How to Change Your Address on a New Jersey Driver's License
You can change your address on a New Jersey driver's license through the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) in three ways: online through the MVC website, by mail, or in person at an MVC office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. You do not need to renew your license early — the address change is free regardless of when your license expires.
New Jersey requires you to notify the MVC within 60 days of moving to a new address. If you move and do not update your address, your license becomes invalid for identification purposes in the state, even though it remains valid for driving.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the MVC website takes 10 minutes and costs nothing, and your updated license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- You must report your address change within 60 days of moving, or your license becomes invalid for state identification even though you can still drive.
- If you change your address by mail or in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and a completed form.
- The MVC will mail you a new license card with your updated address; you do not receive a temporary document.
- If you moved out of state and then back to New Jersey, you may need to explore for a new license rather than straightforward change your address.
Changing Your Address Online Through the MVC Website
The online method is the fastest route. Go to nj.gov/mvc, select "Change Address" under the driver's license section, and log in with your New Jersey online account. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your Social Security number, date of birth, and driver's license number.
You will enter your new address and confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history. The MVC will then mail you a new license card with the updated address. There is no fee, and the card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.
The online system is available 24 hours a day. If you encounter an error during login or the system will not accept your information, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.
Changing Your Address by Mail
To change your address by mail, complete Form BA-49 (process for New Jersey Driver's License or Identification Card), which you can read from nj.gov/mvc or request by phone at 609-292-6500. You do not need to fill out the entire form — only the sections for your name, current address, new address, and signature.
Include your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. The name on the proof document must match the name on your license.
Mail the form, your license, and proof of residency to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission P.O. Box 403 Trenton, NJ 08625
Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the MVC receives your envelope. The new license will be mailed to your new address. Do not include payment — there is no fee for an address change.
Changing Your Address In Person at an MVC Office
You can walk into any MVC office and request an address change without an appointment, though wait times vary. Bring your current driver's license and one proof of residency document dated within 90 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement).
Tell the representative at the counter that you need to change your address. They will update your record on the spot and take a new photo for your license card. The new card is mailed to your new address and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee.
MVC offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. You can find the office nearest you and check hours at nj.gov/mvc. Offices are typically busiest on Mondays and Fridays, so mid-week visits usually mean shorter waits.
What Counts as Proof of Residency
The MVC accepts only documents dated within 90 days of your address change request. The document must show your name and your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license.
| Accepted Documents | Notes |
|---|---|
| Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) | Most common and easiest to obtain. Must show your name and address. |
| Lease or rental agreement | Must be signed and dated within 90 days. A copy is acceptable. |
| Mortgage statement or property tax bill | Current statement showing your name and address. |
| Bank or credit card statement | Must show your name and address and be dated within 90 days. |
| Insurance policy (homeowner's or renter's) | Must be current and show your name and new address. |
Documents that do not work include cell phone bills, paychecks, letters from employers, or documents showing only a P.O. box. If your name on the proof document does not match your license exactly (for example, a middle initial is missing), bring a second document that shows both versions of your name, or bring a marriage certificate or court order explaining the name difference.
Common Mistakes and What to Avoid
The most common error is submitting proof of residency that is older than 90 days. If you moved three months ago and your utility bill is from before the move, it will not work — you need a bill from your new address dated within the last 90 days. If you have not yet received a bill at your new address, a lease agreement or bank statement will work instead.
Another frequent mistake is assuming your address change will appear on your license when ready. By mail or in person, you will receive a new physical card in the mail; there is no temporary document or digital proof. If you need to show a valid ID before the new card arrives, your old license is still valid for identification purposes during the transition period.
Do not attempt to change your address if you have moved out of state and then returned to New Jersey. In that case, you must explore for a new license rather than straightforward update your address. Contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 to confirm whether you need a new process or an address change.
If You Moved Out of State and Returned to New Jersey
If your New Jersey license expired while you were out of state, or if you obtained a license in another state after leaving New Jersey, you cannot straightforward change your address. You must explore for a new New Jersey driver's license through the standard process process, which requires an in-person visit to an MVC office, a written test, and a road test (unless you have a valid out-of-state license).
Call the MVC at 609-292-6500 before visiting an office to confirm your situation. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of New Jersey residency, and proof of Social Security number. The MVC will tell you whether you can renew your old license or must explore for a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get a new license if I change my address?
Yes, the MVC will issue you a new license card with your updated address. You do not pay a fee for this new card — it is part of the address change process. The card is mailed to your new address and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive.
What if my proof of residency has a different name spelling than my license?
Bring a second document that shows both versions of your name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Alternatively, contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 to ask whether you can update your legal name at the same time as your address.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
You can change your address, but the MVC will issue a new card reflecting the suspension or revocation status. The address change itself does not affect your driving status. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the suspension separately through the MVC.
What happens if I do not change my address within 60 days?
Your license remains valid for driving, but it becomes invalid for state identification purposes. You cannot use it to board a plane, enter a federal building, or prove your identity in New Jersey. You can still change your address at any time — there is no penalty, only the loss of identification validity until you update it.
Can I change my address by phone?
No. The MVC does not accept address changes by phone. You must use the online system, mail, or visit an office in person.