New Jersey requires you to report an address change within 60 days of moving

In New Jersey, you must notify the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) of your new address within 60 days of relocating. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing; the mail and in-person routes take longer but work if you prefer not to use the internet.

Your current driver's license remains valid during the address change process. The MVC will mail you a new license with your updated address, which typically arrives within two to three weeks. You do not need to surrender your old license when you report the change online or by mail.

Failing to report an address change within 60 days can result in a $25 fine. More importantly, if you are pulled over and your license shows an old address, an officer may question whether you still live in New Jersey or have moved out of state, which can complicate the stop.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 60 days from your move date to report your new address to the New Jersey MVC, or you face a $25 fine.
  • The online method through the MVC website is free and the fastest way to change your address without visiting an office.
  • You will receive a new license by mail with your updated address; your current license stays valid until it arrives.
  • If you change your address online or by mail, you do not need to visit an MVC office or provide documents in person.

Changing your address online through the MVC website

The MVC's online address-change tool is available 24 hours a day and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and new address. Go to nj.gov/mvc, select "Change Address," and follow the prompts. The system will confirm your change when ready and send you a confirmation email.

You will need your nine-digit ZIP code (ZIP+4) to complete the online form. If you do not know it, you can find it on USPS.com by entering your street address. The MVC will not process the change if the ZIP code format is incorrect.

After you submit the form online, the MVC mails your new license to your updated address. There is no fee for this service. You should receive your new license within 10 to 21 business days, though processing times can vary during high-volume periods.

Changing your address by mail

If you prefer to mail in your address change, send a letter to the MVC with your full name, current driver's license number, date of birth, old address, and new address. Include your phone number and email address if possible. Mail your letter to:

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission P.O. Box 403 Trenton, NJ 08625

Do not send your driver's license itself. The MVC will process your change and mail you a new license to your new address. This method takes longer than online submission—typically three to four weeks for processing, plus mail delivery time—so plan accordingly if you need your updated license by a specific date.

Keep a copy of your letter for your records. If you want confirmation that the MVC received your change, send your letter by certified mail with return receipt requested; this costs extra but gives you proof of delivery.

Changing your address in person at an MVC office

You can report your address change at any MVC office during business hours. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address.

There is no fee to change your address in person. The MVC will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your new plastic license is printed and mailed. Your new license will arrive at your updated address within two to three weeks.

MVC offices can be crowded, especially on weekdays. You can reserve a time slot online at nj.gov/mvc to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the office and time of day.

What documents you need for an in-person address change

If you go to an MVC office, bring only two things: your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. The proof-of-address document must be dated within the last 60 days and show both your name and your new street address.

Documents that work 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, an insurance policy, or a government notice. A post office change-of-address confirmation does not count as proof of address.

If your name on the proof-of-address document does not match your driver's license exactly—for example, you recently married or divorced—bring a second document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Timeline and what to expect after you report your change

The MVC processes address changes in the order they are received. Online submissions are processed within one to two business days. Mail submissions take three to five business days to reach the MVC office, plus one to two business days to process. In-person changes are processed when ready.

After processing, the MVC prints your new license and mails it to your new address. This printing and mailing step typically takes 10 to 21 business days, though it can take longer during peak periods such as summer or after major holidays. You can continue using your old license until your new one arrives.

If your new license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 to check the status. Have your driver's license number and new address ready when you call. The MVC can reissue your license if it was lost in the mail, though this may take an additional two to three weeks.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing your address

The most common error is providing an incomplete or incorrect ZIP code. The MVC system requires the full nine-digit ZIP+4 code; a five-digit ZIP code alone will cause the online form to reject your submission. Double-check your ZIP code on USPS.com before submitting.

If you are changing your address by mail, do not include your physical driver's license in the envelope. The MVC does not need it, and sending it through the mail risks loss or damage. The MVC will mail you a new license automatically.

Another mistake is waiting until after the 60-day window closes. Once you are past 60 days, you cannot report the change online or by mail; you must visit an MVC office in person and may face the $25 fine. Mark your move date on a calendar and submit your change within the first two weeks of moving to avoid this problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?

No. The online address-change tool works only for regular driver's licenses and non-driver identification cards. If you hold a CDL, you must change your address in person at an MVC office or by mail. Bring the same proof-of-address document you would for a regular license.

What if I moved out of state but still have a New Jersey driver's license?

You should obtain a driver's license from your new state within a reasonable time, typically 30 to 60 days. New Jersey does not require you to surrender your license when you move, but driving with an out-of-state address on your license can raise questions during traffic stops. Contact your new state's DMV for their specific requirements.

Do I need to change my address if I moved within the same town?

Yes. Any change to your street address, even within the same municipality, must be reported to the MVC within 60 days. The online form, mail, and in-person methods all work for local moves.

Will my license expire sooner if I change my address?

No. Your license expiration date does not change when you update your address. Your new license will have the same expiration date as your old one, just with your updated address printed on it.

What if the MVC mailed my new license to my old address by mistake?

Contact the MVC when ready at 609-292-6500 with your driver's license number and the address where the license was sent. The MVC can attempt to recover the license or issue a replacement. If someone else receives your license at your old address, ask them to return it unopened to the MVC, or contact the MVC to report it and request a replacement.