If you’re moving in or into New Jersey, the Motor Vehicle Commission gives you one week from the date of your move to report your new address for both your driver’s license and your vehicle registration. A full New Jersey change of address also means updating the U.S. Postal Service, your voter registration, the New Jersey Division of Taxation, and federal agencies like the IRS and Social Security. Each one is handled separately, and none of them notify the others for you.
Forward Your Mail With USPS First
Before you contact any agency, file a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service so mail sent to your old address follows you during the transition. A permanent request forwards First-Class Mail for 12 months and periodicals for 60 days. A temporary request covers relocations of 15 days to one year.
The fastest way is online at the official USPS Change of Address page. You’ll pick your move type, enter old and new addresses, and pay a $1.25 identity verification fee by credit or debit card. USPS says to allow up to two weeks for forwarding to begin, though it often starts sooner.1USPS. Standard Forward Mail and Change of Address
You can also file for free in person at any Post Office by asking for a Mover’s Guide packet and completing PS Form 3575. In-person filing is required if you’re moving outside the United States, filing on someone else’s behalf as an authorized agent, or unable to verify your identity online.
USPS forwarding only redirects mail. It does not tell banks, insurers, or government agencies where you moved.
Update Your Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration With the MVC
New Jersey requires MVC address changes to be submitted online. You cannot do it by phone, by mail, or in person at an agency.2State of New Jersey. Change of Address The one-week deadline set by statute applies from the date you move.3State of New Jersey. Address Change
To submit the change you’ll need your driver’s license or non-driver ID number, your Social Security number, the zip code the MVC has on file, and an email address. If you own a vehicle but don’t have a New Jersey license or non-driver ID, use the number labeled “DL” on the lower right of your registration card in the license number field.3State of New Jersey. Address Change
The system emails you a confirmation letter after you submit. Keep it with your license as proof you complied. The MVC no longer sends physical address change labels.3State of New Jersey. Address Change
Getting a New Physical Card
The online update changes your record in the MVC’s system but does not produce a new license with the new address printed on it. If you want an updated card, visit an MVC agency in person, bring the six-point ID verification documents, and pay the $11 duplicate license fee.4New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Change of Address Otherwise, your next renewal notice will reflect the new address automatically.3State of New Jersey. Address Change
Vehicle Registration
The one-week reporting requirement covers vehicle owners as well. The same online portal handles both, so check that your registration is included when you submit the license change. When your next registration renewal comes, the new credential will show the current address on file.3State of New Jersey. Address Change
Update Your Voter Registration
Moving within New Jersey means updating your voter registration to vote at your new precinct. You must be registered at your current address at least 21 days before an election to vote in it.5Vote.gov. How to Register in New Jersey New Jersey also requires 30 days of residency in your new county before you’re eligible to vote there.6Justia. New Jersey Code 19-31-5 – Persons Entitled to Be Registered If you’ve just moved and an election is close, check whether both windows leave you enough time.
Through the MVC
When you file your MVC address change online, the system asks whether you want to update your voter registration at the same time. If you say yes, the MVC sends the notice to the Division of Elections. This is the simplest path.7New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Voter Registration
Direct Application
You can also update your registration on its own by completing a New Jersey Voter Registration Application. The form has a checkbox for “Address change” and asks for your name, date of birth, home address, and mailing address if different. If you’re registering by mail and voting for the first time in your new county, provide either your New Jersey driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number.8Justia. New Jersey Code 19-31-6.4 – Registration Forms, Contents, Availability; Duties of Officials
Paper applications go to the County Commissioner of Registration or the Superintendent of Elections for your county.9State of New Jersey. Register to Vote You can also register online through the NJ Division of Elections website at njelections.org, or call 1-877-NJVOTER (1-877-658-6837) to request a form by mail.7New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Voter Registration
Notify the New Jersey Division of Taxation
Keeping your address current with the state tax agency ensures you receive income tax notices, refund checks, and property tax relief information. The Division of Taxation gives you four options.10New Jersey Department of the Treasury. NJ Division of Taxation – Address Change
- Upload the completed Division of Taxation Change of Address Form and a photocopy of a government-issued ID through the Tax Correspondence Manager portal.
- Mail the Change of Address Form (or a copy of IRS Form 8822) plus a photocopy of your ID to NJ Division of Taxation – ADD, PO Box 440, Trenton, NJ 08646-0440.
- Visit a Division of Taxation regional office in person with a photo ID. If you don’t have a photo ID, bring two other forms of identification.
- File your next New Jersey income tax return or Property Tax Relief application with the new address entered instead of using any preprinted label.
The tax return option handles the update on its own if you’re filing soon. If you expect a refund check or notice before filing season, send the Change of Address Form separately so nothing goes to the old place.
Update Federal Records: IRS and Social Security
Internal Revenue Service
The IRS does not learn your new address from New Jersey agencies. File Form 8822 (Change of Address) and, from New Jersey, mail it to Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Kansas City, MO 64999-0023. Processing takes four to six weeks.11Internal Revenue Service. Form 8822 Change of Address
You can also update your address by entering the new one on your next federal return. If a deficiency notice or demand for payment goes to your old address in the meantime, penalties and interest continue to accrue whether you receive it or not, so Form 8822 is the safer route between filing seasons.11Internal Revenue Service. Form 8822 Change of Address
Social Security Administration
If you receive Social Security benefits, update your address through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, which has a direct “Change your address” link for beneficiaries. If you don’t have an account, you can create one using Login.gov or ID.me, or call 1-800-772-1213 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time).12Social Security Administration. my Social Security Direct deposit doesn’t make this optional. The SSA may stop benefits if it can’t reach you by mail.13Social Security Administration. Update Contact Information
Don’t Forget Insurance, Banks, and Utilities
Auto insurance is the private-side item with the sharpest consequences in New Jersey. Your premium is partly based on where you live, and driving with an outdated address on your policy can give your insurer grounds to deny a claim or cancel coverage. Notify your auto, homeowners or renters, and health insurance providers before the move if you can.
Banks, credit card companies, and lenders need your new address for account statements and fraud alerts. Sensitive financial mail going to an old address is an identity theft risk. Tell your employer at least two weeks before you move so W-2s and other tax documents arrive on time.
Utilities at your old address need a shutoff or transfer date, and you’ll want service turned on at the new place before moving day. Contact electric, gas, water, and internet providers a few weeks in advance so you’re not scheduling installations while you’re unloading boxes.