Planning a move in New Jersey? One of the big tasks on your moving checklist is changing your address. If you’re staying in New Jersey, you’ll need to complete a New Jersey motor vehicle change of address, update your voter registration, and transfer utilities. You’ll also need to update your address with financial institutions, insurance companies, and more. Here’s a complete guide to the NJ DMV change of address process through the MVC, USPS mail forwarding, and more.
All drivers are required to update their address with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) within 10 days, according to N.J.S.A 39:3-36.
You can do the NJ DMV change of address process online, which is the easiest and recommended option. You need to create or log into your MyMVC account with your zip code (based on the mailing address on file), driver’s license or ID number, and Social Security number. You will also need a valid email address. After completing the process, you can print the NJ MVC address change confirmation for your records.
You can also visit a New Jersey MVC licensing center to change your address in person. You will need:
Check the New Jersey 6 points of ID sheet listing acceptable documents before you visit to make sure you have what you need!
If you get an official MVC renewal notice in the mail for your driver’s license, non-driver ID card, or registration, you will receive updated credentials in the mail with your reported address change.
Finally, you can mail in a NJ MVC address change request, although it’s not recommended. You must mail in a signed letter with your request that includes your last address on record, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill), and a copy of your driver’s license or non-driver ID card to the address below:
Database Corrections Unit, PO Box 141, Trenton, NJ 08666
The New Jersey motor vehicle change of address process is free, but there is a fee if you want a new driver’s license with your updated address.
As long as you submit the New Jersey DMV address change when you move, you don’t need to get a new driver’s license with your new address. Still, it’s helpful for establishing New Jersey residency and providing proof of address later. There are two ways to change the address on your license in NJ:
Note: you are required to complete your NJ driver’s license address change online if you qualify for online license replacement.
You can log into MyMVC to order a duplicate license with your new address. You will need your driver’s license number, date of birth, last name, zip code (your mailing address on file), a valid email address, and a valid debit or credit card.
If your license expires within 90 days, you can’t order a duplicate driver’s license online. You will need to visit an MVC licensing center in person to update the address on your license. You will need proof of address, 6 points of ID, and the Completed Application for Permit/License/Non-Driver ID as listed above.
There is a fee of $11 for a NJ motor vehicle address change if you request a duplicate license. You can pay by cash, debit or credit card, or with a check or money order made payable to NJMVC.
Whether you complete your NJ license address change online or in person, you will receive your new driver’s license in the mail. It may take up to 14 days to get your duplicate license, but you can use an interim printed paper document until then.
You can use the same New Jersey motor vehicle change of address online system to update your address on your license and registration. Log into MyMVC to change your address. There is a fee for new registration documents with your updated address. The updated registration documents are $5 or $11 for four-year registration documents.
You complete the NJ license address change process after moving, but you should change your address with the post office and set up mail forwarding at least a few days before you actually move.
You can do the USPS address change process for free at your local post office. You can ask for the Mover’s Guide and return the completed USPS Change of Address Form (PS Form 3575).
It’s even easier to do the USPS change of address online through the USPS Mover’s Guide website. You can even update your voter registration at the same time. You will need an email address and debit or credit card to pay the $1.10 service fee.
You can select whether your relocation is temporary or permanent, select a date to begin forwarding your mail and choose between individual or household moving. Forwarded mail can take 7 to 10 business days to reach your new house after your effective move date. Be aware that mail forwarding only lasts up to 12 months for first-class mail. Magazines and newspapers will only be forwarded for 60 days.
Senders are not informed when your mail is forwarded. Once mail forwarding expires, you will not receive mail sent to your previous address. Make sure you update your address with credit card companies, your bank, the IRS, and any important contacts.
It doesn’t take priority over the NJ DMV address change and USPS change of address steps above, but it’s still a good idea to update your address with the New Jersey Division of Taxation and the IRS. This can be helpful to establish New Jersey residency if you’re new to the state, and it makes sure you receive important tax documents, communication, and government checks.
You can update your address with the New Jersey Division of Taxation in several ways:
You can download the New Jersey Division of Taxation Change of Address form here.
Your address on file is updated automatically when you file your annual income tax return. You can’t do an IRS address change online, unfortunately. If you have already filed your return for the year, there are a few ways to update your address with the IRS:
It may take 4-6 weeks for your change of address to be processed.
Updating your voter registration in NJ is easy. When you do the NJ MVC change of address online, you can select the option to also update your voter record. The New Jersey MVC will report your address change to the New Jersey Division of Elections.
Make sure your application or update is accepted by the County Commissioner of Registration, though; the MVC only forwards your information. If your application is not accepted, you will receive information on how to update your application. You can also contact your local NJ Commissioner of Registration to make sure your new address is on file or check your voter registration status through the New Jersey Voter Information Portal.
If you aren’t updating your driver’s license address or want to do a voter registration change of address in NJ directly with the Division of Elections, you can visit NJElections.org.
Be aware the deadline to register to vote is 21 days before the upcoming election day. Your new voter registration application must be submitted 21 days before an election, even if you are moving within New Jersey or staying in the same county. If you are moving to another county in New Jersey, the voter registration form must be submitted in your new county.
If you’re staying in the same city or metro area, you can likely transfer your electric and/or natural gas service to your new home. You will need to transfer utility services with each provider separately.
About 2 weeks before moving, contact your utility companies to find out if your new address is still within their service area and start the transfer process. Each utility company is different; you may need to give anywhere from 2 to 10 days’ notice. You may need to pay a new or higher deposit based on the new service address.
Below are links to transfer service with electric and natural gas providers in North Jersey.
Remember that forwarding your mail won’t inform any senders or service providers that your address has changed. Complete your New Jersey change of address by giving your new address to the following.
Completing the NJ MVC change of address and updating your address with service providers, subscriptions, and financial institutions isn’t difficult, but it can definitely be one of the most annoying aspects of moving. We recommend starting early by watching your mail and bank statements for a couple of months and making a master address change list as part of planning for your move.
While we can’t help with changing your address, our amazing movers in North Jersey will make the rest of your relocation as easy as possible! Give the friendly movers at Catlow Movers a call to get started with a free, personalized moving quote today.
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