Where to report your address change
You report an address change to the same place that issued your vehicle registration — your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though some states call it the Secretary of State's office or Registry of Motor Vehicles. You do not contact your insurance company or your lender first, though you will want to update them afterward.
Most states now let you change your address online through their DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. A few states still require you to appear in person. The fastest route is usually online if your state offers it, because the change takes effect when ready and you get a confirmation number right away.
The address on your registration must match the address on your driver's license. If they do not match, you may face problems during a traffic stop or when renewing your registration. Some states will automatically update your registration address when you change your driver's license address, but others require you to do them separately.
Key Takeaways
- You change your vehicle registration address through your state DMV, not through your insurance company or bank.
- Most states let you change your address online, which is faster than mailing a form or visiting an office in person.
- Your registration address and driver's license address should match, and some states update both automatically while others require separate requests.
- You will need your vehicle's registration number and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
- Updating your address with your insurance company and lender after you change your registration helps prevent billing and legal notice problems.
What documents and information you will need
The exact documents vary by state, but most DMVs ask for your current registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and proof of your new address. Proof of address usually means a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it. A few states accept a bank statement or credit card statement if it shows your address.
If you are changing the address for a vehicle you financed, some lenders require written permission before you move the vehicle to a different state. Check your loan documents or call your lender before you move if you are crossing state lines. If you own the vehicle outright, you do not need lender permission, but you still need to update your registration in your new state within the timeframe your state requires — usually 30 to 60 days after you move.
Keep your current registration card and any confirmation number or receipt the DMV gives you. You may need these if there is a question about when your address was updated.
Changing your address online
To change your address online, go to your state DMV's official website and look for a link labeled "change address," "update registration," or "manage your registration." You will log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, or sometimes with a PIN you created when you first registered online. Have your registration card in front of you so you can enter your vehicle's registration number.
The online form asks you to enter your new address and confirm your vehicle information. Some states charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15) and process the change when ready. Others mail you a new registration card, which takes one to two weeks. The website will tell you which applies in your state and whether you need to print anything or if the confirmation email is enough to carry with you.
If your state's website does not offer online address changes, or if you cannot log in, you can mail a form or visit an office. The DMV website will have a printable form and instructions for mailing it, along with the address of your nearest office.
Changing your address by mail or in person
To change your address by mail, read the address-change form from your state DMV website or call the DMV to request one. Fill in your new address, sign the form, and mail it with a copy of your proof of address to the address listed on the form. Include your registration card if the instructions ask for it. Mail typically takes one to two weeks to arrive, and processing takes another one to two weeks after that, so plan for three to four weeks total.
If you visit a DMV office in person, bring your registration card, proof of your new address, and your driver's license. The office staff will update your address on the spot, and you will usually leave with a receipt or confirmation. Some offices issue a new registration card when ready; others mail it to you. Ask before you leave which one applies.
Visiting in person is useful if you need the change done quickly or if you have questions about your specific situation. Many DMV offices now use appointment systems, so check your state's website to book a time rather than waiting in line.
What happens after you change your address
Once your registration address is updated, you should update your address with your insurance company and your lender (if you financed the vehicle). Insurance companies need your correct address to send you bills and renewal notices, and to process claims. Your lender needs it to send you loan statements and to contact you if there is a problem with your account.
Call your insurance agent or log into your insurance company's website to update your address. Most companies process address changes within one business day. Your lender usually has an online portal where you can update your address, or you can call the customer service number on your loan statement.
If you moved to a different state, your insurance rates may change because insurance is based partly on where you live. Your insurer will recalculate your premium when you update your address. Some states also require you to get a new driver's license within 30 to 60 days of moving, which is a separate process from updating your registration.
If you moved to a different state
When you move to a new state, you must register your vehicle in that state within the timeframe the state requires — usually 30 to 60 days after you establish residency. You cannot straightforward change your address on your old registration; you must get a new registration from your new state's DMV.
To register your vehicle in your new state, visit your new state's DMV website or office with your current out-of-state registration, proof of ownership (the title), proof of your new address, and your driver's license. Some states require you to pass an emissions test or safety inspection before you register. Your new state will issue you a new registration card and new license plates (in some states) or a new registration sticker for your old plates.
You may be able to keep your old license plates if your new state allows it, but most states issue new plates. The cost of registering in a new state varies widely — some states charge $50 to $100, while others charge more. Your new state's DMV website will show the exact fee before you register.
Common problems and what to do about them
If your registration address and driver's license address do not match, a police officer may ask why during a traffic stop. This is not illegal, but it can cause confusion. If this happens, explain that you recently moved and are in the process of updating both. Carry proof of your new address (like a utility bill) in your vehicle so you can show it if asked.
If you submitted an address change online or by mail and it has been more than the stated processing time and your address still has not updated, contact your DMV directly. Call the customer service number on your registration card or visit an office in person. Bring your confirmation number or receipt if you have one. Processing delays sometimes happen, especially during busy seasons.
If you moved and did not update your registration, and you receive a ticket or notice at your old address, contact your DMV and the court or agency that sent the notice. Explain that you have since moved and updated your address. Provide proof of your address change so the record can be corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my registration address if I move within the same state?
Yes. Your registration address must match your current address. Most states require you to update it within 30 to 60 days of moving. Check your state DMV website for the exact important date. Updating online is usually the fastest option.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?
Some states accept other documents, such as a mortgage statement, government mail, bank statement, or a letter from your employer or a government agency on official letterhead stating your address. Call your state DMV to ask what documents they accept if you do not have a utility bill or lease.
Will changing my registration address affect my insurance rates?
Your rates may change if you moved to a different state or a significantly different area within your state, because insurance premiums are based partly on location. Call your insurance company to ask how your move will affect your rate before you update your address, or update it and ask for a new quote.
How long does it take to change my address online?
Online changes usually take effect when ready, and you get a confirmation number right away. Some states mail you a new registration card, which takes one to two weeks. Check your state DMV website to see whether your state issues a new card or if your confirmation email is sufficient.
Can I change my registration address if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?
Most states will let you change your address even if you have an outstanding ticket, but the court or agency may have trouble reaching you if they send notices to your old address. Contact the court or agency that issued the ticket to update your address with them as well, so you receive any notices or payment reminders at your new location.