mail takes four to six weeks. The MVC will mail your new license to the address you provided. During this time, your old license remains valid at your old address.
Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If your new card doesn't arrive within six weeks, contact the MVC to check the status of your request.
Changing Your Address at an MVC Office
You can also update your address in person at any New Jersey MVC office. First, book an appointment online at nj.gov/mvc. Walk-ins are not accepted at most locations. Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days).
At your appointment, an MVC representative will verify your identity and process the address change. You do not pay a fee. Your new license will be mailed to your new address within one to two weeks. Your old license stays valid until the new one arrives.
In-person visits are useful if you want to confirm the change was processed correctly before you leave, or if you've had trouble with the online system. Some people also prefer the certainty of handing documents directly to an MVC employee rather than mailing them.
What Counts as Proof of Your New Address
The MVC accepts several documents as proof that you live at your new address. They must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and full address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.
Government-issued mail (like a tax return or court document) also works. A letter from your landlord or employer does not. If you're moving and don't yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your utility company or bank to send you a statement early, or use a lease if you have one signed.
Timeline and What to Expect
The speed of your address change depends on which method you choose. Online changes take effect when ready, though your physical card arrives in about two weeks. In-person visits at an MVC office result in a new card arriving in one to two weeks. Mailed requests take four to six weeks from the day the MVC receives your form.
During the wait for your new card, your old license is still valid. You can use it for identification, driving, and other purposes. You do not need to tell anyone that you've requested a change. Once your new card arrives, destroy the old one or keep it as a record—the choice is yours.
If your new card doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the MVC directly. Have your license number and the date you submitted your request ready. The MVC can check whether your card was mailed and provide a tracking update if available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address on my license when I move?
New Jersey law requires you to notify the MVC of a change of address within a reasonable time after you move. There is no specific important date, but updating your address promptly keeps your license current and ensures official mail reaches you. If you're stopped by police, an outdated address can raise questions, though it is not grounds for a ticket.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. You can update the address on an expired license through any of the three methods. However, if your license expired more than a few years ago, you may need to renew it instead of just changing the address. Contact the MVC or check your license to see the expiration date.
What if I move again before my new card arrives?
If you move a second time while waiting for your new card, contact the MVC when ready with your new address. Provide your license number and explain that you've moved again. The MVC can redirect your card to your latest address or you can submit another address change request. Do not ignore mail from the MVC.
Is there a fee to change my address on my New Jersey license?
No. Address changes on an existing driver's license or ID card are free in New Jersey. You pay nothing whether you change your address online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office.
Can someone else change my address for me?
No. Only you can request an address change on your own license. If you're unable to do it yourself, you can mail the form with your signature and proof of your new address, or ask someone to help you complete the online form while you provide the information and approval. The MVC will not process a request signed by someone else.