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 police station or insurance company. Every state runs its own registration system, so the exact process and fees vary by location. Most states now let you change your address online through their DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
The fastest route is usually your state's DMV website. You can log in with your driver's license number and registration number, update your address, and pay the fee without leaving home. If your state doesn't offer online changes, you'll need to visit a DMV office or mail in a form — both take longer, typically one to three weeks.
Start by visiting your state's DMV website directly. Search "[your state] DMV change address" to find the official portal. Avoid third-party registration services that charge extra fees; you can always do this yourself for the standard state fee alone.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV website is the fastest way to change your registration address, usually taking minutes and costing only the standard fee.
- You will need your current registration number, driver's license number, and the new address to complete the change.
- If you move to a different state, you must re-register your vehicle in that state within the timeframe it requires — typically 30 to 90 days.
- Changing your registration address does not automatically update your driver's license address; those are separate records you must change separately.
What information you need before you start
Gather these documents before you attempt to change your address, whether online, by mail, or in person. Having them ready prevents delays and rejected submissions.
You need your current vehicle registration card (the physical card that came in the mail), your driver's license or state ID, and your new address. Some states also ask for your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which appears on your registration card and on the dashboard of your car. If you're changing the address because you moved, have your new lease or utility bill handy — some states ask for proof of residency, though many no longer do.
If someone else owns the vehicle or holds the title, you may need their signature or written permission. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether co-owners must sign off on the change.
Changing your address online
Online changes are available in most states and take 5 to 15 minutes. Go to your state's official DMV website and look for a link labeled "Change Address," "Update Registration," or "Online Services." You will log in using your driver's license number and registration number.
Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your lease, utility bill, or other official documents. Mismatched spelling or apartment numbers can cause mail delivery problems later. Select your new address from the dropdown menu if your state's system offers one, rather than typing it freehand.
Pay the fee using a debit or credit card. Most states charge between $5 and $25 for an address change, though some states make it free. You'll receive a confirmation email when ready, and your updated registration card will arrive by mail within one to three weeks. You can drive legally with your old registration card until the new one arrives.
Changing your address by mail or in person
If your state doesn't offer online changes, read the address-change form from the DMV website or pick one up at a DMV office. The form is usually called "process for Registration" or "Address Change Form" — the exact name varies by state.
Fill out the form with your current registration number, vehicle information, and new address. Sign it in the spaces marked for the registered owner. Include a copy of your registration card and a check or money order for the fee (if your state accepts mail payments). Mail everything to the address listed on the form, usually your state's DMV headquarters.
Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. If you need the change faster, visit a DMV office in person. Bring your registration card, driver's license, proof of your new address, and payment. An agent will process the change on the spot, and you'll leave with a temporary registration document while your new card is mailed to you.
Moving to a different state
If you move to a new state, you must re-register your vehicle in that state within a set timeframe — usually 30 to 90 days, depending on the state. straightforward changing your address with your old state's DMV is not enough. You are required by law to register the vehicle in your new state of residence.
Contact your new state's DMV to learn what documents you need. Most states require your current out-of-state registration, your title, proof of insurance, and proof of residency (a lease or utility bill). Some states also require an emissions test or safety inspection before they'll issue a new registration. The new registration typically costs $50 to $200, depending on the state and vehicle type.
After you register in your new state, you can notify your old state's DMV that you've moved, or straightforward let the registration expire. Do not keep active registrations in two states at once.
Updating your driver's license address separately
Changing your car registration address does not change your driver's license address. These are two separate records in your state's system, and you must update them independently.
Update your driver's license address through your state's DMV website (often the same portal where you changed your registration), by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The process is similar to changing your registration address. You'll need your driver's license number, new address, and proof of residency. Some states charge a small fee; others make it free.
It's important to keep both records current so that official mail reaches you and your records match if you're pulled over or need to renew either document.
What happens after you submit the change
After you submit your address change, your state's DMV updates its records within one to three business days for online submissions, or two to four weeks for mail. During this time, mail sent to your old address may still reach you if it was already in transit.
Your new registration card will be mailed to your new address. If you don't receive it within four weeks of submitting the change, contact your state's DMV to confirm the address was entered correctly. Spelling errors or incomplete apartment numbers are the most common reason cards don't arrive.
You can legally drive with your old registration card until the new one arrives. Once the new card comes, keep it in your vehicle. You don't need to destroy the old card, but you should not carry both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to notify my insurance company when I change my registration address?
Yes, but separately. Your insurance company maintains its own records and does not automatically receive updates from the DMV. Contact your insurance agent or log into your policy online to update your address. Some insurers may adjust your premium slightly based on your new location, so confirm the change before your next bill arrives.
Can I change my registration address if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?
Yes. Outstanding tickets do not prevent you from changing your address. However, updating your address helps the court or collection agency reach you, so it's actually in your interest to do so. If you ignore a ticket, the court may suspend your registration or driver's license regardless of your address.
What if I move before my new registration card arrives?
Contact your state's DMV and request that they mail the card to your newer address instead. Most states allow one address correction after the card has been printed. If you've already moved again, you may need to submit another address-change request. It's faster to do this online or by phone than to wait for the card to arrive at the wrong address.
Do I need to change my registration address if I'm just moving temporarily?
If you're moving for less than a year, you generally don't need to change your registration address. However, if you're moving for a year or longer and establishing residency in the new location, you should update your address. Check your state's DMV rules, as some states define "residency" differently.
Can someone else change my registration address for me?
Online, no — you must log in with your own driver's license number. By mail or in person, a co-owner or authorized representative can submit the change if they have power of attorney or written permission from the registered owner. The registered owner's signature is typically required on the form.