Have you also planned to move to the state that offers a flourishing dining culture, along with bustling trade and employment opportunities? Yes, New Jersey, which is also popularly referred to as the ‘Diner capital of the World’, is a popular choice among many people from all over. But even with all these perks of shifting to New Jersey, the fact that still remains a constant is the list of formalities that need to be completed when relocating from one place to the other.
On the positive side, the process of getting your driver license and vehicle registration updated in New Jersey is not complicated at all. Whether you’re moving to, from or within the Garden State, the NJ DMV has a straightforward process for it all. To add to it, we have here all the information you would need for getting your documents updated. So let’s get started
Obtaining A Driver’s License When Moving to New Jersey From Another State
If you see yourself driving along the shorelines of New Jersey, then getting a new license when you move into the Garden State from another state is mandatory. And remember that you have a period of 60 days after your move to get yourself a new NJ driver’s license. Even though it is definitely a sufficient time frame when compared to some other states, you may not realise how time may just fly. So, you could start planning right away!
As of now at least, there aren’t any online or over the phone alternatives available for you to get a new driver’s license in New Jersey. You will have to visit the nearest NJ DMV (also referred to as New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission – NJ MVC) office in-person and apply for your new license. Here’s all the information you would be needing.
1. Apply For A Change Of Address (Getting A New License)
One of the important tasks that you need to tick off your to do list within the initial days after your move to New Jersey, is getting yourself a new driver’s license from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Yes, you have only 60 days to do this, so you could start planning from now itself.
Note: The NJ DMV will only issue a driver’s license to its new residents who do not have any outstanding suspensions, cancellations or revocations on their out of state driver’s license. Additionally, if you have previously been deemed unfit or unsafe to drive by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission or an outside court, then most likely, you will not be issued a New Jersey driver’s license. Also, you need to be at least 21 years of age to be able to transfer your current out-of-state license to a New Jersey driver’s license.
As mentioned before, you will have to go to a New Jersey DMV office in-person to apply for your new driver’s license. Remember to carry all the required documents given below:
- Proof of Identification (US Passport or Birth certificate would work).
- Secondary Proof of Identification (College photo ID card with transcript, FAA pilot license, etc).
- Social security number proof (Take your Social Security Card along as well).
- Proof of New Jersey residency (Your Current Bank Statement, Utility Bill, or Pay Stub from new Georgia address, etc).
You need not give a written test and road test if you still hold a currently valid, out of state license and are above 21 years of age, but you may have to pass a vision test. However, you will be required to give all these tests if your current out of state license has expired or if you are below the age of 21, in which case you would be required to complete a mandatory Graduated Drivers License Program.
As far as the fee is concerned, you will be charged a fee of $24 for getting a new non-commercial driver’s license in New Jersey. However, the fee varies depending on the type of licence you need. For further details, you could check the official NJ DMV website.
2. Register Your Vehicle In New Jersey
Similar to the time period that you have to get yourself a new license in New Jersey, you have a period of 60 days to register your vehicle with the NJ DMV after you move. You will have to head to your nearest New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office in-person and get your vehicle registration done.
Note: You will need to have a valid New Jersey driver’s license before you can apply for your vehicle registration.
Once you have your license, these are the list of documents that you will have to keep ready to get the process done:
- Completed Application for Certificate of Ownership.
- Your Social Security Card.
- Current and valid New Jersey driver’s license.
- Proof of your existing vehicle title.
- Proof of Car Insurance which should include the Insurance Company’s name and your policy number.
- Proof of your Odometer reading.
Note: You will also have to conduct an inspection test within 14 days of getting your vehicle registered. This will also include an emissions test.
Do you need proof of insurance to register a car in New Jersey?
Yes, most definitely. In New Jersey, having a proof of insurance is as important as registering your car with the NJ DMV. Failing to do so may attract heavy fines or even suspension of your driver’s license.
Registration fee: The fee for getting a New Jersey title ranges between $35.50 to $84. The fee that you end up paying would depend on the type of your vehicle, its weight and its age. For a more detailed breakdown of the fee structure, you can check the official website of the NJ DMV.
Can you update your New Jersey DMV change of address online?
No, if you’re moving from another state to New Jersey, you can’t. However, if you’re moving within the Garden State itself, then you can update your change in address online through the official state website.
I changed my USPS address. Will it update my driver’s license records?
No, it won’t. You have to change your address on both independently, since changing it on one does not automatically change it on another.
Can you drive with a foreign driver’s license in New Jersey?
Yes, but for a maximum period of 1 year, provided you have a valid license issued by a government agency either from a US state or another country. After the given period or if your license expires, whichever comes first, you will have to get yourself a new driver’s license, if you plan on driving in New Jersey.
Obtaining A Driver’s License When Moving Within New Jersey
Start planning your first week after you move within New Jersey, now itself, because you have only 7 days to update your driver’s license and change the address on your vehicle registration as well. So, try and prepare your to do list in a way that updating these documents does not get delayed at all.
Fortunately, you have 2 ways of getting your address updated on your driver’s license and vehicle registration. You can either do it through NJ DMV’s online service, or you could visit a New Jersey motor vehicle office near you. You could use either of the methods to conveniently get your documents updated.
Make sure you have these documents ready, as you will need them to change your address on your New Jersey driver’s license and on your vehicle registration:
- Your current and valid New Jersey driver’s license number.
- Your social security number.
- Proof of your new address in New Jersey.
- Your current Zip Code.
1. Online
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commissions has a very convenient and quick method of changing the address on your driver’s license as well as your vehicle registration, online. You can just sit in the comfort of your house and get your address updated in no time.
To get the address on your driver’s license updated:
You will just have to fill the Change of Address application form available on the official NJ MVC website, and you have to pay the associated fee of around $11 with your credit or debit card.
Note: If you are moving within the Garden State, the NJ DMV will not be providing you with a new driver’s license, but instead shall give you a sticker which shall have your updated address and you can stick that on your existing driver’s license itself.
To update your registration:
You have to keep handy the same documents that you need for changing the address on your driver’s license, for updating the address on your vehicle registration as well. And keep in mind that you have only 7 days to do this as well, so be quick and plan accordingly.
2. In-Person
In case you don’t prefer being dependent on the internet and rather rely on getting things done personally, then you also have the option of visiting a New Jersey driver’s license office near you and fill the address change form in-person. Just make sure to carry all the required documents including proof of address and identification, as well as your vehicle insurance card and your existing Vehicle Title with you.
See also: Find Local Moving Companies Near You | New Jersey Moving Companies
When You’re Moving Out Of New Jersey
You do need to notify the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, in case you are moving to another state from New Jersey with your registered vehicle. You will have to return your NJ License Plates and to do so, you could either surrender them in-person at the NJ MVC office or you will have to mail them to P.O. Box 129, Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0129.
However, if your vehicle is not registered with the New Jersey DMV, then you have no obligation to notify them when you’re moving out of New Jersey to another state. As soon as you get your driver’s license from your new state of residence, the NJ DMV will automatically cancel your New Jersey driver’s license.
Related: Top-rated Companies for Out of State Relocation
How To Contact The New Jersey DMV?
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission: https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/
Phone: 609 – 292 – 6500
Operational Hours: Monday – Friday (8 am – 4:30 pm), Saturday (8 am – 3 pm).
Conclusion
It is a known fact that the more organized and up-to-date all your documents are, the lesser are your chances of dealing with unnecessary stress, especially while relocating to a new place. And as far as your driver’s license is concerned, it is not only needed for you to be able to drive, but it also can be used as an important source of document for many purposes. The NJ DMV has provided convenient ways for getting the driver’s license as well as vehicle registration updated to all its residents. So, it is advisable that you plan everything accordingly and get all your documents updated in no time.
Related: Moving To New Jersey – Relocation Guide for 2021 | Average Cost to Move State to State