Change your address with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles online, by mail, or in person at a local office

You can update your vehicle registration address through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in three ways: online through their website, by mailing a form to their Austin office, or by visiting a local county tax assessor-collector's office in person. The online method is fastest and requires your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and a valid Texas driver's license or ID. You do not need to renew your registration early or pay an additional fee to change your address.

Texas law requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within a reasonable time after you move. The registration certificate itself does not need to be reissued — the DMV updates your record in their system, and your next renewal notice will go to your new address. If you are moving out of state, you will need to handle registration differently, but a move within Texas is a straightforward address update.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Texas DMV website is the fastest option and takes just a few minutes if you have your VIN and current registration number.
  • You can also mail Form VTR-130 to the DMV's Austin office or visit your county tax assessor-collector's office in person with proof of your new address.
  • There is no fee to change your address, and you do not need to renew your registration early.
  • Your next renewal notice will be mailed to your new address once the change is processed.

Changing your address online through the Texas DMV website

Go to the Texas DMV website and look for the "Change Address" option under vehicle services. You will need to enter your VIN (found on your registration certificate or vehicle), your current registration number, and your driver's license or ID number. The system will ask you to confirm your new address and verify your identity. Once submitted, the change is typically processed within a few business days.

This method works only if your registration is current and not suspended. If you have unpaid traffic violations or registration holds on your account, the online system will not allow the change and will direct you to resolve those issues first. In that case, you can visit a county tax assessor-collector's office or contact the DMV directly for guidance.

Mailing a change-of-address form to the DMV

read or request Form VTR-130 (process for Replacement Title or Registration) from the Texas DMV website or pick one up at your county tax assessor-collector's office. Fill in your vehicle information, current registration number, and new address. Sign the form and mail it to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 4000 Jackson Avenue, Austin, TX 78731.

Include a copy of proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. If you do not receive confirmation within a month, contact your county tax assessor-collector's office to verify the DMV received your form.

Updating your address in person at a county office

Visit your county tax assessor-collector's office with your vehicle registration certificate, proof of your new address, and a valid ID. Bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement as proof of address. The staff will process your change on the spot, and you will leave with confirmation that your address has been updated in the system.

This is the fastest in-person option and eliminates the wait time of mailing or online processing. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but calling ahead can help you avoid a long wait, especially during peak hours. If you have any registration holds or unpaid violations, the staff can tell you when ready and help you understand what needs to be resolved before the address change can be completed.

What happens after you submit your address change

Once the DMV processes your change, your registration record is updated in their system. You will not receive a new registration certificate in the mail unless you specifically request one. Your current certificate remains valid and does not need to be replaced. The next time you renew your registration, the renewal notice will be mailed to your new address.

If you need proof that your address has been changed before your next renewal, you can request a duplicate registration certificate from your county tax assessor-collector's office for a small fee, or you can print a copy of your registration information from the Texas DMV website if you have an online account. Keep your old registration certificate until you receive the new one, in case you are stopped by law enforcement and need to show proof of registration.

Changing your address if you have a lienholder on your registration

If your vehicle is financed and the lender's name appears on your registration certificate, you still change your address through the DMV using the same methods described above. The lienholder does not need to approve the address change. However, you should also notify your lender directly of your move, because they may have separate address records for billing and loan documents.

Some lenders require you to update your address with them within a certain time frame as part of your loan agreement. Failing to do so could result in late notices being sent to your old address and you missing important communications. Contact your lender's customer service line to confirm whether they need a separate address update from you.

What to do if you moved out of state

If you have moved to another state and plan to register your vehicle there, you will need to follow that state's registration process instead of updating your Texas address. Most states require you to register your vehicle within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency. You will typically need your Texas registration certificate, proof of residency in the new state, and proof of insurance.

You do not need to formally cancel your Texas registration — it will straightforward expire at the end of its term. However, if you still own property in Texas or plan to return, you may want to keep your Texas driver's license current. Contact the motor vehicle department in your new state for specific requirements, as they vary widely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the address change to show up in the system?

Online changes typically process within a few business days. Mail takes two to four weeks. In-person changes at a county office are processed when ready, though it may take a day or two for the change to appear in the DMV's online system. If you need proof right away, ask for a receipt at the county office.

Do I need to change my address if I only moved within the same county?

Yes. Even if you moved within the same county, you should update your address with the DMV so your registration and renewal notices go to the correct location. The process is the same regardless of whether you moved across town or across the state.

What if I do not have proof of my new address?

Most DMV offices accept a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you cannot provide these, ask your county tax assessor-collector's office what alternative documents they will accept. Some offices may accept a notarized statement of residency if you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name.

Can I change my address if my registration is expired?

You can change your address, but you will need to renew your registration at the same time. Visit your county tax assessor-collector's office or contact the DMV to handle both the renewal and the address change together. You cannot renew online if your registration is more than two years expired.

Will changing my address affect my insurance?

Your auto insurance company has its own address records separate from your vehicle registration. You should notify your insurance agent or company directly of your move, as your premium may change based on your new location. Do not assume that updating your DMV address will automatically update your insurance information.