What You Need to Do to Change Your Address in New Jersey
New Jersey allows you to change your address on your driver's license through the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office. The online method is the fastest and costs nothing. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The address change takes effect when ready online, though your physical card will still show the old address until it expires and you renew.
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a completed form to the MVC or visit a local office. The mail option takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person visits are processed the same day, but you may wait 30 minutes to several hours depending on the office and time of day.
New Jersey does not charge a fee for an address change on an active license. However, if you want a replacement card printed with your new address before your license expires, the MVC will charge you $24.50 for a standard license or $29.50 for a Real ID-compliant license.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change at nj.gov/mvc is free and takes effect when ready, though your physical card will not be reprinted unless you pay for a replacement.
- You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address to change your address online.
- If you mail your request, use Form BA-298 and allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.
- A replacement card with your new address costs $24.50 (standard) or $29.50 (Real ID) and is optional unless your license will expire soon.
- In-person address changes at an MVC office are processed the same day but require a valid form of identification and proof of your new address.
Changing Your Address Online
The online method is the fastest and most convenient option. Go to nj.gov/mvc and select "Change Address" under the "Licenses" section. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your current address, and your new address. You will also need to provide a valid email address where the MVC can send confirmation.
After you submit the form, the MVC will send a confirmation email within a few minutes. Your address change is active when ready in the MVC system, which means government agencies, law enforcement, and the MVC itself will have your new address on file. However, the physical card in your wallet will still display your old address until you renew your license or pay to have a replacement card printed.
This method works only if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license has expired more than six months ago, you will need to renew it in person at an MVC office rather than change the address online.
Changing Your Address by Mail
To change your address by mail, read and print Form BA-298 from the MVC website or request it by calling the MVC at 609-292-6500. Complete the form with your current license number, your old address, and your new address. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address listed on the form.
Include a copy of a document that proves your new address. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government-issued mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Mail your completed form and proof of address to the MVC Processing Center. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the MVC receives your mail. You will not receive a confirmation letter; your address will straightforward be updated in the system. If you need to verify the change was processed, you can check your status online at nj.gov/mvc or call 609-292-6500.
Changing Your Address in Person at an MVC Office
Visit any MVC office with your current driver's license and a document that proves your new address. Bring the address proof document with you—do not mail it. Acceptable documents are the same as for mail requests: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government-issued mail dated within the last 60 days.
You do not need to fill out a form in advance. An MVC representative will process your address change on the spot. The change is recorded when ready, and you will receive a receipt showing your new address. Your physical license card will still show your old address unless you pay for a replacement.
MVC offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. Check nj.gov/mvc to find the office nearest you and confirm its hours before you go. Arrive early or use the online appointment system if available, as wait times can be long during peak hours.
When to Get a Replacement Card with Your New Address
A replacement card is optional unless your license will expire within the next year or you need the new address printed on your card for identification purposes. If you decide to order one, you can request it at an MVC office in person or by mail using Form BA-298 and marking the box for a replacement card.
A standard replacement card costs $24.50. If your license is Real ID-compliant (marked with a gold star), a replacement Real ID card costs $29.50. The replacement card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. If you order it in person at an office, some locations can print it on the spot, but this is not may provide at all offices—call ahead to confirm.
Do not order a replacement card if your license expires within six months, because you will need to renew your license anyway. A renewal will cost more than a replacement and will give you a new card with your current address and an extended expiration date.
Documents You Need for Each Method
| Method | Documents Required | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | License number, last 4 SSN digits, email address | Free | when ready |
| Form BA-298, proof of address (utility bill, lease, etc.) | Free | 7–10 business days | |
| In Person | Current license, proof of address | Free | Same day |
| Replacement Card (any method) | Same as above, plus replacement request | $24.50–$29.50 | 7–10 business days (or same day at some offices) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume your address change is complete just because you submitted a form or received a confirmation email. The MVC system and your physical card are separate. Your address is updated in the system when ready (online) or within 7 to 10 days (mail), but your card will not change unless you pay for a replacement. If you need the new address on your card right away, order a replacement at the time you change your address.
Do not mail original documents as proof of address. Send copies only. Original documents can be lost in the mail, and the MVC does not return them. Keep your originals for your records.
Do not change your address online if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. The online system will reject your request. Contact the MVC by phone at 609-292-6500 or visit an office in person to resolve the issue first.
Do not wait until your license expires to change your address if you need the new address on your card. Once your license expires, you must renew it in person, which costs more than a straightforward address change or replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No, not online. If your license expired less than six months ago, you can change your address by mail or in person. If it expired more than six months ago, you must renew your license in person at an MVC office, which includes updating your address. Renewal costs more than a straightforward address change.
Do I need to change my address if I move within New Jersey?
You are not legally required to change your address when ready, but the MVC recommends doing so within a reasonable time. If you are stopped by law enforcement or need to show your license for identification, having an outdated address can cause confusion. Changing it is free and takes a few minutes online.
What counts as proof of address?
Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government-issued mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Bank statements and credit card statements are not accepted.
Will my old license still work after I change my address online?
Yes. Your license remains valid and works for all purposes. The MVC system will show your new address, but your physical card will still display your old address until it expires or you order a replacement. Law enforcement and government agencies can see your current address in the system.
How much does it cost to change my address?
Changing your address is free. You only pay if you want a replacement card printed with your new address, which costs $24.50 for a standard license or $29.50 for a Real ID license.