How to Complete an MVC Change of Address in New Jersey
To complete a change of address at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, you can go in person or fill out a form online or by mail.
Written by John Pickhaver
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Whether you just moved to the Garden State or are relocating a few towns over, you can apply for a
New Jersey
change of address on your driver’s license
at your local MVC office. If you’re moving within the state, you can simply change your address by mail or online.The moving process can come with a lot of anxiety. Since there’s so much to take care of, it’s easy to forget about other tasks that need to get done, like officially changing your address.
In New Jersey, that means a trip to the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), plus a call to your insurance company to avoid a serious lapse in coverage. Luckily, if you’re already an NJ resident, you can complete this pesky task online or by mail.
We’ve put together a handy resource that includes everything you need to know about changing your address in New Jersey.
How to change your address on a New Jersey driver’s license
Thankfully, the digital age has made changing your address a whole lot easier. Provided that you are moving within the state, New Jersey allows you to complete your change of address online.
If you’re moving within New Jersey
Whether you’re moving from the South Jersey shore beaches of
Atlantic City
all the way up north to Montague, or just moving a few miles up the AC Expressway in Ocean City, you must update your residential address with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Fortunately, it’s a fairly simple process. You can:
- Head toa local MVC officeto complete your form in person. You must bring:Proof of addressA fee of $11 (pay by credit, debit, cash, check, or money order—payable to NJMVC) for duplicate driver’s license with your new addressA fee of $5 for updated (duplicate) registration documents with your new address
- Mail your request to Database Corrections Unit, PO Box 141, Trenton, NJ 08666. Mailed requests must include the following:A signed letter indicating the address change requestYour last address of recordA copy of your driver’s license or other ID cardProof of new address, such as a utility bill
Whatever method you choose, you must show evidence of New Jersey residency, proof of address, and your existing New Jersey driver’s license as identification. To complete the process of updating your New Jersey driver’s license you’ll need to pay a $24 fee.
If you’re moving to New Jersey from another state
If you’re moving to New Jersey from out of state, the process to update your address is a bit more involved. You’ll need to apply for a New Jersey driver’s license, which includes a number of steps that can only be done in person.
The initial step is to assemble the documents that the MVC mandates for applications for licenses, such as
proof of address and a Social Security card
. You must provide documentation that shows the following five requirements: - Your full legal name
- Your legal presence in the United States
- Your date of birth
- Your Social Security number
- Your New Jersey street address
Regardless of what documentation you decide to present, you need to include those five elements. A birth certificate or passport meets the first three, while a Social Security card, W-2 form, or Medicare card can meet the fourth.
To show evidence of your new New Jersey address, you may show items like a credit card statement, a pay stub, or a utility bill. Once you’ve gathered all of your documents, visit your
local MVC office
to apply for your license. Keep in mind that the fee for a driver’s license starts at $24.Also, be sure to make necessary changes to your vehicle’s registration at an
MVC Deputy Registrar License Agency
. You are given 60 days after establishing residency in New Jersey to officially update your change of address. Other steps for a New Jersey change of address
The change of address process doesn’t stop at the MVC—you’ll also need to update your mailing address with the United States Postal Service (USPS). Completing the
change of address form
helps ensure you will receive all your mail and packages. Plus, you can update your voter registration and score coupons up to $750 at the same time!
How to notify your insurance company of your New Jersey change of address
Remember to inform your insurance provider of your new address to avoid a costly lapse in your coverage. New Jersey mandates all motorists to have
minimum amounts of liability insurance
—additionally, a lienholder may require you to carry certain coverage options.Nearly all companies allow you to change your address simply by calling your insurance company or updating your information online. Review the terms of your policy and if anything is unclear, give them a ring!
Why notifying your insurance company of a change of address is so important
Say you get pulled over for running a red light, and it’s only then that you realize your policy is under your old address. If you fail to inform your insurance provider, and your policy expires, you’ll be left vulnerable to fines and even a license or registration suspension.
Why is remembering to update your address so important? Most insurers use your address to determine your rate—they review the degrees of risk affiliated with certain ZIP codes. If your ZIP code changes and you fail to inform your insurer, this could be considered fraud.
To put it another way, failing to inform your insurance provider of your new address is a surefire way to get hit with super-high rates on car, home, and renters insurance.
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”
Patricia W.
Reviewed on 5/28/2023
How to find affordable car insurance in New Jersey
Informing your insurer of your new address is crucial because it helps you avoid a lapse in coverage. You may also see your rate increase or decrease based on your new ZIP code.
To ensure your rates remain low, experts recommend shopping for car insurance after any move, whether it’s from one state to another or simply around the corner. If you’re totally over moving boxes and negotiating with moving companies, let
Jerry
take care of everything for you.Simply download the app, enter your info, and Jerry will present you with personalized quotes from top providers across the country. Just choose the one you like best, and Jerry will handle the rest!
“I recently started looking for insurance. With my past ticket, I got rejected from several companies while others charged me extreme prices. My friend referred me toJerryand their amazing customer service helped me get the lowest insurance rate.” —Christina H.
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now
FAQs
Can you change your address online in New Jersey?
As long as you’re only moving with the state—yes! Just head to the MVC’s online portal to fill out the
change of address form.
Do I have to get a new license when I move to New Jersey?
Yes. All new residents are required to apply for a New Jersey driver’s license within 60 days of establishing residency.
4.7
