How to Change Your Address on a New Jersey Driver's License

Where to Report Your Address Change

You can report an address change to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) in three ways: online through the MVC website, by mail, or in person at an MVC office. The online method is fastest and requires no documents to be mailed or carried. If you change your address online, the MVC will mail your updated license to your new address within 7 to 10 business days.

If you prefer to handle this in person or by mail, you will need to bring or send specific documents along with a form. The MVC accepts address changes even if your license has not expired yet — you do not have to wait for renewal to update where you live.

Key Takeaways

The online address change tool on the MVC website is the fastest option and requires no documents or office visit.
You can change your address by mail using Form BA-43 and a proof-of-residency document, which takes 2 to 3 weeks.
An in-person visit to an MVC office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
Your updated license will be mailed to your new address and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days of approval.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the change can happen at any time before expiration.

Changing Your Address Online

Visit the MVC website and select the online address change tool. You will need your current New Jersey driver's license number, your date of birth, and your new address. The system will verify your identity using information from your license record. Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation number on screen.

After you submit online, the MVC will print and mail your updated license to your new address. No documents need to be uploaded or mailed separately. This is the method most people use because it takes the least time and requires no trip to an office. You should receive your new license within 7 to 10 business days.

Changing Your Address by Mail

To change your address by mail, read or request Form BA-43 (process for Duplicate License or Permit) from the MVC website. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. You must also include one document that proves you live at your new address.

Acceptable proof-of-residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement — all dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address. Mail the completed form and proof of residency to the MVC address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, and your updated license will be mailed to your new address once approved.

Changing Your Address in Person at an MVC Office

You can walk into any MVC office and request an address change without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your current New Jersey driver's license, one proof-of-residency document (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and one document proving your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).

The MVC staff will update your record on the spot. Your new license will be printed and mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, some MVC offices offer a same-day temporary license, though this is not standard at all locations — call ahead to confirm.

What Happens to Your Current License

When you change your address, the MVC does not invalidate your current license. You can continue to use it until your new license arrives. Once your updated license is mailed to your new address, your old license is no longer valid, but you do not need to return it to the MVC.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the MVC to confirm the address change was processed. If there was an error, you may need to submit the change again or visit an office in person to correct it.

Address Changes and License Expiration

Changing your address does not extend or reset your license expiration date. If your license expires in three months, it will still expire in three months after you change your address. The new license you receive will show your updated address but the same expiration date as your previous license.

If your license is expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your address. The MVC allows you to renew and update your address together, either online or in person. This way you receive one new license with both the updated address and an extended expiration date.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume your address change is complete without confirming it. If you submitted online, save your confirmation number. If you mailed the form, keep a copy of what you sent. If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the MVC with your confirmation number or tracking information.

Do not use an outdated proof-of-residency document. The MVC requires documents dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill from six months ago will not be accepted. If you just moved and do not yet have a bill in your name at the new address, a lease agreement or mortgage statement works as long as it is current and shows your name and address.

Do not wait until your license expires to change your address. You can change it at any time, and doing so before expiration means you will not have to renew and change your address in the same visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address without going to an MVC office?

Yes. The online tool on the MVC website is the fastest option and requires no office visit or mailed documents. If you prefer not to use the online tool, you can mail Form BA-43 with proof of residency to the MVC address on the form.

How long does it take to receive my updated license?

After your address change is approved, the MVC mails your new license to your new address. It should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Online submissions are typically processed within 24 hours, while mailed forms take 2 to 3 weeks to process before the license is printed and mailed.

What if I move again before my new license arrives?

Contact the MVC when ready with your confirmation number or the tracking information from your mailed form. The MVC can redirect your license to your new address if you notify them before it ships. If it has already been mailed, you may need to submit another address change or pick it up at an MVC office.

Do I need to change my address if I only moved within New Jersey?

Yes. Your driver's license must show your current address, regardless of whether you moved within the state or from out of state. The MVC uses your address on file for vehicle registration, voter registration, and jury duty notices, so keeping it current is important.

Can I change my address at the same time I renew my license?

Yes. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew and update your address together. This gives you one new license with both the updated address and an extended expiration date. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office.

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.