How to Change Your Address on a Texas Vehicle Registration

You can change your address with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles by mail, online, or in person at a local office

Texas requires you to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of an address change within a specific timeframe. The fastest route is the online system at myDMV.texas.gov, which processes most changes in minutes. If you prefer not to use the online portal, you can mail a completed form to the DMV or visit a local county tax assessor-collector's office in person. Each method has different processing times and document requirements.

The address on your vehicle registration must match where you currently live. This is not optional — Texas law requires you to report a move, and driving with an outdated registration can result in a traffic citation. The good news is that none of the three methods costs extra money beyond your standard registration renewal fee, if one is due.

Key Takeaways

Online changes through myDMV.texas.gov are processed when ready and require only your driver's license number, vehicle identification number, and new address.
Mail-in changes use Form VTR-130 and take two to four weeks; you do not need to include payment unless your registration is expiring soon.
In-person changes at your county tax assessor-collector's office are processed the same day and require your vehicle title, current registration, and proof of residency.
You must report an address change before your registration expires, or you will need to renew it at the same time you change the address.
If you moved out of state or to a different Texas county, the process is the same, but your registration may need renewal sooner depending on when you moved.

Changing your address online through myDMV

The online method is the simplest and fastest. Go to myDMV.texas.gov and select "Change Address" from the menu. You will need your Texas driver's license number, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and your new address. The system will ask you to confirm your current registration information and then display the new address for approval before you submit.

Once you submit online, the change is recorded when ready. You do not need to print anything or pay a fee. Your new registration card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you need proof of the address change before the card arrives, you can print a confirmation page from myDMV right after submission.

The online system works for most vehicles, but it does not work if your registration is expired or if you have a commercial vehicle or fleet registration. In those cases, use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mailing a form to change your address

If you do not have internet access or prefer to mail your request, use Form VTR-130, which is the official Texas DMV form for address changes. You can read it from the Texas DMV website or request it by phone at 1-888-368-4689. Fill in your current registration information, your new address, and sign the form. Do not include payment unless your registration is expiring within the next 60 days.

Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form itself — this varies by region, so check the form before you send it. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your mail. During this time, your old address remains on file, so if you receive a traffic citation or notice, it may go to your previous address.

Keep a copy of the form and the envelope's tracking number if you send it certified mail. This gives you proof of when you submitted the change if there are any questions later.

Changing your address in person at a county office

You can visit your county tax assessor-collector's office to change your address on the same day. Bring your vehicle title, your current registration card, and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address dated within the last 60 days.

The staff member will complete the address change and issue you a new registration card on the spot. You do not pay an extra fee for the address change itself, though if your registration is expiring soon, you may need to renew it at the same time. The office hours and wait times vary by county, so call ahead or check the county website to see when they are open.

This method is best if you need the new registration card when ready or if you prefer to handle it in person. It also avoids any mail delays or online system issues.

What happens if you move between Texas counties

Moving to a different county in Texas does not require a different process — you use the same online, mail, or in-person method. However, if you move to a county with a different registration renewal schedule, your renewal date may shift. For example, if you move from Harris County to Dallas County, your renewal might now be due in a different month than it was before.

The DMV will send you a renewal notice at your new address if your registration is due soon. If you do not receive a notice within a few weeks of moving, contact the tax assessor-collector's office in your new county to confirm the change was recorded.

What to do if you moved out of state

If you moved out of Texas and still own the vehicle, you should change the address on your Texas registration to your new out-of-state address. Use the same three methods: online through myDMV, mail Form VTR-130, or visit a Texas DMV office if you are still in the state. The DMV will update your file and send renewal notices to your new address.

However, if you plan to register the vehicle in your new state, you will eventually need to transfer the title and registration there instead. Each state has different rules for when you must do this — some require it within 30 days of moving, others within 60 days. Check your new state's DMV website for the specific timeline and process.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing your address

The most common error is not reporting the change before the registration expires. If your registration expires before you update the address, you must renew it and change the address at the same time, which takes longer and may cost more. Check your registration card for the expiration date and report the move before that date arrives.

Another mistake is providing incomplete proof of residency when you change your address in person. Make sure your proof document has your full name, your new address, and a date within the last 60 days. A utility bill works, but a credit card statement or bank statement usually does not, because they may not show your address clearly enough.

If you change your address online but do not receive your new registration card within four weeks, contact the DMV to confirm the change was processed. Delays can happen, and the DMV can resend the card if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move within the same city?

Yes. Texas law requires you to report any address change, even if you stay in the same city or county. The registration must match where you currently live. You have until your registration expires to report the change, but it is best to do it as soon as you move.

What if I do not have a printer to print Form VTR-130?

You can request the form by phone at 1-888-368-4689, and the DMV will mail it to you. You can also pick up a form in person at any county tax assessor-collector's office. Once you have the form, fill it out by hand and mail it back to the address on the form.

Can I change my address if my registration is already expired?

You can change the address, but you will also need to renew your registration at the same time. You cannot drive with an expired registration, so handle both the renewal and the address change together. Use the in-person method at your county office if you need it done the same day.

How long does it take to receive the new registration card after I change my address online?

The online change is recorded when ready, and your new card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you need proof of the address change right away, print the confirmation page from myDMV after you submit. That page shows your new address and can serve as temporary proof.

What if I change my address but then move again before the new card arrives?

Report the second address change as soon as you move. The DMV will send the registration card to your most recent address on file. If the card arrives at the old address, contact the DMV and they can reissue it to your current address.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.