How to Change a Car Registration Address in New Jersey
Motorists will need to change a car registration address in New Jersey when they move within the state. Changing car registration address is a procedure that must be completed through the state Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) when vehicle owners change residences. It is important for drivers to keep their address on file with the MVC up to date, as the mail service will not automatically forward state notifications to a different address.
After completing the address change on car registration documents, the state MVC will update its database with the new information. If you would like an updated registration document with the new address, then you will be required to apply for a replacement car registration in person through a local MVC office. Note that the commission offers several methods to complete this process. To learn more about how to change car registration address in New Jersey, continue reading the sections below.
Instances Where You Must Change Your Address on Your New Jersey Car Registration
Automobile owners are required to change the vehicle registration address on each occasion they relocate to another residence within the state. Changing an auto registration address is a procedure that must also be completed by car owners who move within New Jersey from another state.
Another rare occasion that will require you to update the MVC is if you were issued a registration card displaying an incorrect address. In such cases, you will be required to inform the state MVC of the error and apply for an updated registration card.
New Jersey Address Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration
The procedure to change an auto registration address in New Jersey must be completed within a period of seven days after the vehicle owner makes changes to his or her address, per current state laws. If you fail to complete the address update on car registration within this time period, then you are at risk of receiving a traffic ticket for driving with an outdated MVC record.
If you do not update the MVC, then you will also not receive your car registration renewal notice as well. Note that you are required to pay your renewal costs on time, regardless of whether or not you receive the renewal reminder.
How to Change Your Address on Your New Jersey Car Registration Online
Vehicle owners wondering how to change car registration address in New Jersey via the internet can utilize the MVC online system, available through the commission’s official website. In order to access the online address change on car registration application, motorists will be required to enter their ZIP code, driver’s license number and Social Security Number (SSN).
If you do not hold a state-issued driving license or an ID card, then you can log on to the system by entering the DL number printed on your registration card. Then, you can finalize the process by providing several types of information, such as your personal data and your new address.
Once the system processes your request, it will update the MVC database and generate a printable confirmation letter. After printing the confirmation receipt, you can use it as proof of a successful address change transaction.
How to Change Your Address on Your New Jersey Car Registration in Person
If you are unable to change your car registration address in New Jersey via the internet or you prefer to make an office visit, then you can always inform the state MVC of your new address in person. If you choose to change auto registration address in person, then you can also utilize the convenient option of applying for an updated registration card. If you also need to request a replacement document at the same time, then you will be required to fill out an application form, pay a certain fee and submit proofs of identification and state residency.
Once an MVC agent approves your request, you record will be updated and you will be issued an updated registration card.
How to Change Your Address on Your New Jersey Car Registration by Mail
Another convenient method to update a car registration address in New Jersey is to mail a written request to the MVC Database Corrections Unit in Trenton. To successfully complete the address change on a vehicle registration by mail, applicants will be required to send a signed letter that contains their personal information and their old and new address.
The mail-in package must also contain the vehicle owner’s driving license or state ID card and proof of the new address, such as a bank statement or utility bill. The commission will update your records as soon as it receives your mail-in application packet.
When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in New Jersey
Instead of completing the address change on car registration in New Jersey, vehicle owners can inform the state MVC of their new address when renewing their license plates as well. If you would like to update your vehicle registration address and renew your plates in person, for instance, then you will first be required to provide proof of a new address before completing the standard renewal steps.
If you choose to update and renew registration online, on the other hand, then you will be able to utilize the online address change method, outlined above, prior to proceeding with the standard internet registration renewal process.
New Jersey DMV Address Change Fees
The process to update a vehicle registration address in New Jersey will include a $5 payable to the commission.
If you apply for a duplicate registration when changing your car registration address information, then you will have to pay the applicable replacement registration fee as well. In the case of four-year registration documents, the fee is $11.
Sources
- Change of Address from NJ.us