Change Your Address Online, by Mail, or In Person at the MVC
New Jersey lets you change your driver's license address through three routes: the online system (fastest), by mail, or by visiting a Motor Vehicle Commission office in person. You do not need to take a new photo or retake any test — the MVC straightforward updates your record and mails you a replacement card with your new address printed on it.
The online method through the MVC website takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. By mail, you fill out a form, mail it with your current license, and wait 7 to 10 business days. In person, you bring your documents to an MVC office, pay a small fee, and walk out with a temporary paper license the same day while your plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks.
Which route you choose depends on how soon you need the updated card and whether you have access to a printer and your current license. All three methods produce the same result: a valid New Jersey driver's license with your new address.
Key Takeaways
- The MVC online portal is the fastest and cheapest way to change your address — it takes 10 minutes and costs nothing.
- If you change your address online, your replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license for when ready use.
- By mail, you send Form BA-44 with your current license and wait 7 to 10 business days; the MVC returns your old license with your new card.
- At an MVC office, you pay a fee (typically $5 to $10), receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and get your plastic card by mail within two weeks.
- You must have proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Changing Your Address Online Through the MVC Portal
Go to nj.gov/mvc and log into your account using your driver's license number and date of birth. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one on the same page. Once logged in, select "Change Address" and enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
The system will ask you to upload a photo of a document that proves your new address. This must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance document. Take a clear photo with your phone, make sure all text is readable, and upload it through the portal.
After you submit, the MVC processes your request within one business day. Your replacement license ships by mail and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You do not pay a fee for an online address change. If you need to drive before the new card arrives, you can request a temporary paper license through the same portal, which you can print when ready.
Mailing in Form BA-44 With Your Current License
read Form BA-44 (Address Change process) from the MVC website or pick one up at any MVC office. Fill in your name, driver's license number, new address, and the date. You will also need to include proof of your new address — a document dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease.
Mail the completed form, a copy of your proof of address, and your current driver's license to the address listed on the form (typically the MVC's central office in Trenton). Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the MVC to return your old license. The MVC processes mail requests in 7 to 10 business days and mails your new license to the address you provided.
There is no fee for a mail-in address change. This method is slower than online but works if you do not have internet access or prefer not to create an online account. The downside is that you will not have a valid license to carry while you wait — your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, but it shows your old address.
Visiting an MVC Office In Person
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (dated within the last 60 days), and proof of identity if your proof-of-address document does not have your photo. Walk into any MVC office during business hours — no appointment is required for an address change, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Tell the staff member you need to change your address. They will verify your documents, process your request at the counter, and charge you a fee (typically $5 to $10, depending on the office). You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your plastic replacement card is mailed to you. Your new card arrives in 7 to 14 business days.
The in-person route is useful if you need to drive when ready with an updated address or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. MVC offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and some locations have extended hours on certain days. Check the MVC website for the office nearest you and its hours before you go.
What Proof of Address the MVC Accepts
Your proof of address must be an original document (not a photocopy or screenshot) dated within the last 60 days. The MVC accepts utility bills (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance documents, property tax bills, and government mail with your name and new address.
The document must show your full name and your complete new address, including street number, street name, city, state, and ZIP code. If your name on the document does not match your license exactly (for example, a middle initial is missing), bring a second document that shows both versions of your name or bring a marriage certificate or court order if you recently changed your name.
Do not use a PO box as your address on your driver's license — New Jersey requires a physical street address. If you are moving 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 new address and move-in date.
Timeline and What Happens After You Submit
Online requests are processed within one business day, and your new license ships when ready after. By mail, processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the MVC receives your envelope. In person, your temporary paper license is issued on the spot, and your plastic card is mailed the same day.
In all cases, your replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after processing. The MVC mails it to the new address you provided, so make sure someone will be home to receive it or that you have a find mailbox. If your mail is slow in your area, allow up to two weeks.
Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it in a safe place — do not carry both. If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the MVC to check the status of your request.
Fees and Whether You Need a New Photo
An address change does not require a new photo or a new license number. You keep the same license number, and the MVC uses your existing photo from your current license. The only cost is the in-person fee at an MVC office (typically $5 to $10); online and mail-in address changes are free.
If you want a new photo on your license for any reason, you would need to renew your license instead of just changing your address. A renewal costs more and requires you to visit an MVC office or explore online through the renewal process. For an address change alone, you do not have this option or this cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online if I do not have a printer?
Yes. You can take a photo of your proof-of-address document with your phone and upload it directly through the MVC portal without printing anything. The system accepts image files from your phone's camera.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Contact the MVC before you move and provide your forwarding address. They can update your mailing address so your new license is sent to your next home. You can call the MVC or visit an office to make this change, or update it online if you have an account.
Do I need to change my address if I only moved within the same city?
Yes. Any change to your street address, even within the same town, must be reported to the MVC. Your license must show your current address at all times.
Can I use a photo of my proof of address, or does it have to be the original?
For online submissions, a clear photo or scan is fine — you upload an image file through the portal. For mail-in or in-person, bring the original document or a certified copy. Do not send original documents by mail if you can avoid it; a photocopy or scan is safer.
What happens if my proof of address is older than 60 days?
The MVC will not accept it. You will need a newer document. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address, or contact your utility company to request an early bill.