Where to change your car's registered address
You change your car's registered address through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not through your insurance company or your lender. The DMV is the government body that keeps the official record of who owns the vehicle and where they live. Your insurance company and bank will need to know your new address too, but they do not change the registration itself.
Most states let you change your address online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. A few states require you to do it in person. The fastest route is usually online if your state offers it — you can often complete it in minutes and receive confirmation when ready. If you go by mail, expect one to two weeks for processing. In-person visits at a DMV office typically take 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the location is.
You do not need to re-register your entire vehicle or pay a new registration fee just to change your address. This is a straightforward update to an existing registration, and most states charge nothing or a small fee of $5 to $15. Some states waive the fee entirely if you change your address within a certain window after moving.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's DMV directly — online, by mail, or in person — to change your vehicle's registered address; this is separate from notifying your insurance company.
- Online address changes are the fastest option in most states and can be completed in minutes, while mail takes one to two weeks.
- You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and driver's license number to make the change.
- Update your insurance company and lender separately after the DMV registration changes, since they maintain their own records.
- Some states charge a small fee ($5 to $15) for an address change, while others waive it if you change within 30 days of moving.
What information you need before you start
Gather these documents before you contact the DMV: your current vehicle registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN — found on the registration, insurance card, or driver's side dashboard), your driver's license number, and your new address. If you are changing the address for a vehicle you do not own but are registered to drive (such as a company car), you may need written permission from the owner.
If you have lost your registration card, you can still change the address — the DMV can look up your vehicle by VIN and driver's license number. However, the process may take longer because the DMV staff will need to verify your identity more carefully. Bring a photo ID and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
Changing your address online
Most states offer online address changes through their DMV website. Go to your state's DMV site, look for "change address" or "update registration," and follow the prompts. You will enter your VIN, current registration number, driver's license number, and new address. The system will confirm the change and usually send you a confirmation email or number within minutes.
Online changes work best if your registration is current and in good standing — meaning you have no unpaid tickets, your vehicle passed inspection if your state requires it, and your registration has not expired. If any of these are not true, the online system may reject your request and direct you to visit a DMV office or mail in a form instead.
After you complete an online change, print or save the confirmation. You do not need to carry it with you, but it is proof the change was submitted if there is ever a question about when you notified the DMV. Your new registration card with the updated address will arrive by mail within one to three weeks.
Changing your address by mail
If your state does not offer online changes or you prefer to mail in the request, contact your DMV to request the address-change form. Many states call this the "process for Address Change" or "Registration Update Form." You can read it from the DMV website or call the DMV to have one mailed to you.
Fill out the form with your current registration number, VIN, driver's license number, and new address. Sign and date it, then mail it to the address listed on the form — usually a DMV processing center, not a local office. Include a copy of your registration card if the form asks for it. Mail takes one to two weeks to arrive, plus one to two weeks for the DMV to process it, so plan for three to four weeks total.
Keep a copy of the form and the envelope receipt for your records. If you do not receive your new registration card within four weeks, contact the DMV with your receipt number to check the status.
Changing your address in person at a DMV office
If you prefer to handle this face-to-face or if your state requires it, visit a DMV office with your current registration card, driver's license, and proof of your new address. Bring the original documents, not copies — the DMV staff will verify them before processing your request.
Check your state's DMV website to see if you need an appointment. Many states now require appointments to manage wait times, and you can book one online. If walk-ins are still allowed, arrive early in the day, as offices tend to be busier in the afternoon. Bring all documents even if you have an appointment, in case the staff needs to verify anything on the spot.
The staff will update your address in the system while you wait. You will receive a receipt confirming the change, and your new registration card will be mailed to your new address within one to three weeks. Some DMV offices can print a temporary registration document on the spot if you need proof of the address change when ready.
Notifying your insurance company and lender
After you change your address with the DMV, contact your car insurance company to update your address there as well. Insurance companies maintain their own records separate from the DMV, and they use your address to calculate your premium and to send you bills and policy documents. Call your insurance agent or log into your online account to make the change — most companies process address changes within one business day.
If you have a car loan, notify your lender of your new address too. The lender needs it for billing and legal purposes. You can usually update this through your online account or by calling the loan servicer. This change does not affect your loan terms or payment amount; it is purely a record update.
Changing your address with the DMV does not automatically update your insurance or loan records. The three systems — DMV, insurance, and lender — do not share information, so you must notify each one separately. If you move and do not update your insurance address, your policy may be cancelled if the company cannot reach you, or your premium may be calculated incorrectly.
What happens if you do not change your address
If you move and do not update your registration address, your new registration card will be mailed to your old address and you may not receive it. More importantly, if you are pulled over by police, your registration will show an outdated address, which can raise questions and slow down the traffic stop. It is not illegal to have an old address on your registration for a short time, but it can complicate things.
An outdated registration address can also cause problems if you are in an accident and need to file a claim. Your insurance company may have trouble reaching you if your address does not match their records. Additionally, if you receive a traffic ticket or recall notice, the DMV may send it to your old address, and you might miss important important date.
Most states expect you to update your address within 10 to 30 days of moving, though the exact timeframe varies. Updating promptly keeps your records accurate and prevents mail from going to the wrong place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get new license plates when I change my address?
No. Changing your address does not require new plates. Your plates stay the same; only the address on file with the DMV changes. You will receive a new registration card with your updated address, but the plates themselves remain valid.
Can I change my address if my registration has expired?
It depends on your state. Some states let you change the address on an expired registration, while others require you to renew the registration first. Check your state's DMV website or call to ask. If renewal is required, you can often do both the renewal and address change at the same time.
How long does it take to receive the new registration card in the mail?
Most states mail the new registration card within one to three weeks after processing your address change. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the DMV with your confirmation number or receipt to check the status.
What if I moved to a different state?
If you moved out of state, you will need to re-register your vehicle in your new state rather than just changing the address. This is a separate process that involves getting new plates and a new registration. Contact your new state's DMV for the steps to register your vehicle there.
Can I change my address online if I have an outstanding parking ticket?
Most online systems will reject your request if you have unpaid tickets or fines. You will need to resolve those first, then try again online, or visit a DMV office in person. Call your DMV to ask whether your specific situation blocks an online change.