How to change your address on your Michigan vehicle registration

You can change your address on your Michigan vehicle registration through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a branch office. The fastest method is online through MI.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You will need your current registration card, driver's license number, and the new address you want on file.

Michigan does not require you to update your registration address within a specific number of days, but your insurance company will need the correct address on your policy. If your registration and insurance address do not match, you may have coverage problems if you file a claim. The Secretary of State will mail your renewal notice to whatever address is on file, so updating it prevents missing important important date.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through MI.gov is free and the fastest way to change your address without visiting an office.
  • You can also mail a completed form to the Secretary of State or visit a branch office in person with your registration card and ID.
  • Your insurance company needs to know about the address change separately — updating your registration does not automatically notify them.
  • Renewal notices are mailed to the address on your registration, so updating it prevents you from missing important date.

Changing your address online through MI.gov

Go to mi.sos.state.mi.us and select the option to change your vehicle information. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current registration number. These are all on your registration card or your driver's license.

After you enter that information, the system will display your current registration details and ask you to confirm the new address. Type in the address exactly as you want it to appear on your registration. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number on screen — save or print this for your records. Michigan will mail you an updated registration card within 7 to 10 business days.

Mailing a form to the Secretary of State

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a completed form. read Form VR-014 (process for Vehicle Registration) from the Secretary of State website or request one by calling the Michigan Secretary of State at 517-322-1500. Fill in your current registration information and the new address.

Mail the form to the address listed on the form itself — this is typically the Secretary of State's Lansing office. Include a copy of your registration card and your driver's license. Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. You do not need to include a fee for an address change.

Visiting a Secretary of State branch office in person

You can walk into any Secretary of State branch office with your registration card and driver's license and request an address change on the spot. Bring both documents with you. The staff will update your address in the system when ready, and you will receive a new registration card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Branch offices are located throughout Michigan. Find the one nearest you by searching "Secretary of State branch offices" on MI.gov. Hours vary by location, and some offices require you to take a number or check in online before waiting. Calling ahead to confirm hours can save you a trip.

What happens after you change your address

Once your address is updated in the Secretary of State system, you will receive a new registration card in the mail. Your old card will no longer be valid, so do not use it. Keep the new card in your vehicle at all times — Michigan law requires you to have your current registration card with you when you drive.

Your insurance company will not automatically receive notice of the address change. Contact your insurance agent or company directly to update your policy address. This is important because your insurance may not cover you if the address on your policy does not match where you actually live or park the vehicle.

Updating your address if you moved out of state

If you moved to another state but still own a Michigan-registered vehicle, you can update your address to your new out-of-state location. Use the same online process, mail method, or visit a branch office. Michigan will mail your registration card and renewal notices to the out-of-state address you provide.

However, if you plan to keep the vehicle registered in Michigan long-term while living in another state, check that state's rules about non-resident vehicle registration. Some states require you to register vehicles there if you live there, even if you own the vehicle in another state. Your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles can tell you what applies to your situation.

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

If more than 10 business days have passed since you submitted your address change and you have not received a new registration card, contact the Secretary of State at 517-322-1500. Have your driver's license number and VIN ready. They can check whether the card was mailed and to what address.

If the card was lost in the mail, the Secretary of State can issue a replacement. If your address was entered incorrectly in the system, they can correct it and send a new card to the right location. You can also visit a branch office in person to request a replacement card when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address within a certain number of days?

Michigan does not have a important date for updating your registration address. However, your insurance company may have its own requirements, and you should update both as soon as possible to avoid coverage issues.

Will my insurance automatically update when I change my registration address?

No. The Secretary of State and your insurance company are separate systems. You must contact your insurance agent or company directly to update your policy address.

Can I change my address if my registration is expired?

Yes, you can change your address even if your registration has expired. However, you should renew your registration at the same time to avoid driving with an expired registration, which is illegal in Michigan.

What if I moved and do not know my new address yet?

You can wait to update your address until you have a permanent address. In the meantime, ask the post office to forward your mail so renewal notices reach you. Once you have a permanent address, update it through any of the methods described above.

Can someone else change my address for me?

Online, you must do it yourself using your own information. By mail or in person, someone else can submit the form or visit the office on your behalf if they bring your registration card, your driver's license, and a signed letter from you authorizing the change.