What you need to do to change car registration
Changing your car registration means updating the official record with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency to reflect a new owner, address, or vehicle details. The process differs by state, but most require you to visit your local DMV office or submit documents by mail, and nearly all charge a fee that ranges based on what you are changing and where you live.
The most common reason to change registration is moving to a new state or a new address within your state. Some states let you do this online or by mail; others require an in-person visit. You will need your current registration card, proof of residency at your new address, and sometimes a vehicle inspection or emissions test. The timeline varies from a few days to several weeks depending on your state and method.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's DMV before you move or make changes to find out whether you can update by mail, online, or in person, because the rules vary significantly by state.
- You will need your current registration card, a proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to start the process.
- Most states charge a fee to change registration, and the amount depends on whether you are changing your address, transferring ownership, or updating vehicle information.
- If you move to a new state, you typically have 30 to 90 days to register your vehicle there, though some states impose penalties if you delay.
Changing your address within the same state
If you move within your state, you need to notify the DMV of your new address. Many states allow you to do this online through their DMV website without visiting an office. You will enter your current registration number, driver's license number, and new address, then pay a small fee (often $10 to $25) by credit card.
If your state does not offer online address changes, you can mail a form to your DMV. The form is usually called an "Address Change" or "Registration Update" form and is available on your state's DMV website. Include your current registration card, a copy of your proof of residency, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail it to the address listed on the form and expect processing to take two to four weeks.
Some states still require an in-person visit to change your address. Call your local DMV office or check their website to confirm whether you must come in. If you do, bring your current registration, proof of residency, and your driver's license.
Registering your vehicle in a new state
When you move to a new state, you must register your vehicle in that state within a set timeframe—usually 30 to 90 days, though some states are stricter. Registering in a new state is more involved than a straightforward address change because you are creating a new registration record with a different DMV.
Start by gathering these documents: your current out-of-state registration, your vehicle's title (the document proving ownership), proof of your new address in the new state, your driver's license, and proof of insurance from an insurer licensed in your new state. Some states also require a vehicle inspection or emissions test before registration. Check your new state's DMV website to see what is required and whether you can start the process online or by mail.
Many states let you begin registration online or by mail, but you may need to visit a DMV office in person to complete it, especially if the vehicle title needs to be transferred or if your new state requires an inspection. The fee for new state registration is typically higher than an address change—often $100 to $300 depending on the state and vehicle type—and you may also pay for inspection or emissions testing.
Changing ownership or adding a co-owner
If you are buying or selling a vehicle, or adding someone else's name to your registration, you will need to transfer the title as well as update the registration. This is a separate process from a straightforward registration change and involves more paperwork.
When you buy a used car, the seller must sign the title over to you. You then take the signed title, proof of purchase (usually the bill of sale), proof of insurance, and proof of your address to your DMV office or submit them by mail. Your state will issue you a new registration in your name. If you are adding a co-owner—such as a spouse—both of you must sign the title, and you will submit it along with the same documents.
The fee for a title transfer or ownership change is separate from registration fees and varies by state, typically ranging from $15 to $100. Processing time is usually two to four weeks if you mail documents, or same-day if you visit in person.
Updating vehicle information on your registration
Sometimes you need to change details on your registration that are not your address or ownership—for example, if you repainted your car a different color, replaced the engine, or corrected an error in the vehicle's description. Most states allow you to update these details by mail or online.
Contact your state's DMV to ask which changes require a form and which require an in-person inspection. A color change usually just needs a form and a small fee. An engine replacement may require a DMV inspector to verify the new engine's VIN matches your vehicle's records. Errors in spelling or vehicle details can usually be corrected with a form and proof of the correct information (such as your title or bill of sale).
Documents and fees you will need
The exact documents and fees depend on what you are changing and which state you are in. Here is what most states require for common registration changes:
| Type of Change | Documents Needed | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Address change (same state) | Current registration, proof of new address, driver's license | $10–$25 |
| New state registration | Current registration, title, proof of address, proof of insurance, driver's license | $100–$300 |
| Title transfer (new owner) | Signed title, bill of sale, proof of address, proof of insurance, driver's license | $15–$100 |
| Vehicle information update | Current registration, proof of change (title, bill of sale, or inspection report) | $10–$50 |
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and address. Proof of insurance must be a current policy from an insurer licensed in your state. Always bring your driver's license to any in-person DMV visit.
How to find your state's DMV and start the process
Each state runs its own DMV under different names—some call it the Department of Motor Vehicles, others the Secretary of State's office, and some use regional names like the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The fastest way to find yours is to search "[your state] DMV" or "[your state] vehicle registration" online.
Once you find your state's DMV website, look for a section on registration changes or address updates. Most state websites let you read forms, find your local office, check processing times, and sometimes start the process online. If you cannot find what you need, call your local DMV office directly—the phone number is on the website. Have your current registration number and VIN ready when you call.
If you are moving soon, start this process before you move. Some states let you change your address online in minutes, while others require mail or an office visit that can take weeks. Knowing your state's process ahead of time prevents delays and late fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I do not change my registration after moving?
Driving with an out-of-date registration can result in a traffic ticket and fine. If you move to a new state and do not register your vehicle there within the required timeframe, you may face penalties and your vehicle could be considered unregistered. Some states also suspend your driver's license if registration lapses.
Can I change my registration online in every state?
No. Some states offer full online registration for address changes and renewals, while others require mail or in-person visits. Check your state's DMV website to see what options are available. New state registration almost always requires at least one in-person visit or notarized documents.
Do I need a vehicle inspection to change my registration?
It depends on your state and what you are changing. Most states do not require an inspection for an address change. New state registration and certain vehicle updates (like engine replacement) may require one. Your state's DMV website will tell you whether an inspection is needed for your situation.
How long does it take to change registration?
Online changes can be processed in minutes to a few days. Mail submissions typically take two to four weeks. In-person visits at a DMV office are often same-day, though you may need an appointment. Processing time varies by state and how busy your local DMV is.
What is the difference between registration and a title?
Your registration is the annual permit showing you are allowed to drive the vehicle on public roads. Your title is the legal document proving you own the vehicle. When you change ownership, you must transfer the title. When you move or renew, you update the registration. Both are issued by your state's DMV.