You can change your Texas vehicle registration address online, by mail, or in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles does not handle address changes directly. Instead, you work with your county tax assessor-collector, which is the local office that issued your registration. You have three ways to update your address: through the online portal at txdmv.gov, by mailing a form to your county office, or by visiting in person. The fastest route is usually online if you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration number handy.

An address change takes effect when ready once processed and does not require you to renew your registration early. Your registration expiration date stays the same no matter when you update your address. There is no fee for changing your address in Texas.

Key Takeaways

  • Your county tax assessor-collector's office, not the state DMV, processes address changes for Texas vehicle registration.
  • You can change your address online at txdmv.gov, by mail using Form VTR-130-U, or in person at your county office without paying a fee.
  • Online changes are processed the same day or next business day; mail typically takes one to two weeks.
  • You need your VIN, current registration number, and new address to complete the change through any method.
  • An address change does not affect your registration expiration date or require you to renew early.

Changing your address online through txdmv.gov

The online method is the fastest and requires no trip to an office. Go to txdmv.gov, select "Vehicle Registration" from the menu, then look for the option to change your address or update your registration information. You will need your VIN (found on your registration card or vehicle), your current registration number, and your new address. The system will confirm your identity and process the change when ready or by the next business day. You do not need to print anything or visit an office.

If you cannot locate the online form on the main site, call the county tax assessor-collector's office for your county to ask for the direct link. Some counties have their own portals that work alongside the state system. Keep your confirmation number if the system provides one, though you do not need to do anything else after submission. You can check the status of your change by logging back into the portal with your VIN and registration number.

Mailing Form VTR-130-U to your county office

If you prefer to mail your address change, read or request Form VTR-130-U (process for Texas Title or Registration) from txdmv.gov or from your county tax assessor-collector's office. You do not need to fill out the entire form—only the sections for vehicle information and your new address. Include your VIN, current registration number, and new address. Sign the form and mail it to the address listed on your registration card or on the county office's website.

Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. Include a note with your phone number or email if you want confirmation once the change is complete. You do not need to include payment—address changes are free in Texas. Keep a copy for your records before mailing. If you do not receive your new registration card within three weeks, contact your county office to confirm the form was received.

Visiting your county tax assessor-collector's office in person

You can walk into your county tax assessor-collector's office with your current registration card and proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring your driver's license or state ID as well. The staff will update your address on the spot, and you will receive a new registration card in the mail within one to two weeks. This method is useful if you need the change recorded when ready for insurance or other purposes, since you have proof of submission the same day.

Find your county office's location and hours on txdmv.gov by searching for your county name, or call the main county assessor-collector number listed in your phone book or online. Some offices accept walk-ins without an appointment, while others require you to check in at a kiosk or take a number. Call ahead if you want to confirm wait times or ask whether you need an appointment.

What happens to your registration card and expiration date

Your current registration card remains valid even after you change your address. The Texas DMV will mail you a new registration card with your updated address within one to two weeks of processing your change. You do not need to do anything with the old card—straightforward use the new one once it arrives. Your registration expiration date does not change when you update your address, so you will still renew on your original renewal month.

If you move before your new registration card arrives, you can update your address again using the same method. There is no limit to how many times you can change your address, and each change is free. Keep both cards until the new one arrives, in case you are stopped by law enforcement.

Proof of address you may need

If you are changing your address in person, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail with your name and address. A bank statement or credit card statement also works. If you do not have a recent document, ask the office staff what alternatives they accept.

If you are changing your address online or by mail, you do not need to submit proof—the system accepts your address information without documentation. However, you should be truthful since your registration card will be mailed to the address you provide. If the card is returned as undeliverable, you will need to contact your county office to correct it.

Changing your address if you moved out of state or to a military address

If you moved out of Texas, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state instead of straightforward changing your address with Texas. Texas will not mail a registration card to an out-of-state address. Contact your new state's DMV to learn about registration requirements there. You typically have 30 to 90 days to register depending on the state.

If you are stationed at a military base or have a military mailing address, you can use that address for your Texas registration. Provide your full military address, including the APO or FPO designation, when you change your address. Your registration card will be mailed to that address without any additional steps or fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address before my registration expires?

No. You can change your address at any time, and it does not affect when your registration expires. Your expiration date stays the same whether you update your address now or later. However, it is a good idea to change it soon after moving so your renewal notice reaches you at the correct address.

What if I do not have my registration card with me?

You can still change your address online or by mail using your VIN and registration number. If you are visiting in person and do not have your card, bring your VIN (from your vehicle or insurance card) and your driver's license. The office can look up your registration in their system.

Will changing my address affect my insurance?

No, but you should notify your insurance company separately of your address change. Your vehicle registration and insurance are separate records. Your insurer needs your new address for their files and may adjust your rate based on your new location.

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

The Texas DMV mails new registration cards within one to two weeks of processing your address change. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact your county tax assessor-collector's office to confirm the change was processed and ask them to remail it.

Can I change my address if my registration is expired?

Yes, you can change your address even if your registration is expired. However, you should renew your registration at the same time or shortly after. You cannot legally drive with an expired registration, so handle the renewal as soon as possible through the same county office.