How To Do a New Jersey DMV Change of Address

If you’re planning on moving to, from, or within the state of New Jersey then you’re going to want to make sure that you know exactly what’s expected of you in terms of DMV paperwork. Like all states, you will be required to get your New Jersey DMV Change of Address forms in order before you can truly settle in as a resident—including your address on your driver’s license and your vehicle’s registration, if applicable.

It’s good practice to take care of all of your paperwork as early as possible, especially if you’re going to be driving in the state or want to start applying for jobs. And since New Jersey requires you to file your change of address paperwork within 60 days of becoming a new resident (and within just seven days of your move if you’re relocating within the state) there really isn’t a ton of time to waste.

Not sure where you should start? That’s where we come in. We’ve put together all of the information that you’ll need to complete your New Jersey DMV change of address and vehicle registration forms, so read through the information below and then make your way to a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office to get started.

If You’re Moving to New Jersey from Another State

Will you need to get a new driver’s license if moving to New Jersey from another state?

How do you get one?

To get a New Jersey driver’s license as a formerly out-of-state resident you will have to go to a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office in person to apply. Unfortunately you can’t do a New Jersey DMV change of address online or over the phone or make an appointment in advance, so make sure to set aside some time in your day for a visit.

Note that you will have to be at least 21 years of age in order to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of New Jersey. Drivers under the age of 21 will be required to complete a mandatory Graduated Drivers License program, even if you have a formerly valid license. Per the rules in most states, expect that a New Jersey driver’s license for new residents to the state are only available to those who do not have any outstanding suspensions, revocations, or cancellations on their out of state driver’s license and who have not been previously deemed unfit or unsafe to drive by the NJ DMV or an outside court.

You will need to bring along the following documentation when you visit the NJ DMV:

    • Proof of identity (ex: birth certificate, passport, or valid active military photo I.D. card)
    • Secondary proof of identity (ex: U.S. military dependent card, college photo I.D. card with transcript, FAA pilot license)
    • Proof of social security number
    • Proof of New Jersey residency (ex: utility or credit card bill, lease, bank statement)

    Check out the full list of accepted documents so you can be sure to bring what you need.

    Note that if your name on your proof of identity does not match the name on your current driver’s license you will also have to bring along proof of name change, such as your marriage license, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change.

    Is there a fee?

    Yes. The fee for a non-commercial New Jersey driver’s license is $24 every four years.

    Does a New Jersey DMV change of address require a driving test?

    No, provided your current license is valid and you are over the age of 21.

    How long do you have to get a New Jersey driver’s license or ID card?

    New Jersey requires new residents to get a state driver’s license within 60 days of your move, which can go by quickly, so act fast!

    How long do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?

    Within 60 days of your move.

    How do you update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of New Jersey?

    You’ll need to head to a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office in person to update your vehicle’s registration. Make sure to bring along the following required documents:

      • Proof of car insurance, including your car insurance policy number
      • Your social security card
      • Your current and valid New Jersey driver’s license
      • Proof of your vehicle’s odometer reading (an image should suffice)
      • An Application for Certification of Ownership

      What is the registration fee?

      The fee to register a vehicle in New Jersey varies depending on the age of your car and its weight class, with prices ranging from $35.50 to $84. Visit the fees page so that you know what you can expect when you visit to the Motor Vehicle Commission.

      If You’re Moving Within New Jersey

      You have just seven short days after your move to update your New Jersey driver’s license with your new address when moving within the state (and no, changing your address with the post office doesn’t cut it), so make sure that you put this task on the very top of your to do list. Remember as well that you’ll need your driver’s license updated before your vehicle registration update, and both must be completed with those seven days.

      You have two options for updating your address on your New Jersey driver’s license:

      1. Fill out a New Jersey DMV change of address form online. You can do so here. Be sure to have your current New Jersey driver’s license number handy, as well as the last four digits of your social security number.

      2. Go to a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office in person. Find a New Jersey driver’s license office near you and fill out a New Jersey DMV change of address form in person.

      How much does a New Jersey change of address cost?

      An update to a New Jersey driver’s license costs $11.

      What information do you need to provide to update your address on your driver’s license?

      To change your address on your New Jersey driver’s license or identification card, you will need to provide:

        • Your current and valid New Jersey driver’s license number
        • Your social security number
        • Your new address

        What information do you need to provide to update your vehicle registration?

        As for updating your vehicle’s registration, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

          • Your current and valid New Jersey driver’s license number
          • Your social security number
          • Your new address

          You can change the address on your vehicle’s registration online or in person at a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office. Do keep in mind that you will need to complete this within seven days of your move, so time is of the essence.

          Will New Jersey issue you a new driver’s license if you’re moving within the state?

          No. You will receive a sticker to put on your current license that notes the update.

          If You’re Moving From New Jersey to Another State

          Do you need to notify the New Jersey DMV if you’re moving to another state without a registered car?

          Nope. Once you get a driver’s license from your new state the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will automatically cancel your NJ driver’s license.

          Do you need to notify the New Jersey DMV if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle?

          Yes. And to do so, you’ll have to return your New Jersey license plates. There are two options for how to do so: (1) surrender them in person at a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office, or (2) send them by mail to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, P.O. Box 129, Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0129.

          Do you need to return your New Jersey license plates?

          Yep. See above for details.

          Have any questions?

          If you have any questions about changing your address on your driver’s license and/or vehicle’s registration when moving to, from, or within the state of New Jersey, contact the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission directly at 609-292-6500 weekdays from 8am to 4:30pm or on Saturdays from 8am to 3pm.

          Need to hire movers for your move to, from, or within the state of New Jersey?

          We can help you out with that! Use our free online moving company directory to quickly and easily search reputable interstate movers in your area. Because moving out of state can be costly, we recommend reaching out to at least three different interstate moving companies to get quotes so that you can ensure you are getting the best price possible. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate on how much your New Jersey move will cost.