Update your address with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
You can change the address on your Texas vehicle registration by submitting a form to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The state calls this an address change, and you do not need to re-register your vehicle or pay a new registration fee — you are straightforward updating the mailing address on file.
Texas offers three ways to submit this change: by mail, online through the Texas DMV website, or in person at a local DMV office. The online method is fastest and requires no documents to be mailed. If you choose to mail or visit in person, you will need your vehicle's current registration certificate and a completed form.
The address change takes effect once the DMV processes your request. You should receive a new registration certificate in the mail at your updated address within two to three weeks, though this timing varies depending on processing volume.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your registration address online through the Texas DMV website without visiting an office or mailing documents.
- If you mail or visit in person, you will need your current registration certificate and Form VTR-130 (Address Change form).
- An address change does not require a new registration fee or a vehicle inspection.
- Your new registration certificate will arrive by mail at your updated address within two to three weeks of processing.
Changing your address online
The fastest route is the Texas DMV online portal. 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 want on file.
The online form takes about five minutes to complete. Once you submit it, the DMV processes the change and mails your updated registration certificate to the new address. You do not need to upload documents or provide proof of residency for an address change — the DMV updates the address based on what you enter in the form.
If you have multiple vehicles registered in Texas, you will need to submit a separate address change for each one. The online system processes each vehicle individually.
Mailing in an address change form
If you prefer to mail your request, you will need to complete Form VTR-130, which is the official Texas address change form. You can read this form from the Texas DMV website or request a copy by phone at 1-888-368-4689.
Include your current registration certificate with the form and mail both to the address listed on the form instructions. The DMV processes mailed requests within two to four weeks, depending on volume. Mail your request to the regional DMV office that serves your county — the form instructions will specify which office to use based on your location.
Keep a copy of the form and your registration certificate for your records before mailing. If you are concerned about losing the original certificate in the mail, the online method avoids this risk entirely.
Updating your address in person at a DMV office
You can also visit a local DMV office to change your address. Bring your current registration certificate and a completed Form VTR-130. The staff will process the change on the spot, and you will receive a receipt showing the address change has been submitted.
Your new registration certificate will still be mailed to you at the updated address — you do not receive it when ready at the office. Processing time is the same as the mail-in method: two to three weeks. Visit times at DMV offices vary by location, so check the Texas DMV website for hours and wait times before you go.
Some DMV offices are busier than others. If you want to avoid a long wait, visit early in the morning on a weekday, or use the online method instead.
What happens if you move before updating your address
If you have already moved and your registration certificate is still going to your old address, contact the DMV as soon as you realize the mail is not arriving. You can still submit an address change online or by mail using your VIN and current registration number — you do not need the physical certificate in hand to make the change.
If your registration certificate was lost in the mail or never reached you, you can request a duplicate certificate at the same time you change your address. The DMV will mail both the updated certificate and the duplicate to your new address.
If you receive a notice from the DMV or a toll authority at your old address after you have moved, forward it to your new address or contact the DMV directly with your updated information. This prevents missed renewal notices or toll violations.
Address changes for vehicles with outstanding loans or leases
If your vehicle is financed through a loan or lease, you can still change the registration address without the lender's permission. The address on your registration is separate from the address the lender has on file. However, it is a good idea to notify your lender of your move so they have your current address for loan statements and insurance correspondence.
The lienholder (the bank or finance company) is listed on your registration certificate. Changing your mailing address with the DMV does not change the lienholder information — that remains the same unless you pay off the loan or refinance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address if I move to a different county in Texas?
Yes, you should update your address with the DMV whenever you move, regardless of whether it is within the same county or to a different part of the state. This ensures your registration certificate and any renewal notices reach you at the correct location.
Will I have to pay a fee to change my registration address?
No, changing your address is free. The DMV does not charge a fee for address changes, and you do not need to renew your registration or pay any additional costs.
What if I do not have my registration certificate when I want to change my address?
You can still change your address online or by mail using your VIN and registration number. You do not need the physical certificate in hand. If you have lost it, you can request a duplicate at the same time you submit the address change.
How long does it take to receive my new registration certificate after changing my address?
The DMV typically mails your updated certificate within two to three weeks of processing your request. Timing depends on processing volume and mail delivery speed to your new address.
Can I change my address online if my registration is expired?
You can change your address, but you will also need to renew your registration if it has expired. The DMV handles both requests together. You can renew online at the same time you update your address, or contact the DMV for guidance on your specific situation.