How to Change Your Vehicle Registration Address in Texas

Where to change your registration address

You can change your vehicle registration address with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in three ways: online through their website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. The online method is fastest if you have your current registration document and a valid Texas driver's license or ID. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed form to the address listed on your registration, or walk into any DMV office with your documents.

The method you choose depends on what you have available right now. Online takes about 10 minutes and you receive confirmation when ready. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person visits usually take 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is that day.

Key Takeaways

You can change your address online at the Texas DMV website, by mail, or at a local DMV office — online is the fastest option.
You will need your current vehicle registration document, your driver's license or ID number, and your vehicle identification number (VIN).
If you moved within Texas, you can update your address without paying a fee; if you moved from out of state, you may need to register your vehicle in Texas instead.
Your new registration document will be mailed to your new address within two weeks of approval.
If you sell your vehicle after changing the address, notify the DMV within 30 days to avoid liability for the new owner's violations.

What documents you need

Gather your current vehicle registration document (the one you have now), your Texas driver's license or ID card, and your vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is a 17-character code printed on your registration, your insurance card, or the lower left corner of your windshield. You do not need your title document unless you are also transferring ownership at the same time.

If you are changing the address for a vehicle registered to a business rather than yourself, you will also need the business name and the name of the person authorized to make the change. Some DMV offices ask for proof of business registration, so call ahead to confirm what your local office requires.

Changing your address online

Go to the Texas DMV website and select "Change Address" under the vehicle registration section. You will enter your driver's license number, your vehicle's VIN, and your current registration number. The system will pull up your registration and ask you to confirm your new address. Enter it exactly as you want it to appear on your new registration document.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write this down or take a screenshot. The DMV will mail your new registration document to your new address within two weeks. You do not need to print anything or pay a fee for an address change within Texas.

Changing your address by mail or in person

If you prefer to mail your request, complete Form VTR-130 (process for Vehicle Registration) and mail it to the address printed on your current registration document. Include a copy of your driver's license or ID. Do not send your original registration or title. Mail typically takes one to two weeks to arrive, and the DMV will process it within another week or two.

To change your address in person, visit your local DMV office with your current registration, driver's license, and vehicle VIN. Bring a completed Form VTR-130 if you have it, though the office can provide one. You will pay no fee for an address change within Texas. The office will give you a receipt, and your new registration will arrive by mail within two weeks.

What happens if you moved from another state

If you moved to Texas from another state and your vehicle is still registered in that state, you cannot straightforward change the address to a Texas address. Instead, you will need to register your vehicle in Texas. This is a different process that requires your out-of-state registration, proof of a Texas address (such as a utility bill or lease), proof of insurance, and payment of Texas registration fees.

The fee for registering a vehicle in Texas depends on the vehicle's weight and age. You can find the exact amount on the Texas DMV website by entering your vehicle information. You have 30 days from moving to Texas to register your vehicle in the state, though doing it sooner protects you if you are stopped by law enforcement.

After your address change is processed

Your new registration document will arrive at your new address within two weeks. It will look the same as your old one but with your updated address printed on it. You do not need to do anything else — your old registration becomes invalid once the new one arrives, and you should destroy it.

If you sell your vehicle after changing the address, notify the DMV within 30 days by completing Form VTR-130-VOI (process for Vehicle Registration — Ownership Interest). This protects you from liability if the new owner receives a traffic ticket or parking violation at your old address. The form can be submitted online, by mail, or in person.

What to do if your registration does not arrive

If you do not receive your new registration within three weeks of submitting your address change, contact the Texas DMV by phone or through their website to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready if you submitted online, or your driver's license number if you submitted by mail or in person. The DMV can tell you whether the document was mailed and provide a replacement if it was lost.

If you need to drive before your new registration arrives, your old registration is still valid. You do not need a temporary document. Keep your old registration in your vehicle until the new one arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I moved within Texas?

You are not required to change your address when ready, but it is a good idea to do so within 30 days. If you are stopped by law enforcement and your registration shows an old address, you may face questions. Changing your address also ensures you receive renewal notices and other DMV correspondence at the correct location.

Can I change my address if my registration is expired?

Yes, you can change your address even if your registration has expired. However, you will need to renew your registration at the same time. The DMV will process both the address change and the renewal together, and you will pay the renewal fee but not an additional fee for the address change.

What if I have a loan on my vehicle?

Changing your registration address does not affect your loan. The lienholder (the bank or lender) will continue to receive their own notices from the DMV. You do not need to contact them about an address change, though it is a good idea to update your address with them separately so they can reach you about the loan.

Can someone else change my vehicle registration address for me?

If you submit your request online, only you can do it using your driver's license number. If you submit by mail or in person, someone else can deliver the form and documents on your behalf, but the form must be signed by you or by someone with power of attorney over your vehicle.

Is there a fee to change my address in Texas?

No, there is no fee to change your registration address if you are moving within Texas. If you are registering a vehicle in Texas for the first time after moving from another state, you will pay a registration fee based on your vehicle's weight and age.

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.