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) using three methods: the online portal at texas.gov/motor-vehicles, by mail to the address listed on your registration documents, or by visiting a local DMV office in person. The online method is fastest — most address changes process within one to two business days. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and the new address you want on file.

Texas law requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within 30 days of moving. Failing to do so can result in missing renewal notices, traffic citations sent to the wrong address, and potential fines. If you are moving out of state, you will need to handle registration differently — contact the DMV office for your new state instead of updating your Texas registration.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to change your address is through the online portal at texas.gov/motor-vehicles, which takes about five minutes and processes within one to two business days.
  • You must notify the DMV within 30 days of moving, or you risk missing renewal notices and receiving citations at your old address.
  • You will need your VIN, current registration number, and new address to make the change through any method.
  • If you are moving out of state, you cannot straightforward update your Texas registration — you must register your vehicle in your new state instead.
  • Mail and in-person changes take longer than the online method but work if you do not have internet access or prefer to handle it in person.

Changing your address online through the Texas DMV portal

Go to texas.gov/motor-vehicles and look for the "Online Services" or "Manage Your Registration" section. You will be asked to log in or create an account using your driver's license number and date of birth. Once logged in, select the option to update your vehicle information or change your address.

Enter your VIN (found on your registration card or vehicle title), your current registration number, and your new address. Double-check the address before submitting — this is the address that will appear on all future correspondence from the DMV. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. The DMV will mail you an updated registration card to your new address within one to two business days in most cases.

If you cannot remember your registration number, you can look it up on your current registration card or title document. If you have lost both, call the DMV at 1-888-368-4689 to verify your information before attempting the online change.

Changing your address by mail

Write a letter to the Texas DMV that includes your name, current address, new address, VIN, and current registration number. Include a copy of your registration card or title if possible. Mail the letter to the address shown on your registration documents — this address is typically listed on the back of your registration card.

Mail processing takes two to four weeks, so send your letter as soon as you move. Keep a copy of what you send for your records. You will not receive a confirmation until your updated registration card arrives in the mail at your new address. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the DMV to check the status of your change.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

Visit your local DMV office with your current registration card or title, your VIN, and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued document showing your new location. Bring a valid photo ID as well.

The office will update your address on the spot and issue you a temporary registration receipt. Your updated registration card will be mailed to your new address within one to two business days. In-person visits are useful if you need to handle other registration matters at the same time, such as renewing your registration or updating vehicle information.

DMV office wait times vary by location and time of day. Check texas.gov/motor-vehicles for your local office hours and location before you go. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time.

What happens if you move out of state

If you are relocating permanently to another state, you cannot straightforward update your Texas address. Instead, you must register your vehicle in your new state within the timeframe required by that state's DMV — this is typically 30 to 60 days after moving. Your Texas registration will remain valid until it expires, but you will need new registration from your new state before that expiration date.

Contact your new state's DMV to learn what documents you will need. Most states require your current Texas title, proof of residency in the new state, and proof of insurance. Some states allow you to start the registration process online before you move, which can speed things up once you arrive.

What to do if you do not receive your updated registration card

If more than two weeks have passed since you submitted your address change and you have not received your updated registration card, contact the DMV at 1-888-368-4689. Have your VIN and registration number ready. The DMV can confirm whether your change was processed and reissue your card if needed.

If you need to drive before your new card arrives, you can print a temporary registration receipt from the online portal or request one at a DMV office. This temporary receipt is valid for a limited time and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent card.

Changing your address if your vehicle is financed or leased

If you have a loan on your vehicle or are leasing it, the lienholder (your lender or leasing company) may be listed on your registration. When you change your address with the DMV, only your address updates — the lienholder's address remains the same unless they update it separately. This is normal and does not affect your registration.

However, you should also notify your lender or leasing company of your move directly. They need your new address for billing statements, insurance correspondence, and loan documents. Contact them using the phone number on your loan or lease agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I am moving within Texas?

Yes. Texas law requires you to notify the DMV of any address change within 30 days, whether you are moving across town or across the state. Failure to do so can result in missing renewal notices and receiving traffic citations at your old address.

Can I change my address without my registration card?

Yes. You can change your address online using your VIN and registration number, or by mail or in person using your VIN and other identifying information. If you have lost your registration card and cannot find your registration number, call the DMV at 1-888-368-4689 to look it up before you proceed.

How long does it take to receive my updated registration card?

Online and in-person changes typically result in a new card arriving within one to two business days. Mail changes take two to four weeks. You can drive legally using a temporary registration receipt while you wait for your permanent card to arrive.

What if I change my address but my registration is about to expire?

You can change your address and renew your registration at the same time through the online portal or at a DMV office. This ensures your new card reflects both your updated address and your new expiration date. If you change your address first and then renew separately, you will receive two cards in the mail.

Can I change my address if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?

Yes. Outstanding tickets or fines do not prevent you from changing your address. However, changing your address does not clear any outstanding violations — you will still need to resolve those separately. Updating your address actually helps may support you receive notices about outstanding matters.