Moving from New Jersey to Washington
Moving from New Jersey to Washington is a long-haul, cross-country move of about 3,017 miles. At that distance most people hire professional movers and fly to their new home — this checklist covers every step of a long-distance relocation.
Generate My ChecklistNJ vs WA at a Glance
Income Tax
Sales Tax
Time Zone
You'll be changing time zones
Distance
Moving Cost
Professional move, 2–3 BR home. Summer +20–30%.
What This Move Means for You
No state income tax in Washington
Washington charges no state income tax, versus a top rate around 10.75% in New Jersey. For most movers that means a meaningful bump in take-home pay.
Lower property taxes
Washington's effective property tax rate (0.75%) is lower than New Jersey's (1.88%) — a plus if you're buying a home.
Before You Leave New Jersey
File Form NJ-1040 as a part-year resident
New Jersey has no separate part-year form. File Form NJ-1040 and enter the dates of your residency. Report only the income you received while you lived here. File if your income for the whole year was over $10,000. The limit is $20,000 for joint or head of household filers. If you get New Jersey income after you move, also file Form NJ-1040NR.
Source: NJ Division of Taxation, Part-Year ResidentsSurrender your New Jersey plates and keep the receipt
Surrender New Jersey plates you no longer use. For a move, do this after you register the vehicle in your new state. Bring the plates to any MVC agency, or use the drop box outside. You can also mail them to an agency with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. MVC mails you a receipt. Keep it in case MVC links charges to the plates later.
Source: NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, PlatesExpect a suspension notice if you cancel insurance first
Insurers tell MVC when you drop a policy on a New Jersey vehicle. MVC can then send a suspension notice. To resolve it, send MVC your plate surrender receipt. You can also send proof that the vehicle is registered in another state.
Source: NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, Uninsured Motorist Enforcement FAQsPlan for the 2% estimated tax if you sell your home after you move
A nonresident who sells New Jersey real property must make an estimated income tax payment at or before closing. The payment is at least 2% of the sale price, even if you have no gain. A home that meets the federal principal residence rules (26 U.S.C. 121) can qualify for an exemption on Form GIT/REP-3.
Source: NJ Division of Taxation, TB-57(R) Nonresident Sales of Real PropertyPay any MVC insurance surcharges you still owe
Moving out of state does not cancel MVC insurance surcharges. You still owe surcharges for offenses from when you drove as a New Jersey motorist.
Source: NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, Frequently Asked QuestionsAfter You Arrive in Washington
Get a Washington driver license within 30 days
You have 30 days after you move to Washington to get your driver license. Get the license first, because you need it to register a vehicle here. DOL treats you as a resident if you have a Washington address or are registered to vote here. Getting in-state tuition, state benefits, or a resident-rate fishing or hunting license also counts.
Source: Washington DOL, Moving to Washington: Get a driver licenseMake an appointment at a driver licensing office
You must have an appointment. Bring proof of identity, including your out-of-state license, and the license fee. At the office, you give your Social Security number. Depending on where your license is from, you may have to take tests. The office punches a hole in your old license and gives you a temporary license for 45 days. The permanent license comes by mail.
Source: Washington DOL, Moving to Washington: Get a driver licenseRegister the vehicle within 30 days at a vehicle licensing office
You have 30 days after you move here to register your vehicle. Vehicle licensing offices are separate from driver licensing offices, so plan two trips. Bring your current title and write down the odometer reading before you go. Does a bank hold the title? Call a vehicle licensing office for its fax number. Give that number to the bank. You get plates at the office.
Source: Washington DOL, Moving to Washington: Vehicle registration and platesCheck the use tax exemption for your vehicle
Washington charges use tax on a vehicle when sales tax was not paid here. New residents can be exempt. The personal vehicle must have been acquired and used in another state more than 90 days before the move. It must also be licensed here within 30 days of the move. A vehicle bought within 90 days of the move does not qualify. Your registration from the other state is the usual proof.
Source: Washington Department of Revenue, Vehicles brought into Washington from out-of-stateCarry at least 25/50/10 liability insurance
A vehicle registered in Washington needs at least $25,000 for injury or death of one person. It needs $50,000 for injury or death of two people in one accident. It also needs $10,000 for property damage. Be ready to show your insurance ID card any time you drive. Driving without insurance can bring a fine of $550 or more.
Source: Washington DOL, Mandatory insuranceRegister to vote 8 days before an election, or in person after that
Online and mail registrations must be received 8 days before an election. To register online, you need a Washington driver license, permit, or ID card, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. After that, register in person at a county elections office until 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you get an enhanced driver license, election officials register you automatically.
Source: Washington Secretary of State, Register to Vote in WashingtonYour Moving Timeline
8 Weeks Before
At about 3,017 miles (~55 hours of driving), most people book professional long-distance movers and fly rather than drive. Reserve movers 6–8 weeks out, especially in summer.
4 Weeks Before
Notify your utility providers, update your address with USPS, and begin packing non-essential items.
1 Week Before
Confirm with your movers, finish packing, clean your home, and prepare a moving day essentials bag.
Moving Day
Supervise loading, do a final walkthrough of your old home, and hand over the keys.
After the Move
Update your driver's license at the Washington DMV, register to vote in WA, and set up your new utilities.
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Climate Comparison
New Jersey
Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
Washington
Marine west coast with mild temperatures, rainy winters, and warm, dry summers.
Utilities & Cost of Living
New Jersey
Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from New Jersey to Washington?
The driving distance from New Jersey to Washington is approximately 3,017 miles — about 55 hours of driving at highway speeds.
How much does it cost to move from New Jersey to Washington?
A professional interstate move from New Jersey to Washington typically costs between $5,500 and $10,000, depending on the size of your home and time of year.
- Summer moves (May–September) tend to cost 20–30% more.
How do property taxes compare between New Jersey and Washington?
New Jersey's effective property tax rate is about 1.88%, versus 0.75% in Washington.
- On a typical home that difference lowers your annual holding costs, so factor it in if you plan to buy.
How soon do I need to update my driver's license after moving to Washington?
After establishing residency in Washington, you have 30 days to update your driver's license at a Washington DMV office.
- Vehicle registration is a separate transaction with its own deadline, which in most states differs from the license deadline — confirm both with the Washington DMV before you go.
What is the climate like in Washington?
Washington has marine west coast with mild temperatures, rainy winters, and warm, dry summers.
- The annual average temperature is 48°F, with about 38 inches of precipitation per year.
- Average monthly electricity bills run around $114.