Where to report your address change to the New Jersey MVC

You can change your address with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) online, by mail, or in person at a local MVC office. The online method is fastest — you can do it from home in about 10 minutes if you have your driver's license or vehicle registration number and a valid email address. The MVC's online system is called the MVC Portal, and it handles address changes for both your driver's license and vehicle registration at the same time.

If you prefer not to use the online portal, you can mail a completed form or visit an MVC office in person. By mail, the process takes longer because the MVC must receive and process your form, then mail you updated documents. In person, you can complete the change when ready, though you may wait for an appointment depending on your local office's schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • The MVC Portal online system is the fastest way to change your address and updates both your driver's license and vehicle registration in one transaction.
  • You need your driver's license or vehicle registration number and a valid email address to use the online portal.
  • If you mail your address change, use form BA-49 (Address Change) and send it to the address listed on the form; processing takes several weeks.
  • You can also visit an MVC office in person with proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.
  • New Jersey law requires you to report an address change within 10 days of moving, though the MVC does not penalize you for reporting late.

Using the MVC Portal to change your address online

Go to www.nj.gov/mvc and select "MVC Portal" from the homepage. You will need to create an account or log in if you already have one. The system will ask you to enter either your driver's license number or vehicle registration number, then verify your identity by answering security questions based on your MVC records.

Once you are logged in, select "Address Change" from the menu. Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your documents. The system will update your driver's license address and all vehicle registrations linked to your account in a single submission. You will receive a confirmation email when ready, and your updated documents will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The online portal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no fee for changing your address through the portal.

Mailing your address change form to the MVC

read or request form BA-49 (Address Change) from the MVC website or by calling the MVC Customer Service Center at 609-292-6500. Fill out the form completely, including your current license or registration number, your new address, and your signature. You do not need to include any supporting documents with the mailed form.

Mail the completed form to the address printed on the form itself — this address varies depending on which MVC office processes your request. Include your current address on the envelope so the MVC can match it to your records. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date the MVC receives your form. Your updated documents will be mailed to your new address.

Keep a copy of the form and your mailing receipt for your records. If you do not receive your updated documents within 4 weeks, contact the MVC Customer Service Center to confirm the form was received.

Changing your address in person at an MVC office

Visit any MVC office with proof of your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued mail dated within the last 60 days. Bring your current driver's license or vehicle registration as well.

You can schedule an appointment online at www.nj.gov/mvc or walk in during office hours. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan. When you arrive, tell the staff member you need to change your address. They will update your records on the spot, and you will receive a temporary paper document confirming the change. Your official updated documents will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

There is no fee for an in-person address change.

What happens if you move but do not report your address change

New Jersey law requires you to report an address change within 10 days of moving. However, the MVC does not issue fines or penalties for reporting late. The main consequence is that your driver's license and vehicle registration will show an outdated address, which can cause problems if you are stopped by police, need to renew your registration, or receive official mail from the MVC.

If you receive a traffic ticket or other notice at your old address, you may not know about court dates or payment important date. If you are pulled over and your license shows an old address, an officer may ask for clarification, though this alone is not a violation. It is best to report your address change as soon as possible after moving to avoid confusion.

Changing your address if you have multiple vehicles

If you own more than one vehicle registered in New Jersey, the online MVC Portal will update the address for all of them in a single transaction. When you log in and select "Address Change," the system will show all vehicles linked to your account and update each one automatically.

If you use the mail or in-person method, you only need to report your address once — the MVC will update all your registrations. You do not need to submit separate forms for each vehicle.

Changing your address if you recently moved out of state

If you have moved out of New Jersey and no longer need your New Jersey driver's license or vehicle registration, you do not need to report an address change with the MVC. Instead, you should surrender your New Jersey documents and obtain a license and registration in your new state.

If you are keeping a New Jersey vehicle registration but have moved out of state, you can still change your address through the MVC Portal or by mail. However, some states require you to register vehicles with their own motor vehicle agency within a certain time frame after moving. Check your new state's requirements before deciding whether to keep your New Jersey registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my updated documents after I change my address?

If you change your address online or in person, your updated driver's license and vehicle registration will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you mail the form, processing takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date the MVC receives it, plus mail delivery time.

Can I change my address if my license or registration is expired?

Yes, you can change your address even if your license or registration is expired. However, if either document is expired, you will need to renew it at the same time. The MVC will handle both the address change and renewal together, and you may need to pay a renewal fee.

What if I do not have proof of my new address?

If you cannot provide a utility bill, lease, or other document dated within 60 days, you can use a government-issued ID with your new address, a bank statement, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead showing your new address. Contact the MVC Customer Service Center at 609-292-6500 to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.

Do I need to change my address if I moved within New Jersey?

Yes, you must report any address change to the MVC within 10 days, whether you moved within New Jersey or out of state. Use the same process — online, by mail, or in person — regardless of whether you stayed in the state.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No, you must change your address yourself. The MVC requires you to verify your identity before making changes to your account. If you cannot visit an office or use the online portal, you can mail the form, but it must be signed by you.