How to Change Your Vehicle Registration Address with the New Jersey DMV

How to change your registration address with the New Jersey DMV

You can change your vehicle registration address with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) by mail, online, or in person at an MVC office. The online method is fastest — you log into your MVC account, update your address, and pay a $5 fee. By mail, you send a completed form with proof of your new address. In person, you bring your registration card and ID to any MVC office. New Jersey does not require you to re-register your vehicle when you move; you only update the address on file.

The address change takes effect when ready online or within 7 to 10 business days by mail. You do not need to notify your insurance company separately — your registration address and your insurance address are different records, so update both. If you move and do not update your registration address, the MVC will mail renewal notices and violation notices to your old address, and you may miss important important date.

Key Takeaways

The online method through your MVC account is the fastest way to change your address and costs $5.
By mail, you send form BA-49 with proof of your new address; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
In person at any MVC office, bring your registration card and a government-issued ID with your new address.
Updating your registration address does not renew your registration — your renewal date stays the same.
Your insurance company maintains a separate address record, so notify them separately even after you update the MVC.

Changing your address online through your MVC account

The online method is available 24 hours and requires you to have an MVC account set up. Go to nj.gov/mvc and log in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your driver's license or registration card number. Once logged in, select "Update Vehicle Information" and choose the vehicle you want to update.

Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of residency document — mail, utility bill, or lease. The system will ask you to confirm the address and review your vehicle information. Pay the $5 address change fee by debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation email when ready, and your address is updated in the MVC system right away. You do not receive a new registration card in the mail unless you also renew your registration.

Mailing a form to the MVC

To change your address by mail, read or request form BA-49 (process for Duplicate Registration Card or Address Change) from the MVC website or any MVC office. Fill in your vehicle information, current registration number, and new address. Include one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the MVC address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $5 payable to "New Jersey MVC." Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the MVC receives your mail. You will not receive a confirmation; your address is updated when the MVC processes the form. If you need to confirm the change was made, you can log into your MVC account online or call the MVC customer service line.

Changing your address in person at an MVC office

Visit any MVC office with your current registration card and a government-issued ID that shows your new address. Bring one additional document proving your new address if your ID does not yet reflect it — a utility bill, lease, or recent mail. The MVC staff will update your address on the spot and charge you $5.

You will leave with your registration card unchanged; the address update is recorded in the system. If you want a new registration card printed with your updated address, you can request one at the office for an additional fee, though it is not required. MVC offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some locations offer Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; arriving early in the week typically means shorter waits.

What counts as proof of your new address

The MVC accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowner's insurance declaration, or government mail such as a tax notice or voter registration card. A bank statement or credit card statement with your new address also works.

The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted. If you recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address, a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating your name, new address, and move-in date can serve as proof. Some MVC offices may ask for additional documentation if your situation is unusual, so call ahead if you are unsure.

Timing and what happens to your renewal date

An address change does not affect your vehicle registration renewal date. If your registration expires in August, it still expires in August after you change your address. The MVC will mail your renewal notice to your new address, so make sure the address change is processed before your renewal month arrives. If you change your address online, it takes effect when ready; by mail or in person, allow a few days for the system to update.

If you move and do not update your address before your renewal notice is mailed, the notice will go to your old address and you may not receive it. You can still renew online or by mail using your registration number, but you will not have the renewal notice in front of you. To avoid missing a renewal important date, change your address as soon as you move or within a few weeks of moving.

Updating your insurance address separately

Your vehicle registration address and your auto insurance address are maintained by different companies — the MVC and your insurance provider. Changing one does not change the other. Contact your insurance company directly to update your address on your policy. Most insurers let you update your address online, by phone, or through your agent.

Your insurance company may use your address to calculate your premium, since insurance rates vary by location. Updating your address promptly can affect your rate. Some insurers also require you to notify them within a certain number of days of moving; check your policy or call your agent to confirm their timeline. If you receive a violation or accident notice at your old address because your insurance address was not updated, contact your insurer when ready.

What to do if you move out of state

If you move out of New Jersey, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state within a set timeframe — usually 30 to 60 days, depending on the state. You cannot straightforward change your address with the New Jersey MVC and keep a New Jersey registration. Contact your new state's motor vehicle agency to learn their registration process and what documents you will need.

You will likely need your current New Jersey registration, proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and proof of residency in your new state. Some states allow you to transfer your registration; others require you to surrender your New Jersey registration and obtain a new one. Once you register in your new state, your New Jersey registration becomes invalid. If you plan to move back to New Jersey later, you will need to re-register at that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move within New Jersey?

You are not legally required to, but you should. If you do not update your address, the MVC will mail renewal notices and violation notices to your old address, and you may miss important important date or not receive critical documents. Changing your address takes five minutes online and costs $5.

Can I change my address without renewing my registration?

Yes. An address change is separate from a registration renewal. Your registration expiration date does not change when you update your address. You can change your address at any time, and your registration will renew on its original schedule.

What if my new address is not yet on my driver's license?

You can still change your registration address. Bring your registration card and any government-issued ID you have, plus a document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, or recent mail). The MVC will update your registration address based on the proof of residency you provide.

How long does it take to change my address by mail?

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the MVC receives your form. Mail delivery adds a few days on each end, so allow 2 to 3 weeks total from the time you mail the form. If you need the change faster, use the online method or visit an MVC office in person.

Will I get a new registration card with my updated address?

No, not automatically. Your current registration card remains valid even after you change your address. If you want a new card printed with your updated address, you can request one at an MVC office for an additional fee, but it is not necessary.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.