How to change your address in New Jersey
You can change your address on your New Jersey driver's license or ID card in three ways: online through the Motor Vehicle Commission website, by mail, or in person at an MVC office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address. The address change takes effect when ready in the system, though your physical card still shows the old address until it expires and you renew.
If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed form to the MVC or visit a local office. By mail, the process takes 7 to 10 business days. In person, you can walk out the same day with a temporary document showing your new address, though the permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks. All three methods are free.
You do not need to provide proof of your new address for an address change alone. The MVC updates your record based on what you enter. However, if you're changing your address as part of a license renewal or if you need a Real ID-compliant card, you will need to show proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the MVC website is free, takes 10 minutes, and updates your record when ready, though your physical card keeps the old address until renewal.
- You can also change your address by mail (7 to 10 business days) or in person at an MVC office (same-day temporary document, permanent card in two weeks).
- No proof of address is required for an address-only change, but you will need it if you're renewing your license or explore for a Real ID card at the same time.
- Your driver's license number and Social Security number are required to change your address online.
Changing your address online through the MVC website
Go to nj.gov/mvc and log in to your MVC account, or create one if you don't have one yet. You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to set up an account. Once logged in, select "Change Address" from the menu. Enter your new address, confirm your email, and submit. The system will show you a confirmation number — save this for your records.
Your address updates in the MVC database right away. You can use this new address when ready for mail from the state, insurance companies, and other organizations. Your physical license card will still show your old address, but that doesn't affect the validity of your license or your insurance. When your license expires, you'll renew it with the new address already on file.
If you need a document showing your new address before your card expires, you can request a duplicate license with the updated address. This costs $3 and arrives by mail in about two weeks. Some people do this if they're moving and need proof of address for a lease or utility setup.
Mailing in your address change
read or request form BA-43 (Address Change process) from the MVC website or by calling 609-292-6500. Fill in your current license number, name, date of birth, and new address. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address listed on the form — typically the MVC office in Trenton. Include a copy of your current license if possible, though it's not required.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the MVC receives your form. You won't receive a confirmation in the mail; instead, the address change appears in the system and on your next renewal. If you need to confirm the change went through, you can call the MVC or log into your online account to check.
Mail is slower than online but works well if you don't have internet access or prefer a paper trail. Keep a copy of the form you send for your records.
Changing your address in person at an MVC office
Visit any MVC office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address if you're also renewing or explore for a Real ID. If you're only changing your address, you don't need proof — just your license. Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They'll update your record on the spot and print a temporary document showing your new address, valid for 30 days.
Your permanent license card arrives by mail in 10 to 14 business days. The temporary document is a full-size paper card that counts as proof of your address and identity while you wait. You can use it to open a bank account, sign a lease, or show insurance companies your current address.
In-person visits are useful if you need the address change done quickly or if you want to handle other license business at the same time — like renewing early or updating your name. MVC offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have Saturday hours. Wait times vary; check nj.gov/mvc for current wait times at your nearest office.
What happens if you don't update your address
Your license remains valid even if your address is outdated. However, official mail from the state — including license renewal notices, vehicle registration documents, and court summonses — will go to your old address. You might miss important important date or not know when your license is about to expire.
Insurance companies need your current address on file for your policy. If your license shows an old address but your insurance has your new one, there's usually no problem, but it can cause confusion during claims or policy reviews. Some insurers ask to see your license as proof of address, so a mismatch might prompt them to ask for updated documentation.
If you move and don't update your address within a reasonable time, the state may flag your license as having an invalid address, though this doesn't happen when ready. It's simplest to update as soon as you move.
Changing your address during a license renewal
If your license is expiring soon, you can renew and change your address at the same time. Online renewal through the MVC website lets you update your address as part of the renewal process. In person, tell the clerk you want to renew and change your address together — they'll do both in one transaction. By mail, include your new address on the renewal form.
If you're renewing in person or by mail, you'll need to show proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days. Online renewal does not require proof of address for the address change itself, but if you're explore for a Real ID card at renewal, you will need to upload proof of residency.
Renewing and changing your address together is efficient because you get a new card with the correct address printed on it, rather than having an outdated card until the next renewal cycle.
Real ID and address changes
If your current license is not Real ID-compliant and you want to upgrade to one, you must do so in person or by mail — not online. Real ID cards have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025. When you explore for a Real ID card, you must show proof of your current address, even if you're not changing it.
Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days. If you're moving and explore for Real ID at the same time, bring proof of your new address. The Real ID card costs $24 and arrives by mail in 10 to 14 business days.
You can change your address online without upgrading to Real ID. Real ID is optional unless you need it for federal ID purposes. Many people keep a standard license and straightforward update the address as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need proof of address to change my address online?
No. The online address change requires only your license number, Social Security number, and email. You don't need to upload or mail any documents. However, if you're renewing your license or explore for a Real ID card at the same time, proof of address is required.
How long does it take to get a new card with my updated address?
If you change your address online, your record updates when ready, but your physical card keeps the old address until you renew. If you request a duplicate license with the new address, it arrives in about two weeks. If you change your address in person, you get a temporary document the same day and a permanent card in 10 to 14 days. By mail, the process takes 7 to 10 business days.
Can I use my license with the old address on it after I move?
Yes, your license is still valid. However, official state mail will go to your old address, and you might miss renewal notices or other important documents. It's best to update your address as soon as you move.
What if I'm moving out of state?
If you're moving to another state, you'll eventually need to get a driver's license from that state. You don't have to do it when ready, but most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency. Your New Jersey license remains valid until it expires, even if you move away.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended?
Yes. A suspended license can still be updated for address. However, you cannot renew a suspended license until the suspension is lifted. If your license is suspended and expiring soon, contact the MVC to find out how to reinstate it before renewing.