Where to change your car registration address
You change your car registration address at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not at your local registry or your insurance company. Most states now let you do this online through their DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. A few states still require you to appear in person, so check your state's DMV site first to see which methods are available where you live.
The fastest route is usually online if your state offers it — you can complete it in minutes from home. Mail takes one to two weeks for processing plus mailing time. In-person visits at a DMV office typically take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is that day.
You do not need to notify your insurance company separately to change your registration address, though your insurer may already know your address from your policy. Changing your registration address does not change your insurance coverage or rates.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's DMV directly — not your insurance company or local registry — to change your car registration address.
- Most states offer online address changes on their DMV website, which is the fastest method and takes just a few minutes.
- You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and driver's license number to complete the change.
- Processing time varies by method: online changes usually take a few days, mail takes one to two weeks, and in-person visits are when ready.
- Your registration documents will be mailed to your new address, so allow extra time if you move out of state.
What you need before you start
Gather these documents or information before you contact your DMV. You will need your current vehicle registration card or number, your vehicle identification number (VIN — found on your registration or dashboard), and your driver's license number. Some states also ask for your current address and your new address in a specific format.
If someone else owns the vehicle and you are registered as a co-owner, you may need written permission from the other owner, depending on your state. Check your state's DMV website to see whether co-owners must both request the change or whether one owner can do it alone.
If your registration is in a business name rather than your personal name, bring proof of business ownership or authorization to act on behalf of the business. This requirement varies widely by state.
Changing your address online
Go to your state's official DMV website and look for a link labeled "Change Address," "Update Registration," or "Online Services." Enter your vehicle registration number and VIN when prompted. You will then enter your new address and confirm your current address so the DMV knows which registration you are updating.
The system will ask you to verify your identity, usually by answering security questions based on your driver's license or vehicle history. Some states use a one-time code sent to your phone or email instead. After you pass verification, you will see a confirmation screen with a reference number — save this number in case you need to check the status later.
Most states charge a small fee for online address changes, typically $5 to $15, which you pay by debit or credit card during the process. Your new registration card will be mailed to your new address within a few business days. You do not need to do anything else — the change is complete once you submit the form.
Changing your address by mail
read the address change form from your state's DMV website — it is usually called "Change of Address" or "Registration Update." Fill in your current registration number, VIN, and both your old and new addresses. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address listed on the form, which is typically your state's DMV headquarters.
Include a copy of your current registration card and a copy of your driver's license if your state requires it — check the form's instructions. Some states ask for proof of residency at your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. Mail everything together in one envelope.
Processing by mail takes one to two weeks from the time the DMV receives your form, plus mailing time in both directions. Your new registration card will be mailed to your new address. If you need the change processed faster, call your state's DMV to ask whether they accept faxed forms or whether you can drop the form off in person at a local office.
Changing your address in person at a DMV office
Bring your current registration card, your driver's license, and your vehicle's VIN. Walk into any DMV office in your state — you do not have to go to the office that issued your original registration. Take a number at the front desk and wait for your turn.
Tell the clerk you need to change your address. Hand over your registration card and driver's license. The clerk will enter your new address into the system, confirm it with you, and collect a fee if your state charges one. The fee is usually $5 to $15, paid by cash or card.
Your new registration card will be mailed to your new address within a few business days. Some DMV offices can print a temporary registration document on the spot if you need proof of the address change when ready, though this varies by state. Ask the clerk whether this is available before you leave.
What happens after you submit the change
Your new registration card will be mailed to your new address. This usually takes three to seven business days after the DMV processes your request. Until it arrives, your old registration card is still valid — you do not need to do anything while you wait.
If you move out of state, your new state's DMV will issue you a new registration card in that state's format. You will need to register your vehicle in your new state within a set timeframe — usually 30 to 60 days after you move — so contact your new state's DMV to find out the important date and what documents you need.
If you do not receive your new registration card within two weeks, contact your state's DMV and provide your reference number (if you changed your address online) or the date you submitted the form. The DMV can check the status and remail the card if needed.
Changing your address if your registration is expired or suspended
If your registration has expired, you must renew it before you can change your address — the two cannot be done at the same time in most states. Go to your state's DMV website and look for the renewal process. You will need to renew first, then change your address in a separate transaction.
If your registration is suspended due to unpaid fines, tickets, or insurance lapses, you must resolve the suspension before the DMV will process an address change. Contact your state's DMV to find out why your registration is suspended and what you need to do to clear it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can change your address using any of the methods above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my insurance address too?
No, changing your car registration address does not change your insurance. However, your insurance company should have your current address on file for billing and claims purposes. Contact your insurance agent or log into your policy online to update your address there separately if it has changed.
What if I moved but haven't updated my driver's license yet?
You can change your car registration address without updating your driver's license first. However, your driver's license and registration address do not have to match. If you plan to update your driver's license soon, you can do both at the DMV in one visit by asking the clerk to help you with both transactions.
Can I change my address if the car is financed or leased?
Yes, you can change your registration address even if the vehicle is financed or leased. The lienholder or leasing company does not need to approve the address change. However, they should have your current address on file for billing and notices, so contact them separately to update your address with them.
How long does it take to get my new registration card?
Online and in-person changes usually result in a new card mailed within three to seven business days. Mail-in changes take one to two weeks for processing plus mailing time, so expect two to three weeks total. If you need proof of the address change when ready, ask the DMV clerk whether they can print a temporary document.
What if I change my address again before the new card arrives?
Contact your state's DMV and explain that you submitted an address change but have moved again. Some states will cancel the first card and issue a new one with your current address. Others will mail the first card to your original new address, and you will need to submit a second address change request. Call your DMV to find out which applies in your state.