How to change your address on a New Jersey driver's license
You can change your address on your New Jersey driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing if your license is not expiring within 60 days. If your license expires soon, you will need to renew it at the same time, which costs $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. In-person visits at an MVC office take longer but let you handle everything the same day.
You do not need to bring documents to change your address online, but you will need to know your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you go in person or by mail, bring your current license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days will work.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the New Jersey MVC website are free and take about 10 minutes if your license does not expire within 60 days.
- If your license expires within 60 days, you must renew it at the same time as changing your address, which costs $24 to $48 depending on the license term you choose.
- In-person address changes at an MVC office require your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
- Mail-in address changes take two to three weeks and require the same documents as in-person visits, plus a completed form.
Changing your address online through the MVC website
Go to nj.gov/mvc and select "Change Address Online" from the main menu. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will confirm your identity and process the change when ready. You will receive a confirmation email, and your new address will be active in the MVC system right away.
Your physical license card will still show your old address until it expires or you renew it. The MVC will mail you a corrected card if you pay a $5 fee, but most people wait until their license renewal date to get the updated card. Your new address is legally active in the system even though the card has not changed.
The online method only works if your license does not expire within 60 days. If it does, you must renew your license at the same time you change your address. In that case, you can still do it online, but you will pay the renewal fee ($24 or $48) in addition to any card replacement fee.
Changing your address in person at an MVC office
Visit any Motor Vehicle Commission office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your new address — it must be dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy; a photograph or photocopy is not accepted.
You do not need an appointment for an address change, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings are typically shorter than afternoons or weekends. The transaction takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the window. You will pay nothing for the address change itself, but if your license expires within 60 days, you will be required to renew it, which costs $24 or $48.
You will receive your updated license card on the spot if you are renewing. If you are only changing your address and your license is not expiring soon, the MVC will mail your corrected card to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. Your new address becomes active when ready in the system.
Changing your address by mail
read the "Address Change" form from nj.gov/mvc or request one by calling the MVC at 609-292-6500. Fill out the form with your current license number, new address, and signature. Mail it to the address listed on the form along with your current license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the MVC receives your envelope. Do not mail your original license unless you are also renewing it — send a photocopy instead if possible, or call the MVC first to ask what they prefer. Your new address will be active in the system once the MVC processes your form, even if your corrected card has not arrived yet.
Mail your documents to: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08625. Include a note with your phone number in case the MVC needs to contact you about missing information.
What happens if your license expires within 60 days
If your license expires within 60 days, you cannot change your address alone — you must renew your license at the same time. This applies whether you change your address online, in person, or by mail. The renewal fee is $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. You will choose your license term when you submit your address change.
If you renew in person at an MVC office, you will receive your new card with the updated address the same day. If you renew online or by mail, the MVC will mail your new card to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. Your new address becomes active in the system when ready, even before the card arrives.
Proof of address documents the MVC accepts
The MVC accepts the following as proof of your new address: utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank or credit card statement, government mail from a federal or state agency, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and new address.
Photographs, photocopies, and digital images are not accepted — bring the original document or a certified copy. If you do not have any of these documents, call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to ask what alternatives they may accept in your situation.
How long your address change takes
| Method | Time to process | When new address is active | When you receive new card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | when ready | Right away | 7–10 business days (if you pay $5 for replacement) or at renewal |
| In person | 10–15 minutes | Right away | Same day (if renewing) or 7–10 business days (if address-only change) |
| By mail | 2–3 weeks | Once processed | 7–10 business days after processing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to update my address if I move?
New Jersey law requires you to report an address change within 60 days of moving. Failing to do so can result in a fine. However, you do not need a new physical card when ready — your address is legal once it is updated in the MVC system, even if your card still shows the old address.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
Yes, you can change your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change does not affect your suspension or revocation status. However, if you are trying to reinstate your license, you may need to handle that separately through the MVC.
What if I move before my new card arrives?
Contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 and provide your new address. They can update your mailing address in the system so your card is sent to the correct location. Do this as soon as possible after you move.
Is there a fee to change my address online?
No, changing your address online is free if your license does not expire within 60 days. If your license expires within 60 days, you must renew it, which costs $24 or $48. You can also pay $5 to have a corrected card mailed to you instead of waiting for your renewal.
Can someone else change my address for me?
No, you must change your address yourself. If you go in person, you must bring your current license. Online, you must enter your license number and Social Security information. The MVC does not allow third parties to make address changes on your behalf.