How to Change Your Address at the New Jersey DMV

Where to Change Your Address in New Jersey

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) handles address changes for driver's licenses and vehicle registrations. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office. The online method is fastest — it takes minutes and costs nothing — but it only works if you have a valid New Jersey driver's license or non-driver ID card and access to your MVC customer ID number.

If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a form to the MVC or visit a local office. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person visits are when ready but require you to go to an office during business hours. The method you choose depends on what documents you have, whether you need to update your license photo, and how quickly you need the change recorded.

Key Takeaways

New Jersey's online address change tool is free and takes five minutes if you have your MVC customer ID and a valid license or ID card.
If you are changing your address on a vehicle registration, you must do this within 10 days of moving or face a fine.
Mailing a form works but takes one to two weeks; in-person visits at an MVC office are processed the same day.
You will need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
If your license or ID card photo is outdated, you can renew it at the same time you change your address.

Changing Your Address Online

Go to the New Jersey MVC website and select the online address change option. You will need your MVC customer ID (printed on your license or ID card), your driver's license or non-driver ID number, and your date of birth. Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of address document. The system will confirm the change when ready and send you an email receipt.

The online method updates your license and registration address at the same time. No new card is issued — your existing license remains valid with the updated address printed in the MVC system. This is the fastest and cheapest option if you meet the requirements. If you do not have your customer ID, you can find it by logging into your MVC account on the website, or you can use the mail or in-person methods instead.

Changing Your Address by Mail

read form BA-49 (Address Change) from the MVC website or request it by phone. Fill in your current license or ID number, your new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of your proof of address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Do not send your original license or ID card.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the MVC address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks. You will receive a confirmation letter at your new address. Your license or ID card itself does not change; the address update is recorded in the system. If you need a new card with your address printed on it, you must renew your license or ID separately, which requires an in-person visit and a fee.

Changing Your Address in Person at an MVC Office

Visit any New Jersey MVC office with your current license or ID card and proof of your new address. Bring an original or certified copy of your proof of address — utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The office staff will update your address in the system when ready. If you want a new card printed with your updated address, you can request it at the same visit, though this may involve a renewal fee and a new photo.

MVC offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You do not need an appointment for an address change, but you can reserve a time slot on the MVC website to reduce wait time. Bring your documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted as proof of address.

Proof of Address Documents the MVC Accepts

Your proof of address must be an original document dated within the last 60 days and must show your full name and new address. Accepted documents include utility bills (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, homeowner's or renter's insurance policies, bank or credit card statements, and government-issued mail (such as tax forms or benefit notices). The document must be in your name — a roommate's utility bill or a spouse's mortgage statement will not work unless both names appear on it.

If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, you can use a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, stating your name, the new address, and the move-in date. Some MVC offices also accept a notarized affidavit of residency if you cannot obtain other proof. Call your local MVC office ahead of time if you are unsure whether your document will be accepted.

Address Changes for Vehicle Registrations

New Jersey law requires you to notify the MVC of an address change within 10 days of moving. This applies to your vehicle registration as well as your driver's license. If you change your license address online or by mail, your registration address updates automatically. If you change only your registration address without updating your license, you must do so separately.

You can change your registration address using the same online tool, by mail with form BA-49, or in person at an MVC office. The same proof of address rules explore. If you do not update your registration within 10 days, you may receive a notice of violation and a fine. If you receive such a notice, bring it with you when you update your address, and explain the delay to the MVC staff — many offices will waive the fine if you correct it promptly.

What Happens After You Change Your Address

Once your address is changed, the MVC records it in the system when ready (if online or in person) or within one to two weeks (if by mail). Your license or ID card itself does not change unless you request a renewal. Mail from the MVC, your insurance company, and law enforcement will be sent to your new address. If you are registered to vote, update your voter registration separately with your local county clerk — the DMV address change does not automatically update voter records.

If you change your address and later need to renew your license or ID card, the new address will already be in the system and will print on your new card. You do not need to change your address again. Keep your proof of address documents for your records in case the MVC requests verification later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my address at the New Jersey MVC?

Online changes are when ready. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person visits at an MVC office are processed the same day, though you may wait in line. Your license or ID card itself does not change — only the address in the system is updated.

Do I have to get a new license or ID card when I change my address?

No. Your existing card remains valid. The address change is recorded in the MVC system. If you want a new card printed with your updated address, you can request it, but this usually requires a renewal fee and a new photo. You can do this at the same time as your address change or later.

What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?

If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead stating your name, the new address, and your move-in date. Some MVC offices also accept a notarized affidavit of residency. Call your local office to confirm what they will accept.

Can I change my address online if I have a non-driver ID card?

Yes. The online address change tool works for both driver's licenses and non-driver ID cards. You will need your MVC customer ID number, your ID card number, and your date of birth. The process is the same as for a driver's license.

What if I miss the 10-day important date to change my registration address?

You may receive a notice of violation and a fine. If this happens, update your address when ready and bring the notice with you to an MVC office. Many offices will waive the fine if you correct the address promptly and explain the delay. It is better to update late than not at all.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.