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

Texas allows you to update your registration address without renewing your registration early. The fastest route is the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) online portal, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you do not have internet access or prefer to handle it in person, you can visit your county tax assessor-collector's office with your current registration card and proof of your new address. Mail is also an option, though it takes longer.

The reason to do this promptly matters: Texas sends registration renewal notices to the address on file. If you move and do not update it, you may miss your renewal important date and drive with an expired registration without realizing it. You also need the correct address on file if you are involved in an accident or receive a traffic citation—law enforcement will use the registration address to contact you.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas DMV online portal at myDMV.texas.gov is the fastest way to change your address and requires only your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and proof of your new address.
  • You can also visit your county tax assessor-collector's office in person with your current registration card and a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Mailing a completed form to your county assessor-collector works but takes two to three weeks, so plan ahead if your renewal is approaching.
  • Changing your address does not renew your registration—your renewal date stays the same, and you will receive the renewal notice at your new address.
  • You must update your address within a reasonable time after moving; Texas law does not specify an exact important date, but delaying creates risk if you are stopped or involved in an accident.

Changing your address online through myDMV.texas.gov

The online method is available 24 hours and requires no appointment. Go to myDMV.texas.gov, select "Change Address" under the registration section, and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your registration card and on the dashboard of your vehicle at the bottom of the windshield on the driver's side.

After you enter your VIN, the system will ask you to upload or photograph proof of your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at the new location. The document must show your name and the full address. Once you submit, you should receive confirmation when ready. Your registration card remains valid; Texas will not mail you a new one unless you renew your registration or request a duplicate.

Updating your address in person at the tax assessor-collector's office

Every Texas county has a tax assessor-collector's office that handles vehicle registration. You can visit during business hours with your current registration card, a valid photo ID, and proof of your new address. The staff will complete the change on the spot, usually within 10 minutes. Bring the same documents you would upload online—a utility bill, lease, or similar proof showing your name and new address.

To find your county office, search "[your county name] tax assessor-collector" online or visit the county government website. Hours vary by county; some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while larger counties may offer extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead if you want to confirm they have no wait or if you have questions about which documents they accept.

Mailing your address change to the county assessor-collector

If you cannot visit in person or use the online portal, you can mail a completed form. Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office and request the address change form, or read it from the county website. Fill in your current registration information, your new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of your proof of address and mail it to the office address listed on the form.

Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. If your registration renewal is coming up within that timeframe, consider using the online method or visiting in person instead—you do not want your renewal notice to arrive at your old address while your change is still being processed. Keep a copy of what you mail for your records.

What happens to your registration renewal after you change your address

Changing your address does not change your registration renewal date. If your registration renews in March, it will still renew in March after you update your address. The only difference is that your renewal notice will now be sent to your new address instead of your old one. This is why updating promptly matters—if you move in January and do not update until April, you may have already missed your March renewal notice.

When you do renew, you can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same methods available for address changes. Your new registration card will show your updated address.

Proof of address documents Texas accepts

Texas accepts several types of documents as proof of your new address. The document must show your name, your complete street address (not a PO box), and ideally be dated within the last 60 days, though older documents are sometimes accepted if they are the only proof available. Common acceptable documents include:

  • Utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name
  • Lease agreement or rental agreement signed by you and the landlord
  • Mortgage statement or property tax bill
  • Government mail (tax return, voter registration, court document)
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Insurance policy or insurance bill

If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, a signed lease agreement from your landlord or a notarized letter from the property owner stating your occupancy can work. Call your county assessor-collector's office ahead of time if you are unsure whether your document will be accepted.

What to do if you moved out of state or to a military address

If you have moved out of Texas, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state. Texas registration does not follow you across state lines. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department to learn their registration requirements and timeline for out-of-state vehicles.

If you are military and have a military address, you can use your military address as your registration address in Texas. Bring your military ID and a military address verification document (such as a leave and earnings statement or military housing assignment) to your county assessor-collector's office, or upload it through myDMV.texas.gov. Military personnel stationed outside Texas can often maintain Texas registration if they are a Texas resident, but requirements vary by branch and duty station—contact your local military legal information office or your county assessor-collector for specifics.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you can change your address at any time, even after your registration expires. However, it is safer to update before expiration so you receive your renewal notice at the correct address. If you miss a renewal notice because it went to your old address, you could accidentally drive with an expired registration.

Will I get a new registration card with my new address on it?

No. Changing your address updates the DMV's records but does not trigger a new card. You will receive a new card only when you renew your registration or request a duplicate card. Your current card remains valid even though the address on it is outdated.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

Other documents work: a mortgage statement, property tax bill, government mail, bank statement, or insurance bill all count if they show your name and full address. If you have just moved and nothing is in your name yet, ask your landlord or property owner for a signed letter on their letterhead stating you live there, or bring a notarized occupancy letter. Call your county assessor-collector first to confirm they will accept it.

Can I change my address online if I do not have a Texas driver's license?

The online portal requires a Texas driver's license number. If you do not have one, visit your county tax assessor-collector's office in person with your registration card, a valid photo ID from another state or country, and proof of your new address. They can process the change without a Texas license.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process takes about 10 minutes to complete. You receive confirmation when ready, and the change is recorded in the system right away. Your renewal notice will be sent to your new address on your next renewal date.