What you need to do when you move in Texas

When you move to a new address in Texas, you must notify the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within a specific timeframe. The state requires you to update your vehicle registration and driver's license address separately — they do not automatically sync. You can change your registration address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, and the process takes about 10 business days if you mail it in.

Texas does not charge a fee to update your address on an existing registration. However, if your registration is expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your address, which does have a cost depending on your vehicle type.

Key Takeaways

  • You must update your vehicle registration address within 30 days of moving to a new Texas address.
  • The fastest method is online through the Texas DMV website if your registration is current and you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and registration number.
  • If you mail in your change, include your old registration card, a completed form, and proof of your new address, and allow 10 business days for processing.
  • Updating your registration address does not cost anything, but you will need to renew your registration separately when it expires.

Changing your address online through the Texas DMV

The online method is the fastest way to update your address. Go to the Texas DMV website and select the option to change your vehicle registration address. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and the new address you are moving to. The system will ask you to confirm your vehicle details and then submit your new address.

After you submit the change online, the Texas DMV will mail you a new registration card to your new address. This usually arrives within 10 business days. You do not need to do anything else once you submit the form — keep your old registration card until the new one arrives.

Mailing in your address change

If you prefer to mail your change, you will need to send the Texas DMV a completed form along with supporting documents. The form you need is called the "process for Texas Title or Registration" (Form 130-U), which you can read from the Texas DMV website or pick up at any DMV office.

Include the following with your mailed form: your current vehicle registration card, a completed Form 130-U with your new address clearly written, and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued document showing your name and new address. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — typically your regional Texas DMV office.

Processing time for mailed requests is about 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Mail delivery itself can take several days, so plan accordingly if you have a important date.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

You can walk into any Texas DMV office and update your address on the spot. Bring your current vehicle registration card, your driver's license or state ID, and proof of your new address (the same documents accepted for mailed requests work here). Tell the clerk you need to change your registration address.

The clerk will complete the change when ready and you will receive your new registration card in the mail within 10 business days. There is no fee for this service. If the office is busy, you may want to check online for wait times before you go, as some offices offer appointment scheduling.

What counts as proof of your new address

Texas DMV accepts several documents as proof of your new address. These include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a government-issued document with your name and address, or a bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your full name and the address you are registering.

If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, a signed lease agreement or a letter from your landlord on official letterhead stating your move-in date and address will usually work. Call your local DMV office ahead of time if you are unsure whether your specific document will be accepted.

The 30-day important date and what happens if you miss it

Texas law requires you to notify the DMV of your address change within 30 days of moving. This important date is important because your registration is tied to your address for mail delivery and legal notices. If you receive a traffic ticket or other official correspondence, it will be sent to the address on file.

If you miss the 30-day window, you can still update your address — there is no penalty or fine for updating late. However, any official notices from the state will have gone to your old address, so you may not have received them. Update your address as soon as you realize you have moved, even if it has been longer than 30 days.

Renewing your registration at the same time

If your vehicle registration is expiring within the next few months, you can renew it at the same time you change your address. This is often more convenient than doing both separately. When you renew online, by mail, or in person, you will have the option to update your address in the same transaction.

Renewal costs vary depending on your vehicle type and weight. You can find the exact fee for your vehicle on the Texas DMV website by entering your vehicle information. Renewing and changing your address together does not cost more than renewing alone — you pay only the renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my driver's license address at the same time as my registration?

No, your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate. You must update both, but you can do them at different times. To change your driver's license address, you can do so online through the Texas DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Your driver's license address does not have to match your registration address, though it is usually simpler if they do.

What if I move out of state but keep my Texas registration?

If you move out of Texas but keep your vehicle registered in Texas, you should still update your address to your new out-of-state address. The Texas DMV will mail your registration card and any notices to that address. However, if you plan to stay in another state for more than a few months, that state may require you to register your vehicle there instead.

Can I change my address if my registration is expired?

You can update your address on an expired registration, but you will also need to renew it. You cannot legally drive with an expired registration, so renew it at the same time you change your address. The renewal fee applies, but the address change itself is free.

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

Whether you change your address online, by mail, or in person, the new registration card is mailed to you and typically arrives within 10 business days. Keep your old registration card until the new one arrives. If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received it, contact your local DMV office to check the status.

What if I move before my registration expires but after I have already renewed it?

Update your address right away using any of the three methods. The address on file is what matters for mail delivery and official notices. You do not need to renew again — just change the address on your current registration.