How to Change Your Address with the North Carolina DMV

What you need to do to change your address in North Carolina

You can change your address with the North Carolina DMV online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest — you fill out a form, pay a fee, and your registration updates within days. By mail, you send a completed form and fee to the DMV's Raleigh office. In person, you visit a local DMV office with your current registration and ID.

North Carolina requires you to notify the DMV within 30 days of moving. This applies whether you own your vehicle outright or have a loan on it. The address change covers your vehicle registration, driver's license, and vehicle title all at once if you do it through the registration system.

The fee for a registration address change is $20. This is separate from any renewal fees you might owe. If your registration is already expired or expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time rather than making two separate trips or submissions.

Key Takeaways

North Carolina gives you 30 days after moving to update your address with the DMV.
The online method through the NC DMV website is the fastest option and costs $20.
You can also mail a completed form to the DMV in Raleigh or visit a local DMV office in person.
Changing your registration address also updates your driver's license and vehicle title at the same address.
If your registration is expiring within the next few months, renewing it at the same time may save you a second trip.

Changing your address online through the NC DMV website

Go to the North Carolina DMV website and select the option to change your address. You will need your current vehicle registration number, your driver's license number, and the last four digits of your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The form takes about five minutes to complete.

After you submit the form and pay the $20 fee by credit or debit card, you will receive a confirmation number. The DMV processes online requests within three to five business days. Your updated registration will be mailed to your new address. You do not need to visit an office or mail anything in.

This method works only if your registration is current and not suspended. If your registration is expired or suspended, you will need to handle that separately before or after the address change.

Mailing a form to the DMV

read the process for Duplicate Registration Card (Form MVR-14) from the NC DMV website, or request one by calling the DMV at 919-715-7000. Fill in your current registration information and your new address. Sign the form and include a check or money order for $20 made out to "NC Department of Transportation."

Mail the completed form and payment to:

North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Registration Section 1100 New Bern Avenue Raleigh, NC 27697

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. Mail your request early if you are close to the 30-day important date. Keep a copy of what you send in case you need to follow up.

Visiting a DMV office in person

Bring your current vehicle registration card and a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID) to any North Carolina DMV office. Tell the staff member you need to change your address. They will complete the form for you, collect the $20 fee in cash or card, and process it on the spot.

You will receive your updated registration card when ready or within a few days by mail, depending on the office. Some offices issue temporary registration cards while you wait for the permanent one to arrive. Call ahead to find the DMV office nearest you and check their hours, as some offices have limited schedules.

In-person visits are useful if you have other DMV business to handle at the same time, such as renewing your driver's license or getting a duplicate title.

What happens if you miss the 30-day important date

North Carolina law requires the address change within 30 days, but missing the important date does not automatically invalidate your registration. However, the DMV may assess a penalty or require you to renew your registration early. If you are stopped by law enforcement and your registration shows an old address, you may receive a citation.

Update your address as soon as you realize you have missed the important date. The process is the same whether you are on time or late. The DMV will not refuse the change because of the delay, but do not wait longer than necessary.

Changing your address if you have a loan on the vehicle

If your vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), the lienholder's address also appears on your registration. When you change your address, only your address changes — the lienholder's address stays the same. This is correct and expected. The lienholder receives their own notices separately.

You do not need permission from the lienholder to change your address with the DMV. The change is between you and the state. However, you should also notify your lender directly of your move so they can update their records and send you statements and notices to the right place.

Updating your driver's license address at the same time

Changing your vehicle registration address does not automatically update your driver's license address. You must handle those separately. To change your driver's license address, visit a DMV office with your current license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).

The fee for a driver's license address change is $10. You can do this in person at any DMV office. Some offices allow you to change your driver's license address online through the DMV website, but this varies by location — check the NC DMV website to see if your county offers this option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I moved out of state?

Yes, you must notify the North Carolina DMV within 30 days even if you moved out of state. If you plan to register your vehicle in your new state, you will also need to register it there. Contact your new state's DMV for their registration process. North Carolina will not renew your registration once you have moved out of state.

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

If you are changing your address online, you only need your registration number, driver's license number, and the last four digits of your VIN — you do not need the physical card. If you are visiting an office in person and cannot find your card, bring your driver's license and VIN instead. The staff can look up your registration in the system.

Can I change my address if my registration is expired?

You can change your address online only if your registration is current. If it is expired, visit a DMV office or mail in a form to change your address, then renew your registration separately. Some offices may allow you to renew and change your address in one visit.

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

Online submissions are processed within three to five business days, and your card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. In-person visits may issue a temporary card when ready. Mailed forms take two to three weeks from the date received. If you need proof of your new address before the card arrives, ask for a temporary registration document at the DMV office.

What if I moved but have not updated my address yet and I get pulled over?

A traffic stop for an address mismatch is possible but uncommon. If it happens, explain that you recently moved and are in the process of updating your registration. This is not a criminal offense. Update your address with the DMV as soon as you can to avoid any future issues.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.