Where to Report Your Address Change in New Jersey

You report an address change to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), not to a local DMV office — New Jersey does not have a separate DMV system. You can change your address online through the MVC website, by mail, or in person at an MVC office. The online method is fastest and requires no documents; the in-person method takes about 15 minutes and you leave with proof the same day.

Your current driver's license does not need to be renewed to change the address on it. The MVC will update your record and mail you a replacement license with the new address printed on it within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to surrender your old license — it remains valid until its expiration date, though it will show the outdated address.

Key Takeaways

  • The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission handles all address changes; you do not go to a separate DMV office.
  • Online address changes take 5 to 10 minutes and require only your license number, date of birth, and new address.
  • A replacement license with your new address arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days at no charge.
  • You can change your address in person at any MVC office without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
  • Your old license remains valid and legal to use until it expires, even though it shows the wrong address.

Changing Your Address Online Through the MVC Website

Go to nj.gov/mvc and select "Change Address Online" from the homepage. You will need your New Jersey driver's license number, your date of birth, and your new street address. The system will verify your identity using these details and then ask you to confirm the address change. The entire process takes about 5 minutes.

After you submit the change online, the MVC sends a replacement license to your new address. You do not receive a confirmation number or email — the first sign that the change went through is the arrival of your new license in the mail. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to confirm the address was recorded.

Changing Your Address at an MVC Office in Person

Walk into any MVC office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address. You do not need an appointment.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you want to change your address. They will update your record in the system and print a temporary address change document on the spot. Your replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The in-person process itself takes 10 to 20 minutes, though wait times at the office can be longer depending on how busy it is. MVC offices are typically less crowded on weekday mornings and early afternoons.

Changing Your Address by Mail

Print the Address Change form from nj.gov/mvc (form BA-49), fill it out with your name, license number, date of birth, and new address, and mail it to the MVC address listed on the form. Include a copy of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Do not send your original license.

Mail processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. Your replacement license will arrive separately after that, so the total time from mailing to receiving your new license is typically 3 to 4 weeks. This method is slower than online or in-person, but it works if you cannot visit an office or access the online system.

What Happens to Your Old License

Your current license remains valid and legal to use for identification and driving until its expiration date, even though it shows your old address. You do not need to destroy it or turn it in. Many people keep both licenses until the old one expires, since the old one is still a valid form of ID.

If you are stopped by police, the officer will see that your license address does not match your current residence. This is not illegal, but it can raise questions. If you have recently moved, you can explain that your replacement license is in the mail. Having proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease) in your car can help if this comes up.

Address Changes When Renewing Your License

If your license is expiring soon and you also need to change your address, you can do both at the same time. When you renew online or in person, the renewal form includes a field for your current address. Update it then, and your new renewed license will arrive with the correct address already printed on it.

If you change your address now and your license expires in the next few months, you will receive two licenses in the mail — first the address-change replacement, then your renewal license. This is normal and costs you nothing extra.

MVC Office Locations and Hours

New Jersey has 20 MVC offices across the state. The main office is in Trenton, but there are locations in Newark, Jersey City, Atlantic City, Vineland, and other cities. Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some offering limited Saturday hours. Check nj.gov/mvc for the office nearest you and its specific hours before you go.

If you live near the border with another state, be aware that changing your address in New Jersey does not affect any licenses or registrations you hold in other states. If you moved from Pennsylvania or New York and still hold a license there, you will need to handle that address change separately through that state's motor vehicle agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address on my license if I move?

No, there is no legal important date to change your address on your license in New Jersey. However, your license is supposed to show your current residence. If you are stopped by police or pulled over, an outdated address can cause confusion. It is practical to update it within a few weeks of moving.

Can I change my address online if my license is expired?

No, the online system requires a valid license number and will not process the change if your license has expired. You must go to an MVC office in person or mail in the form. Bring your expired license and proof of your new address.

How much does it cost to change my address?

There is no fee to change your address on your New Jersey driver's license. The replacement license is issued at no charge. Online, in-person, and mail methods are all free.

What if I moved but do not have a utility bill or lease to prove it?

A bank statement, credit card statement, mortgage statement, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address will work. If you have none of these, call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to ask what other documents they will accept.

Will my old license still work for flying or entering federal buildings?

Yes. Your expired-address license is still a valid Real ID-compliant form of identification for flying and entering federal buildings, as long as the license itself has not expired. The address on it does not matter for these purposes.