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

Texas lets you change your registration address without renewing your registration early. The fastest route is the online system at myDMV.texas.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you do not have online access or prefer to handle it in person, you can visit a local county tax assessor-collector's office or mail a form to the state.

You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and the address currently on file. The address change takes effect when ready online or within a few business days by mail. You do not need to bring your vehicle or take a new photo.

Key Takeaways

  • The online system at myDMV.texas.gov is the fastest way to change your address and requires only your VIN, registration number, and new address.
  • You can also change your address in person at any county tax assessor-collector's office during business hours without an appointment.
  • Mailing Form VTR-130 to the state takes longer but works if you cannot go online or visit an office.
  • Address changes do not cost money and do not require you to renew your registration early.
  • Your registration remains valid at your old address until you update it; changing the address does not extend or shorten your registration expiration date.

Changing your address online through myDMV

Go to myDMV.texas.gov and sign in with your Texas driver's license number and date of birth, or create a new account. Once logged in, select "Vehicle Services" and then "Change Address." You will be asked to enter your VIN and current registration number. The system will pull up your vehicle and current address on file.

Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your registration. Double-check the spelling and zip code. After you submit, the system will show you a confirmation page with a reference number. Save or print this number in case you need to follow up. The address change is active when ready in the system, though it may take a few days for the updated registration card to arrive in the mail.

Changing your address in person at a county office

Every Texas county has a tax assessor-collector's office that handles vehicle registration. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment. Search online for "[your county name] tax assessor-collector" to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours, as they vary by location.

Bring your current registration card and a form of ID. Tell the clerk you need to change your address. They will ask for your new address and update it on the spot. There is no fee. You will receive a receipt, and your updated registration card will be mailed to your new address within a few business days. Your registration expiration date does not change.

Changing your address by mail

read or request Form VTR-130 (Address Change) from the Texas DMV website or from your county tax assessor-collector's office. Fill in your current registration number, VIN, and new address. Sign the form and mail it to the address listed on the form, which is usually the state DMV office in Austin.

Include a copy of your current registration card if possible. Mail takes longer than online or in-person methods — typically two to three weeks from the time the state receives your form. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail, but your updated registration card will arrive at your new address. If you do not receive it within a month, contact your county tax assessor-collector's office to check the status.

What happens if you move and do not update your address

Your registration remains valid even if your address is out of date. However, the state will mail your renewal notice to the old address, and you may miss it. If you do not renew on time, your registration will expire and you cannot legally drive the vehicle.

If you receive a ticket or are in an accident, having an outdated address on file can complicate the process. Insurance companies and law enforcement may have trouble reaching you. It is simpler to update your address as soon as you move, even if your registration is not expiring soon.

Updating your address when you also need to renew

If your registration is expiring within the next few months, you can change your address and renew at the same time. Online renewal at myDMV.texas.gov lets you do both in one transaction. In person, the tax assessor-collector can handle both the address change and renewal in one visit.

If you renew by mail, use the renewal form that came in the mail and write your new address on it. The state will process both the renewal and the address change together. This is often faster than changing the address first and renewing later.

Changing your address if you moved out of state

If you moved to another state and still own a Texas-registered vehicle, you will eventually need to register it in your new state. However, you can update your Texas address first if you want to keep the Texas registration active temporarily — for example, if you are storing the vehicle or selling it.

Use any of the three methods above (online, in person, or mail) to change your address to your new state address. Texas will accept an out-of-state address. When you are ready to register the vehicle in your new state, that state's DMV will handle the transfer. Do not try to register the same vehicle in two states at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Any change to your street address, apartment number, or zip code should be updated with the DMV. This ensures renewal notices and official mail reach you. The process is the same whether you moved across town or across the state.

Will changing my address cost me money?

No. Address changes are free. You do not pay a fee online, in person, or by mail. The only cost is postage if you mail the form yourself.

How long does it take to get an updated registration card after I change my address?

Online and in-person changes usually result in a new card arriving within three to five business days. Mail-in changes take longer — typically two to three weeks after the state receives your form. Your registration is valid when ready even if the card has not arrived yet.

What if I change my address online but then move again before the card arrives?

You can change your address again using any method. Each change overwrites the previous one. The most recent address you submit is the one the state will use for mailing. If you know you will move again soon, you can wait until you are settled before updating.

Can I change my address if my registration is suspended or expired?

Yes. You can change your address even if your registration is not current. However, you should renew your registration as soon as possible to avoid driving with an expired registration. If your registration is suspended due to unpaid tickets or other violations, resolve that issue before driving the vehicle.