Where to change your address in New Jersey

You can change your address on your New Jersey driver's license at any Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office, online through the MVC website, or by mail. The online option is the fastest if you meet the requirements — you need a valid email address, your current license number, and a credit or debit card to pay the fee. If you go in person, bring your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

The MVC has about 20 regional offices across the state. You do not need an appointment for an address change, though wait times vary by location and time of day. If you prefer mail, you can send your current license with a completed form and proof of address to the MVC, but this takes longer — typically two to three weeks for processing plus mail time.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the MVC website take minutes and cost $2, but you must have a valid email and your current license number.
  • In-person changes at any MVC office require your current license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days.
  • Mail-in changes are slowest but work if you cannot visit an office; send your license, completed form, and address proof to the MVC.
  • Your address change does not affect your license's expiration date or require a new photo.

Doing it online through the MVC website

Go to nj.gov/mvc and select "Change Address" from the services menu. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will ask for your new address and confirm your email. After you review the information, you pay the $2 fee with a credit or debit card.

Once your payment goes through, the MVC sends a confirmation email. Your new address becomes active when ready in the system, though the physical license in your wallet still shows the old address. You do not need to carry anything else or visit an office. This method works only if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired.

Changing your address in person at an MVC office

Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address and your name. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement — the document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and do not have a document yet, some offices accept a signed letter from your landlord or a notarized statement of residency.

Walk up to the counter and tell the clerk you need an address change. The process takes about 10 minutes. You will pay a $2 fee, and the MVC will issue you a new license with your updated address on the spot. Your license number, expiration date, and photo remain the same — only the address changes.

Mailing in your address change

read or request the address change form from the MVC website (form BA-49). Fill it out completely with your name, license number, old address, and new address. Include a copy of your current license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. Do not send your original license unless you are also requesting a replacement for damage or wear.

Mail the form, copies, and a check or money order for $2 (made out to "State of New Jersey") to the MVC's central office. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want confirmation. Processing takes two to three weeks after the MVC receives your packet, plus mail time both ways. This option is slower than online or in-person, but it works if you cannot visit an office or do not have email access.

What counts as proof of your new address

The MVC accepts documents that show your full name and new address and were issued or dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and bank or credit card statements also work. Some offices accept a signed letter from your landlord on landlord letterhead, a notarized affidavit of residency, or a government benefit statement showing your new address.

Documents that do not work include mail from political campaigns, advertisements, or insurance documents that do not show your current address. If you just moved and have not received any mail yet, call your local MVC office before you go — they can tell you what alternative documents they will accept in your situation.

Timing and what to expect

Online changes are when ready — your address updates in the MVC system right away, though your physical license still shows the old address until you visit an office or request a replacement. In-person changes at an MVC office take about 10 minutes, and you get a new license with your updated address before you leave. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks for the MVC to process, plus mail time on both ends, so plan for a month total.

Your address change does not affect your license's expiration date, your license class, or any restrictions on your license. You do not need a new photo or eye test. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot change the address online, but you can still do it in person or by mail once your suspension or revocation is lifted.

If you need a replacement license at the same time

If your license is damaged, faded, or you want a new photo, you can request a replacement license when you change your address. In person, tell the clerk you want both an address change and a replacement. By mail, check the box on the form for a replacement license and include an additional $2 fee (total $4). Online, you cannot request a replacement at the same time — you would need to do the address change first, then request a replacement separately.

A replacement license takes the same time as a regular address change in person (10 minutes) or by mail (two to three weeks). You will need a new photo taken at the office if you go in person. If you go by mail, the MVC will use the photo from your current license unless you submit a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if my license is expired?

No, the online system only works for valid, non-suspended licenses. If your license is expired, you must renew it before you can change your address online. You can still change your address in person or by mail with an expired license.

Do I need to change my address if I moved out of state?

If you moved to another state, you should get a driver's license from that state instead of changing your New Jersey address. You can keep your New Jersey license if you plan to return, but most states require you to get a local license within 30 to 60 days of moving.

What if I do not have a document showing my new address yet?

Call your local MVC office and ask what they accept as proof of residency. Many offices will take a signed letter from your landlord, a notarized statement, or a utility bill in a family member's name if you are listed on the account. Some accept a lease agreement even if it has not been dated yet.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I change my address by mail?

The MVC typically processes mail-in requests within two to three weeks of receiving them. Add one to two weeks for mail to reach the MVC and another one to two weeks for your new license to arrive at your address. Total time is usually one month, but can be longer during busy periods.

Will changing my address affect my car insurance?

Your insurance company should be notified of your address change separately — changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your insurance records. Contact your insurance agent or company directly to report your move, as your premium may change based on your new location.