Where and how to report your address change

You report an address change to the same body that issued your registration: your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or equivalent agency. Most states now let you do this online through their website, by mail, or in person at a local office. A few still require in-person visits, so check your state's DMV site first to see which methods are available to you.

The process is usually faster online — often taking minutes — than by mail or in person. You will need your current registration card, driver's license number, and the new address. Some states ask for your vehicle identification number (VIN) as well. If you moved out of state, the rules change; see the section below on interstate moves.

Key Takeaways

  • You must report your address change to your state's DMV within a set window — typically 10 to 30 days after moving — or face late fees or registration suspension.
  • Most states let you change your address online for free, and the change takes effect when ready or within a few business days.
  • Your insurance company must also be notified of your address change, separately from your registration update, or your policy may be invalid.
  • If you moved to a different state, you will need to register your vehicle in the new state within a set period, usually 30 to 90 days.
  • A new registration card will be mailed to your updated address; keep your old card until the new one arrives.

important date vary by state — check yours now

The window to report an address change ranges from 10 days in some states to 30 days in others. A few states have no formal important date but charge a late fee if you do not update before renewing. Missing the important date does not void your registration, but it can result in a fine, suspension of your registration, or both. The safest approach is to report the change within a week of moving.

You can find your state's specific important date on your DMV website by searching "[your state] DMV address change important date" or by calling the local office. Write down the important date and the method you plan to use (online, mail, or in person) so you have a clear action date.

Online address changes: the fastest route

If your state offers online registration updates, you can usually complete the change in under five minutes. Log into your DMV account (or create one if you do not have one), enter your new address, and submit. The system will confirm the change when ready or tell you if there is a problem — for example, if your registration is expired or if the address format does not match your driver's license.

After you submit online, your registration card will be mailed to the new address within one to three weeks. You do not need to do anything else. Your registration remains valid during this time, and the address change is recorded in the DMV system right away. If you need proof of the change before the new card arrives, you can usually print a confirmation from your account or request a temporary registration document.

Mail and in-person options when online is not available

If your state does not offer online updates, you will need to mail a form or visit an office in person. The form is usually called a "Change of Address" or "Registration Update" form and is available on your state's DMV website as a PDF. Fill it out, include a copy of your registration card and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and mail it to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. In-person visits are usually faster — often same-day — but require you to go to a local DMV office during business hours. Bring your registration card, driver's license, and proof of your new address. Some states charge a small fee for in-person updates; most do not charge for mail or online changes.

Notify your insurance company separately

Your car insurance company must also know about your address change, and this is a separate step from updating your registration. Call your insurer or log into your policy account and update the address there. Do this at the same time you update your registration, or even before, because your insurance rates may change based on your new location.

If you do not tell your insurer about the move, your policy may remain technically active but could be denied if you file a claim — because the address on file will not match where the vehicle is actually garaged. This is a common reason claims are rejected, so do not skip this step. It takes two minutes and costs nothing.

Moving to a different state: re-registration is required

If you moved to a new state, you cannot straightforward change your address on your old registration. You must register your vehicle in the new state within a set period — usually 30 to 90 days, depending on the state. Some states require you to do this before you can renew your registration; others allow a grace period.

To register in your new state, you will need your current out-of-state registration, proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of insurance, and proof of your new address. Some states also require an emissions test or safety inspection. The new state's DMV website will list exactly what you need and the cost, which varies widely — from under $50 to over $200 depending on the state and vehicle type. Plan for this to take one to two weeks if you do it by mail, or a few hours if you go in person.

What to do if your registration card has not arrived

After you report your address change, the DMV will mail a new registration card to your updated address. This usually takes one to three weeks. If more than three weeks have passed and you have not received it, log into your DMV account (if available) to check the status, or call your local DMV office with your registration number and new address.

While you wait for the new card, your registration is still valid. You can drive legally with your old card as long as the registration itself has not expired. If you need proof that you have reported the address change — for example, to show an insurance company or a lender — you can print a confirmation from your online account or request a temporary registration document from the DMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The DMV requires you to report any address change, even if you stayed in the same city or county. The important date and process are the same as for a move to a different city or state.

What happens if I do not update my address by the important date?

You may face a late fee, typically $10 to $50, and your registration could be suspended if the DMV cannot reach you at your old address. Some states also issue a warning letter to your old address before suspending, so you may have a second chance to update before the suspension takes effect.

Can I update my address online if my registration is expired?

Most states will not let you change your address online if your registration has expired. You will need to renew first, either online or in person, and then update the address. Some DMV sites let you do both in one transaction.

Do I need to get new license plates when I move?

No. Changing your address does not require new plates. You only need new plates if you move to a different state and register there, or if your state requires it as part of a registration renewal (which is rare).

Will my insurance rates change if I move to a different address?

Possibly. Insurance rates depend on where the vehicle is garaged, so moving to a different area — especially a different state — can raise or lower your premium. This is another reason to notify your insurer right away: they can tell you whether your rate will change before you are charged.