What You Need to Do to Change Your Address in New Jersey

To change your address with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), you have three main routes: online through the MVC website, by mail, or in person at an MVC office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if you have your driver's license or ID card number and a valid email address. If you cannot go online, you can mail a form or visit a local office, though both take longer.

New Jersey requires you to notify the MVC within 60 days of moving. This is not optional — driving with an outdated address on your license can result in fines. The good news is that the process itself is straightforward and costs nothing.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online at nj.gov/mvc in minutes, by mail using Form BA-49, or in person at any MVC office.
  • New Jersey law requires you to update your address within 60 days of moving, or you may face fines.
  • Online changes take effect when ready; mail and in-person changes may take one to two weeks to process.
  • You do not need to renew your license or ID card to change your address — the MVC will send you a new card with the updated information.
  • If you are changing your address because of a name change, you will need to handle that separately with additional documents.

Changing Your Address Online

The fastest way to change your address is through the MVC website at nj.gov/mvc. Go to the "Online Services" section and select "Change of Address." You will need your current driver's license or ID card number, your date of birth, and a valid email address. The system will verify your identity and then ask you to enter your new address.

Once you submit the change online, it takes effect when ready in the MVC system. You will receive a confirmation email. The MVC will mail you a new driver's license or ID card with your updated address within one to two weeks. You can continue to drive legally using your old card until the new one arrives.

Online changes work only if your license or ID is current and not suspended. If your card has expired or been suspended, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.

Changing Your Address by Mail

If you prefer to mail in your change, read or request Form BA-49 (process for Duplicate Driver License or ID Card) from the MVC website. Fill in your new address on the form. You do not need to include your old license or ID card — just mail the completed form to the address listed on the form itself.

Include a copy of a document that shows your new address. The MVC accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or bank statements dated within the last 60 days. Mail the form and your address proof to the MVC address shown on the form.

Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks after the MVC receives your form. There is no fee for a change of address, but if you want the MVC to expedite the new card, you can pay an additional fee — check the current amount on nj.gov/mvc.

Changing Your Address in Person at an MVC Office

You can walk into any MVC office and request a change of address. Bring your current driver's license or ID card and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days). The process takes about 15 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot.

Your new plastic card will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. The temporary paper license is valid for driving until your new card arrives. MVC offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours; some locations have limited Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check hours at nj.gov/mvc.

In-person changes are useful if you need proof of your new address when ready or if you cannot use the online system. However, you will likely wait in line, so going early in the day or on a weekday morning is faster than afternoons or Saturdays.

What Documents Prove Your New Address

The MVC accepts only certain documents as proof of your new address. They must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and new address. Acceptable documents include utility bills (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, bank or credit card statements, and insurance policies.

Documents that do NOT count include cell phone bills, paychecks, or letters from employers. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address. Some utility companies will provide this by email or phone.

If you are living with family or friends and do not have a document in your name, you can use a notarized letter from the homeowner stating that you live there, along with a copy of their utility bill or mortgage statement. This is less common but works if you have no other option.

Scams and Safety Alerts

Do not use third-party websites that claim to process your address change for you. These sites charge fees (sometimes $50 or more) to do something you can do free on nj.gov/mvc or by mail. The MVC does not endorse or partner with any private company for address changes.

Scammers sometimes send emails or texts claiming to be from the MVC and asking you to "verify" your address or license information by clicking a link. The real MVC will never ask you to click a link in an unsolicited email or text. If you receive such a message, delete it and go directly to nj.gov/mvc in your browser instead.

Be cautious of anyone offering to change your address in exchange for money or personal information beyond what the MVC officially requires. The only cost is the optional expedited card fee if you choose it — the address change itself is free.

What Happens After You Change Your Address

Once your change is processed, your new address appears in the MVC database when ready (if you changed it online) or within one to two weeks (if you mailed or visited in person). Police officers, insurance companies, and other agencies that check your license will see your updated address.

Your new plastic card will arrive by mail at your new address. If you move again before it arrives, you can request that the MVC mail it to a different address — call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to make this change. Do not ignore the card when it arrives; you will need it for driving, voting, and other ID purposes.

If you also need to update your vehicle registration address, that is a separate process. You can do it online at nj.gov/mvc, by mail, or in person. The registration and license address do not have to match, but it is simpler if they do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move within New Jersey?

Yes. New Jersey law requires you to update your address within 60 days of moving, even if you stay in the same county. Driving with an outdated address can result in fines. The change is free and takes just a few minutes online.

What if I moved out of state — do I still need to update my New Jersey license?

If you moved permanently out of New Jersey, you should get a driver's license in your new state instead of updating your New Jersey address. However, if you still live in New Jersey and only travel out of state occasionally, update your address with the MVC.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, you cannot use the online system if your license is expired. You will need to renew your license at the same time you change your address. Visit an MVC office or mail in a renewal process along with your address change. This requires additional documents and may have a renewal fee.

How long does it take to receive my new card after I change my address?

Online and mail changes typically result in a new card arriving within one to two weeks. In-person changes at an MVC office also take one to two weeks for the new card, but you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for driving.

What if I change my address online but then move again before the new card arrives?

Call the MVC at 609-292-6500 and ask them to hold or redirect your card to your new address. Do this as soon as you know you are moving again. If the card arrives at your old address, you can pick it up from the new resident or contact the MVC to request a replacement.