Moving from Washington to New Jersey
Moving from Washington to New Jersey 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 ChecklistWA vs NJ 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
New state income tax to plan for
Washington has no state income tax, but New Jersey's top rate is about 10.75%. Factor the change into your take-home pay and monthly budget.
Higher property taxes
New Jersey's effective property tax rate (1.88%) is higher than Washington's (0.75%). If you plan to buy, weigh the extra annual cost into your budget.
Before You Leave Washington
Check whether a capital gains sale counts as Washington income
Washington has no individual income tax, so there is no part-year return to file. It does tax long-term capital gains at 7 percent, after a standard deduction of $278,000 for 2025. Since 2025, gains above $1 million pay an extra 2.9 percent. The tax applies only to gains allocated to Washington. Under RCW 82.87.100, a gain from stock or other intangible property is allocated here if you were domiciled in Washington on the sale date. File a return if you owe the tax. Also file one if you made a payment or asked for an extension, even with no tax due.
Source: Washington Department of Revenue, Capital gains taxOpt in within one year to keep WA Cares coverage
WA Cares is the state long-term care program funded from your paycheck. To keep it after you move, opt in within one year of setting up your main home in another state. You need 500 contributing hours a year for three years since July 1, 2023, and no active exemption. Out-of-state benefits start July 1, 2030. You then file a wage report every year. If you stop reporting or paying, coverage ends and cannot be reinstated.
Source: WA Cares Fund, Out-of-State CoverageDispose of your Washington plates
Take old plates to a vehicle licensing office or mail them to DOL. You can also recycle them if your recycler accepts plates. Remove or invalidate the month and year tabs first, then bend the plates. Personalized plates and some special plates must go back to DOL. You cannot recycle those.
Source: Washington DOL, Dispose of old platesAsk for a refund if you renewed your registration before you moved
You may get your registration fee back if you moved the vehicle out before the new registration period began. Mail the Vehicle/Vessel Refund Application to DOL. Include a copy of your new out-of-state registration that shows the VIN and the issue date. A refund takes 1 to 3 months.
Source: Washington DOL, RefundsFile a Report of Sale within 5 days if you sell the vehicle
If you sell the vehicle before you move, file a Report of Sale within 5 days of the sale. This protects you from tolls, tickets, and towing charges the new owner runs up. Remove the plates before the buyer drives away.
Source: Washington DOL, Sell a vehicleCancel your Washington voter registration
You can be registered at only one address. To cancel, sign the cancellation form and return it to your county elections office by mail or email. The state needs your signature. Then register to vote in your new state.
Source: Washington Secretary of State, Residency RequirementsAfter You Arrive in New Jersey
Transfer your driver license within 60 days
Transfer your license within 60 days of your move. If your current license expires sooner, transfer it before it expires. Make an appointment for a transfer from out-of-state at an MVC agency. Buy a $10 transfer permit there. If your license is valid, non-provisional, and in good standing, you skip the knowledge and road tests. You surrender your old license and get a four-year New Jersey license.
Source: NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, Moving to New JerseyBring 6 Points of ID and proof of address
Bring documents that add up to 6 Points of ID. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. Also bring proof of your New Jersey address. A REAL ID needs two proofs of address, and a standard license needs one. Bring your Social Security number and complete Form BA-208.
Source: NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, 6 Points of IDTitle and register your vehicle within 60 days
Make a New Title or Registration appointment. Bring your ID, the original title, and insurance information. Also bring Form OS/SS-UTA and Form BA-49. If a lender holds your title, send Form OS/SS-54 to the lender first. The title fee is $60, or $85 with one lien. You do not pay sales tax if you bought, titled, and registered the vehicle in another state as a nonresident.
Source: NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, Moving to New JerseyTake the vehicle for inspection after you register
New Jersey inspects most vehicles every two years. A vehicle less than five model years old can get a five-year exemption. In that case MVC gives you a green card (Form SS-19) when you register. Take the vehicle to a State Inspection Station to get the decal. For an older vehicle, ask MVC when you register when the first inspection is due. Bring your license, registration, and New Jersey insurance identification card to the inspection. Bring the original license and registration. You can show the insurance card on your phone.
Source: NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, Vehicle Inspection FAQsChoose a Standard or Basic auto policy
New Jersey has two main auto policies, Standard and Basic. Both meet the legal minimum. For a Standard Policy issued or renewed from January 1, 2026, bodily injury liability starts at $35,000 per person and $70,000 per accident. Property damage liability starts at $25,000. The Basic Policy costs less. It has $5,000 of property damage liability and $15,000 of personal injury protection (PIP). It does not include bodily injury liability unless you add it.
Source: NJ Department of Banking and Insurance, Standard Auto Insurance PolicyRegister to vote at least 21 days before an election
The registration deadline is 21 days before an election. You must be a resident of your county 30 days before the election. You can register at an MVC agency when you transfer your license.
Source: NJ Division of Elections, Voter Registration ApplicationYour 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 New Jersey DMV, register to vote in NJ, and set up your new utilities.
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Climate Comparison
Washington
Marine west coast with mild temperatures, rainy winters, and warm, dry summers.
New Jersey
Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
Utilities & Cost of Living
Washington
New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Washington to New Jersey?
The driving distance from Washington to New Jersey is approximately 3,017 miles — about 55 hours of driving at highway speeds.
How much does it cost to move from Washington to New Jersey?
A professional interstate move from Washington to New Jersey 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 Washington and New Jersey?
Washington's effective property tax rate is about 0.75%, versus 1.88% in New Jersey.
- On a typical home that difference raises 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 New Jersey?
After establishing residency in New Jersey, you have 60 days to update your driver's license at a New Jersey 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 New Jersey DMV before you go.
What is the climate like in New Jersey?
New Jersey has humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
- The annual average temperature is 53°F, with about 47 inches of precipitation per year.
- Average monthly electricity bills run around $128.