Where to change your address on your New Jersey driver's license or ID card

You can change your address with 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 — you log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, confirm your new address, and the change takes effect when ready. By mail, you send a completed form with proof of your new address to the MVC's central office. In person, you visit any MVC office with an acceptable address document and walk out with an updated license or ID card the same day.

Which method you choose depends on whether you need the physical card updated right away. If your current license or ID card is still valid and you only need the address changed in the system, online or mail works fine — the MVC will mail you an updated card within two weeks. If you need the card updated when ready or your license is expiring soon, go in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method at nj.gov/mvc is free, takes five minutes, and updates your address in the system when ready without requiring documents.
  • By mail, you send form BA-56 with a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement to the MVC's address on the form, and receive an updated card in two weeks.
  • In-person visits to any MVC office require one document proving your new address and take about 30 minutes, with your new card issued the same day.
  • You do not need to change your address if you are only updating your vehicle registration — the MVC handles driver and vehicle records separately.

Changing your address online

Go to nj.gov/mvc and select "Change Address Online" from the main menu. You will need your New Jersey driver's license or ID card number and your date of birth. Log in, review your current information, enter your new address, and confirm. The system updates when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email. Your updated license or ID card will be mailed to your new address within two weeks at no cost.

This method works only if your license or ID card is not expired and you have not reported it lost or stolen. If either applies, you must go in person or mail a form. The online system also cannot process name changes — for that, you need to visit an office or mail a form with a certified copy of your name change document.

Changing your address by mail

read or request form BA-56 (Address Change process) from nj.gov/mvc. Fill in your current license or ID number, your new address, and sign the form. Include one document that shows your name and new address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail dated within 90 days. Do not send your physical license or ID card.

Mail the form and document to the address listed on the form — currently the MVC's central office in Trenton, though you should verify the current mailing address on the form itself since it can change. Include a copy of both sides of your license or ID card if you want. Processing takes two to three weeks, and your updated card will be mailed to your new address. There is no fee.

Changing your address in person at an MVC office

Visit any MVC office with one document showing your name and new address dated within 90 days: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. Bring your current license or ID card. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some now use an online reservation system — check nj.gov/mvc for your local office's hours and reservation policy before you go.

Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will verify your document, update your record, and issue you a new license or ID card on the spot. The process takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the office is. There is no fee for an address change. Your new card is valid when ready, and you can use it for identification right away.

What documents count as proof of your new address

The MVC accepts documents dated within the last 90 days that show both your name and your new address. These include utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, bank or credit card statements, insurance documents, and government mail like tax forms or voter registration cards. The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.

If you do not have a document in your name yet, you can use a lease or mortgage statement with your name, or ask your utility company or bank to issue a statement showing your new address. Some people use a notarized letter from a landlord or family member confirming your address, though the MVC prefers official documents. Call your local MVC office before you visit if you are unsure whether your document will be accepted.

Timing and what to expect after you change your address

If you change your address online or by mail, your updated license or ID card arrives by mail within two weeks. During that time, your address is already updated in the MVC system — police, courts, and other agencies can see your new address when ready. If you change your address in person, you leave with your new card the same day.

Your vehicle registration address is separate from your driver's license address. Changing one does not change the other. If you also need to update your vehicle registration, you must do that through the MVC's vehicle services or by mail using form BA-49. Check nj.gov/mvc for current processing times, as they vary by season and office location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I only moved my car's registration?

No. Your driver's license address and your vehicle registration address are separate records. You can update one without the other. If you want both changed, you must submit separate requests — one for your license or ID card and one for your vehicle registration.

What if my address document is not in my name yet?

Use a lease or mortgage statement with your name, or a utility bill if you are listed on the account. If you are not on any documents yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a notarized letter confirming your address, or contact your local MVC office to ask what they will accept in your situation.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, not online or by mail. You must visit an MVC office in person. Bring your expired license, one address document, and be prepared to renew your license at the same time. You will pay the renewal fee plus any late fees depending on how long your license has been expired.

How long does it take to get my new card in the mail?

Two to three weeks for mail requests, and two weeks for online requests. During that time, your address is already updated in the system. If you need the physical card sooner, visit an MVC office in person and receive it the same day.

What if I move again before my new card arrives?

You can change your address again using any of the three methods. If you change it online or by mail, the MVC will send your next card to your most recent address. Your address in the system updates to the newest one when ready, regardless of which card is in the mail.