You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at an MVC office

New Jersey allows you to change your driver's license address without renewing your license itself. The fastest route is the online system at nj.gov/mvc, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the online portal, you can mail a form to the Motor Vehicle Commission or visit a local office in person. The address change takes effect when ready online; by mail it typically processes within two to three weeks.

You do not need to pass a test or take a new photo to change your address. The MVC straightforward updates their records and mails you a replacement license with the new address printed on it. Your current license remains valid until it expires, but the new one will arrive within 7 to 10 business days after your change is processed.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at nj.gov/mvc is free and the fastest option, with your new license arriving within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can also mail Form BA-56 (Address Change) to the MVC or visit an office in person if you do not want to use the online system.
  • Your current license stays valid while you wait for the replacement; you do not need to carry both.
  • Updating your address with the MVC does not automatically update your vehicle registration — you must handle that separately if your car registration is in your name.

Changing your address online at nj.gov/mvc

Go to nj.gov/mvc and select "Change Address" under the "Driver License" section. You will need your current New Jersey driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license, then confirm the change. The system will show you a confirmation number when ready.

After you submit online, the MVC mails your replacement license to the new address you provided. There is no fee for this service. If you need to verify that your change went through, you can check the status using your confirmation number at the same website, though the online system usually confirms the update right away.

Mailing a form to the Motor Vehicle Commission

If you prefer to mail your address change, read or request Form BA-56 (Address Change) from nj.gov/mvc. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form — currently the Motor Vehicle Commission, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08625, though you should confirm this on the form itself since addresses can change.

Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. The MVC will process your form and mail your replacement license within two to three weeks. You do not need to include payment; address changes are free.

Changing your address in person at an MVC office

You can walk into any New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office and request an address change. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Tell the representative you want to change your address, not renew your license.

The office will process your change on the spot and mail your replacement license to your new address. There is no fee. Processing time is the same as the mail route — your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. MVC offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations offer Saturday hours; check nj.gov/mvc for hours and locations near you.

What happens to your current license while you wait

Your existing driver's license remains valid and legal to use until it expires, even though the address on it is now outdated. You do not need to carry both the old and new licenses. When your replacement arrives, straightforward use the new one and discard the old one.

If you are stopped by police before your new license arrives, the officer can look up your current address in the MVC system. Having the old address printed on your license is not a violation. However, if you move again before your replacement arrives, you will need to start the address change process over.

Updating your vehicle registration separately

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. If your car is registered in your name, you must notify the MVC of the new address for that registration as well. You can do this online at nj.gov/mvc under "Vehicle Registration," by mail using Form BA-49 (Registration Change), or in person at an MVC office.

The registration and license are separate records in the MVC system. Some people update both at the same time for convenience, but they are not linked. If you only change your license address and not your registration, your registration will still show your old address until you update it separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address before my license expires?

No. You can change your address at any time, even if your license is not expiring soon. There is no important date. However, if your license is expiring within the next few months, you may want to wait and renew it instead, since renewal will give you a new license with the correct address anyway.

What if I move again before my replacement license arrives?

You will need to start the address change process again. The MVC will mail your replacement to whichever address you provided most recently. If you know you are moving multiple times in a short period, you can wait until you settle in your final location before changing your address.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

You can still change your address in the MVC system, but you cannot renew or replace your license while it is suspended or revoked. Once your suspension or revocation is lifted, you can request your replacement license with the updated address.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No. Address changes are free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. The MVC does not charge for this service.

What documents count as proof of my new address?

The MVC accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance documents, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and new address. If you are mailing your change, include a copy; if you are in person, bring the original.