How to Change Your Address with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission

How to Change Your Address with the New Jersey MVC

You can change your address with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You will need your driver's license or ID card number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The MVC will mail your updated license or ID to your new address within 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not want to go online, you can mail Form BA-49 (process for Correction or Change) to the MVC along with a copy of your license or ID. Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. You can also walk into any MVC office with your current license or ID and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. In-person changes are processed the same day.

Key Takeaways

The online address change at nj.gov/mvc takes 10 minutes and is free, with your updated card arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
You need your driver's license or ID number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to change your address online.
Proof of your new address — such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 60 days — is required for mail or in-person changes.
In-person changes at any MVC office are processed when ready, while mail takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires Form BA-49.

Changing Your Address Online

Go to nj.gov/mvc and select "Change Address" from the main menu. You will be asked to enter your driver's license or ID number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current information. Type in your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code, then confirm your email address — this is where the MVC will send you a confirmation.

After you submit, you will receive an email confirmation within a few minutes. Your updated license or ID card will be mailed to your new address. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to pay a fee for an address change. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can use it for identification in the meantime.

Changing Your Address by Mail

read or print Form BA-49 from nj.gov/mvc. Fill in your current information and your new address. Make a copy of the front and back of your driver's license or ID card and attach it to the form. Mail both to the address listed on the form — typically the MVC's central processing office in Trenton.

Include a note with your email address if you want a confirmation that your change was received. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVC receives your envelope. There is no fee. Your updated card will be mailed to your new address once the change is processed.

Changing Your Address in Person

Visit any MVC office with your current driver's license or ID card and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement — it must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you need an address change. They will update your record on the spot and issue you a new card when ready. There is no fee. You can use your new card right away for identification. If you need a replacement card for any reason after the address change, you will pay the standard replacement fee of $24.50.

What Happens to Your Old Address Information

When you change your address with the MVC, the new address replaces the old one in the system. Your old address is not kept on file for future reference — only your current address appears on your license or ID. If you need a record of when you lived at a previous address for legal or employment reasons, you should keep your own documentation.

The address change does not affect your driving record, points, or license status. It only updates where the MVC will send you mail and where law enforcement will see your address if they run your license during a traffic stop.

Changing Your Address for Vehicle Registration

Your vehicle registration is separate from your driver's license. If you have changed your address but not yet updated your vehicle registration, you can do that online at nj.gov/mvc as well. Select "Vehicle Registration" and then "Change Address." You will need your vehicle's registration number and your Social Security number.

You can also mail Form BA-49 for your vehicle registration or visit an MVC office in person with your registration card and proof of your new address. Updating your registration address is free and takes the same amount of time as updating your license — 7 to 10 days by mail, when ready in person, or 7 to 10 days online.

If You Are Moving Out of State

If you are relocating to another state, you do not need to notify the New Jersey MVC before you leave. Your New Jersey license remains valid until it expires, even if you move. However, once you establish residency in your new state, you will need to get a driver's license from that state within the timeframe they require — typically 30 to 60 days.

When you get your new state's license, your New Jersey license will no longer be valid for driving. You can keep it as an ID if you wish, but you should not list a New Jersey address on it if you no longer live there. If you want to formally close your New Jersey license before moving, you can surrender it at any MVC office, but this is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You are not legally required to change your address when ready, but you should do so within a reasonable time. If you are pulled over by police and your license shows an old address, you may be asked to explain. For vehicle registration, you must update your address within 10 days of moving to avoid fines.

Can I change my address without getting a new card?

No. When you change your address with the MVC, a new card with your updated address is automatically mailed to you. You cannot keep your old card with the old address on it. The new card is free and arrives within 7 to 10 business days if you change online or by mail.

What if my new address is not recognized by the online system?

If the system rejects your address, try entering it without abbreviations — spell out "Street" instead of "St." and "Avenue" instead of "Ave." If it still does not work, use the mail or in-person method instead. Both accept addresses that the online system may not recognize.

How long is my old license valid after I change my address?

Your old license remains valid for identification and driving until your new card arrives. Once you receive your new card, your old card is no longer valid. You should destroy the old card or keep it as a keepsake, but do not use it for any official purpose.

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 your license is suspended, you should not be driving, so the address change is mainly useful for making sure the MVC has your correct mailing address for official notices.

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.