Where to report your address change and what documents you need

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 — you log in with your driver's license number and vehicle identification number (VIN), update your address, and pay a $10 fee. By mail, you send a completed form VTR-130 (Address Change form) along with your current registration card and a check or money order to the address listed on the DMV website. In person, you bring your registration card and proof of your new address to any DMV office.

Proof of your new address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued document showing your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a recent document in your name, a notarized affidavit stating your new address will work, though this takes longer to process.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DMV accepts address changes online, by mail, or in person, with online being the fastest option at around one to two weeks for processing.
  • You need your current registration card and proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The online method costs $10 and requires your driver's license number and vehicle identification number (VIN).
  • By mail, you send form VTR-130 to the DMV address listed on their website, which typically takes two to three weeks.
  • If you move out of state, you must register your vehicle in the new state rather than straightforward changing your Texas address.

Changing your address online through the DMV website

The Texas DMV online system lets you change your address without visiting an office or mailing documents. Go to the DMV website, select "Change Address," and enter your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will then enter your new address and pay the $10 fee using a credit or debit card.

Processing typically takes one to two weeks. You will receive a new registration card by mail at your updated address. During this time, your old registration card remains valid. If you need to drive before the new card arrives, keep your old card with you — it shows your vehicle is registered, even though the address is outdated.

Mailing your address change to the DMV

To change your address by mail, read or request form VTR-130 from the Texas DMV website. Fill in your current registration information, your new address, and sign the form. Attach a copy of your current registration card and proof of your new address. Mail everything to the address shown on the DMV website for address change requests — this address changes periodically, so check the website before mailing.

Include a check or money order for $10 made payable to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Processing by mail takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Keep a copy of everything you send. If your mail does not arrive, you have no proof you sent it, and the DMV will not process a request they never received.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

Walk into any Texas DMV office with your current registration card and proof of your new address. Tell the clerk you want to change your registration address. They will verify your information, collect the $10 fee, and process the change on the spot. You will receive a temporary registration document when ready, and your new registration card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

In-person visits are useful if you need proof of the address change right away or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. Wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning and mid-week visits are usually shorter. Check the DMV website for your nearest office and its hours before you go.

What happens if you move out of state

If you move to another state permanently, you cannot straightforward change your Texas registration address. Instead, you must register your vehicle in your new state. Each state has its own registration process, fees, and requirements. Contact the motor vehicle department in your new state to learn what documents and fees they need.

You have a grace period — usually 30 to 90 days depending on the state — to register your vehicle after you move. During that time, your Texas registration remains valid for driving. After the grace period ends, driving with an out-of-state registration in your new state can result in a ticket. If you plan to keep a vehicle registered in Texas while living elsewhere, you must maintain a Texas address on file, such as a family member's home or a mail forwarding service.

Updating your address if your registration is expired or suspended

You can change your address even if your registration has expired, but you cannot legally drive the vehicle until you renew it. If you change your address online or by mail, the system will show you whether your registration needs renewal. If it does, you will need to renew before the address change takes effect on your registration card.

If your registration is suspended — usually for unpaid traffic tickets or child support — the DMV will not process an address change until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DMV to find out why your registration is suspended and what you need to do to clear it. Once the suspension is removed, you can change your address through any of the three methods.

Timing and what to expect after you submit your change

Online changes process in one to two weeks. Mail takes two to three weeks from receipt. In-person changes are when ready for the temporary document, with the permanent card arriving in one to two weeks. The DMV mails your new registration card to the address you provided, so make sure it is correct before you submit.

If you do not receive your new card within three weeks of submitting your change, contact the DMV to check the status. Bring your old registration card and proof of your new address. The DMV can reissue a card or investigate whether your mail was lost. If you need to drive before your new card arrives, your old card is still valid proof of registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move within Texas?

Yes. Any change to your street address, city, or ZIP code requires you to update your registration. Moving to a different county does not change the process — you still use the same form VTR-130 or online system. The only exception is if you move to a new address within the same city and ZIP code, though updating is still recommended to keep your records accurate.

Can I change my address if my registration card is lost or stolen?

Yes, but you will also need to request a replacement card. When you change your address online or by mail, the system will issue a new card to your updated address. If you lost your card and need to change your address, you can do both at the same time. In person, tell the clerk you need both an address change and a replacement card.

What if I share a vehicle with someone else whose name is on the registration?

Only the registered owner or a co-owner can request an address change. If the vehicle is registered to two people, either one can make the change. If you are not listed on the registration, you cannot change the address — the owner must do it. If you have moved and the owner has not, ask them to update the address or provide written permission for you to do it on their behalf.

Will changing my address affect my vehicle insurance?

Your insurance company may need to know about your address change, but the DMV address change does not automatically notify them. Contact your insurance agent separately to update your policy. Some insurers adjust rates based on location, so updating your address promptly can prevent coverage issues or billing problems.

How much does it cost to change my registration address?

The fee is $10, whether you change your address online, by mail, or in person. This is a one-time fee for the address change itself. If you also need to renew your registration or replace a lost card, those are separate fees that the DMV will explain when you submit your request.