How to change your address on a Texas car registration

You can change your address on your Texas car registration through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by mail, online, or in person at a local office. The fastest route is online through the Texas DMV website if you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration handy. By mail, you'll send a completed form with proof of your new address. In person, you can walk into any Texas DMV office with your registration and ID. Most changes take effect within one to two weeks if you mail the form, or when ready if you do it online or in person.

You don't need to bring your vehicle or pay a fee to change your address — it's a straightforward update to your records. However, you do need to update it before your registration expires, because your renewal notice will be mailed to your old address if you don't.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas DMV lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person, and there is no fee for the change.
  • Online changes through the Texas DMV website are the fastest option and take effect when ready.
  • By mail, you'll need to complete Form VTR-130 (Address Change) and include proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • If you change your address after your registration expires, you'll need to renew it at your new address before you can drive legally.
  • Your renewal notice will be mailed to the address on file, so updating it prevents your notice from going to your old home.

Changing your address online through the Texas DMV website

Go to the Texas DMV website and select the option to change your vehicle registration address. You'll need your VIN, current registration number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or driver's license number. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm the change. Once you submit, the update is recorded when ready in the Texas DMV system.

Online changes work best if your registration is current and you have all your vehicle information ready. If your registration has already expired, you'll need to renew it before you can change the address online, or you can do both in person at a DMV office.

Changing your address by mail

Complete Form VTR-130 (Address Change), which you can read from the Texas DMV website or pick up at any DMV office. Fill in your current registration number, VIN, and your new address. Include one piece of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID showing your new address all work.

Mail the completed form and proof to the Texas DMV at the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. You'll receive a new registration card in the mail at your new address once the change is processed. Keep your old registration card until you receive the new one.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

Bring your current vehicle registration, a valid photo ID, and proof of your new address to any Texas DMV office. The staff will update your address on the spot and issue you a new registration card before you leave. This is the fastest in-person option if you need the change completed the same day.

You can find your nearest DMV office and check its hours on the Texas DMV website. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early or checking wait times online can save you time. You don't need an appointment for an address change at most offices, but calling ahead to confirm is a good idea.

What counts as proof of your new address

The Texas DMV accepts several documents as proof of your new address. A current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a government-issued ID with your new address all work. The document should show your name and new address clearly.

If you're moving and don't yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address, a signed lease agreement or a letter from your landlord or property manager stating your new address and move-in date can work. Call your local DMV office if you're unsure whether a specific document will be accepted.

What happens if you don't update your address

If you move and don't change your registration address, your renewal notice will be mailed to your old address and you may miss it. When your registration expires, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until you renew it. You'll also have a harder time receiving other important notices from the Texas DMV, such as recalls or safety bulletins.

If you've already moved and your registration has expired, you'll need to renew it. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, but you'll need to provide your new address during the renewal process. Renewing after expiration may involve a late fee, so updating your address before your registration expires is the simpler path.

Changing your address if your registration is expired

If your registration has already expired, you cannot change the address alone — you'll need to renew your registration at the same time. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal through the Texas DMV website is the fastest option if you're may be able to access to renew online (most drivers are).

By mail, you'll complete the renewal form and include proof of your new address. In person, bring your expired registration, photo ID, proof of insurance, and proof of your new address to a DMV office. The staff will renew your registration and update your address in one visit. A late fee applies if your registration has been expired for more than a certain period — check the Texas DMV website for current late fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I'm just moving temporarily?

If you're moving for a short time and plan to return to your old address, you don't have to change your registration address. However, if you'll be at the new address for more than a few months, it's safer to update it so you don't miss renewal notices or other important mail from the Texas DMV.

Can I change my address at the same time as renewing my registration?

Yes. Whether you renew online, by mail, or in person, you can update your address during the renewal process. In fact, if your registration is about to expire, it's a good time to handle both at once.

What if I moved out of state?

If you've moved out of Texas, you'll need to register your vehicle in your new state instead of updating your Texas registration. Contact your new state's DMV for their registration process. You can let your Texas registration expire once you've registered the vehicle in your new state.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No, changing your address on your Texas car registration is free. You only pay a fee if you're renewing your registration at the same time, and that fee is the standard renewal fee, not an extra charge for the address change.

How long does it take to receive my new registration card after changing my address?

If you change your address online or in person, the change takes effect when ready, though you may receive a new card in the mail within one to two weeks. If you mail the form, allow one to two weeks for processing and delivery of your new card.