Where to Find the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
New Jersey does not have a DMV office in Washington state. Washington is on the West Coast; New Jersey is on the East Coast. If you need to handle New Jersey motor vehicle matters, you will work with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), which operates from offices in New Jersey only.
If you live in Washington state and need to renew a New Jersey license, change your address on a New Jersey registration, or handle another MVC task, you have three main routes: mail, phone, or traveling to New Jersey in person. The fastest method depends on what you need to do and whether your state of residence has changed.
The MVC website is nj.gov/mvc. You can reach the MVC by phone at 609-292-6500. This number handles general questions about licenses, registrations, and title transfers. Wait times are typically longer during mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays.
Key Takeaways
- The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission handles all New Jersey driving and vehicle registration matters from offices in New Jersey only, not in Washington state.
- You can renew a New Jersey license by mail if you meet age and medical requirements, or by phone and online for certain transactions through the MVC website.
- Address changes on a New Jersey registration can be reported by mail, phone, or through the MVC online portal if you have a username and password.
- If you have moved to Washington permanently, you will eventually need a Washington driver's license and vehicle registration instead of maintaining New Jersey documents.
- The MVC phone line (609-292-6500) can tell you which documents you need for your specific transaction and whether you must appear in person.
Renewing a New Jersey License from Washington
If your New Jersey driver's license is expiring and you live in Washington, you can renew by mail if you meet the MVC's requirements. You must be between 18 and 69 years old, have no medical conditions that would disqualify you, and not have any outstanding violations or suspensions. The MVC will mail you a renewal form if your license is within six months of expiration.
To request a renewal form by mail, call 609-292-6500 and ask for a license renewal packet. You can also visit nj.gov/mvc and look for the renewal section. Fill out the form, include a new photo (passport-style, 2x2 inches) if required, and mail it back with the fee. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the MVC receives your packet.
If you do not meet the mail-renewal requirements — for example, if you are over 69 or have a medical condition — you will need to renew in person at an MVC office in New Jersey. This means either traveling to New Jersey or requesting a temporary extension while you arrange to visit.
Changing Your Address on a New Jersey Registration
If you have moved to Washington but still own a vehicle registered in New Jersey, you need to report your address change to the MVC. This is different from renewing your registration; it updates the MVC's records so notices and documents reach you in Washington.
You can report an address change by mail, phone, or online. By mail, send a letter to the MVC with your name, driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), current New Jersey address, and new Washington address. Include the registration certificate if you have it. Mail it to: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08625.
By phone, call 609-292-6500 and provide the same information. The representative will update your file and mail you a corrected registration certificate. Online, log into your MVC account at nj.gov/mvc if you have already created a username and password. The address-change option is in the "My Account" section.
When You Need to Appear in Person
Some transactions require you to appear at an MVC office in New Jersey. These include getting a Real ID-compliant license, explore for a commercial driver's license, or handling a suspension or violation. If you live in Washington and need an in-person appointment, you have two options: travel to New Jersey or request a hearing or extension by mail.
To schedule an in-person appointment, visit nj.gov/mvc and use the appointment system. You can book a time at any MVC office in New Jersey. The closest offices to the Pennsylvania border are in Trenton and Mount Holly, but you can choose any location. Appointments typically have a wait of one to three weeks depending on the office and time of year.
If traveling is not possible, call 609-292-6500 and explain your situation. The MVC can sometimes grant a temporary extension or allow you to handle the matter by mail with additional documentation. This is not may provide and depends on the type of transaction.
Moving Permanently to Washington: License and Registration
If you have moved to Washington permanently, you will eventually need to obtain a Washington driver's license and register your vehicle in Washington. New Jersey does not require you to surrender your license when ready, but Washington state law requires you to get a Washington license within 30 days of establishing residency.
To get a Washington license, visit the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) website at dol.wa.gov or go to a local DOL office. You will need proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), proof of identity (your New Jersey license works), and proof of Social Security number. The fee varies but is typically under $100 for an adult license.
For vehicle registration, contact the Washington DOL or your county auditor's office. You will need the vehicle's title, proof of insurance, and proof of residency. If your vehicle is still titled in New Jersey, you can transfer the title to Washington at the same time. This process takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day if you visit in person.
Documents You Will Need
The documents required depend on your specific transaction. For a license renewal by mail, you need the renewal form, a new photo, and the fee. For an address change, you need your driver's license number, vehicle VIN, and both addresses. For an in-person visit, bring your current license, proof of residency, and any documents related to your transaction (such as a court order for a name change or a bill of sale for a vehicle transfer).
If you are unsure what you need, call 609-292-6500 before gathering documents. The MVC can tell you exactly what to submit for your situation. This saves time and prevents rejected applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my New Jersey license online?
New Jersey does not offer full online license renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet the age and medical requirements, or you can renew in person at an MVC office. Some transactions, like address changes, can be done online if you have an MVC account.
How long does it take to get a renewed license by mail?
Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the MVC receives your completed renewal packet. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so plan for six to eight weeks total from when you mail the form to when you receive your new license.
Do I have to get a Washington license if I moved there temporarily?
Washington law requires a license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are staying temporarily (less than 30 days), you can use your New Jersey license. If you are staying longer, you must get a Washington license even if you plan to move back to New Jersey eventually.
What if my New Jersey registration expires while I live in Washington?
You can renew your New Jersey registration by mail. Call 609-292-6500 or visit nj.gov/mvc to request a renewal form. You will need proof of insurance and the renewal fee. Mail the completed form back to the MVC, and they will send you a new registration certificate.
Can I transfer my New Jersey vehicle title to Washington without visiting New Jersey?
Yes. Contact the Washington Department of Licensing or your county auditor's office. You can mail your New Jersey title along with the Washington process and fee. The process takes one to two weeks by mail. You do not need to visit New Jersey to complete the transfer.