You can change your Texas registration address online, by mail, or in person at your local county tax assessor-collector's office
Texas lets you update your address without renewing your registration early. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) accepts address changes through their online portal, by mail with a completed form, or by visiting your county tax assessor-collector in person. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change recorded and whether you have access to the required documents.
Your registration address matters because it's where the state sends renewal notices, and it's the address tied to your vehicle record if you're pulled over or involved in an accident. Updating it promptly keeps your registration current and ensures you don't miss renewal important date.
Key Takeaways
- Texas allows address changes without renewing your registration, and you can do it online through the Texas DMV portal, by mail, or in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office.
- Online changes require your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and registration number, and typically process within a few business days.
- Mail-in changes require Form VTR-130 (Address Change), a copy of your driver's license, and proof of residency, and take one to two weeks.
- In-person visits at your county tax assessor-collector's office are the fastest option and require your registration card, driver's license, and proof of residency.
- If you move out of state or your registration expires before you change the address, you'll need to renew instead of straightforward updating it.
Changing your address online through the Texas DMV portal
The Texas DMV online portal is the fastest way to change your address if you have your registration documents handy. Go to the Texas DMV website, select the address change option, and enter your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current registration number. The system will verify your information and allow you to enter your new address.
Once you submit the change online, the Texas DMV typically processes it within three to five business days. You'll receive a confirmation email, and your registration record will be updated in the state system. You don't need to print or mail anything, and you don't need to visit an office. This method works as long as your registration hasn't expired and you're updating within Texas.
If the online system won't accept your information, it usually means your registration has expired or your details don't match the state's records exactly. In that case, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Mailing in an address change with Form VTR-130
If you prefer to handle the change by mail or don't have reliable internet access, you'll need to complete Form VTR-130 (Address Change), which you can read from the Texas DMV website or request by phone. Fill in your current registration information, your new address, and sign the form. You'll also need to include a copy of your driver's license and proof of your new residency.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or other official document showing your name and new address dated within the last 60 days. Mail the completed form, copies, and proof to your county tax assessor-collector's office. The address for your specific county is listed on the Texas DMV website.
Mail processing typically takes one to two weeks, depending on how busy your county office is. You won't receive a new registration card in the mail—your address will straightforward be updated in the state system. If you need a replacement card with the new address printed on it, you can request one when you renew or visit your county office in person.
Updating your address in person at the county tax assessor-collector
Visiting your county tax assessor-collector's office in person is the fastest way to change your address and the best option if you need it done the same day. Bring your current registration card, driver's license, and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The staff will verify your information, update your address in the system, and you'll be done.
Some county offices allow you to request a replacement registration card with your new address printed on it while you're there, though this may cost a small fee and take a few minutes to print. Hours and locations vary by county, so check your county tax assessor-collector's website or call ahead to confirm they're open and to see if you need an appointment.
If you live in a large county with multiple offices, you can usually visit any of them—you don't have to go to the one in your specific precinct. This gives you flexibility if one location is more convenient than another.
What happens if your registration has already expired
If your registration expired before you changed your address, you can't use the straightforward address-change process. Instead, you'll need to renew your registration, and you can provide your new address as part of that renewal. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, depending on how long it's been expired.
If your registration has been expired for more than two years, you may need to pass a vehicle inspection before you can renew. Check the Texas DMV website or call your county tax assessor-collector to confirm what's required for your specific situation.
Moving out of state or changing your address before it expires
If you're moving out of Texas, you'll need to register your vehicle in your new state rather than straightforward updating your Texas address. Texas registration is no longer valid once you establish residency elsewhere. Contact your new state's DMV to learn what documents you'll need and whether you can transfer your current registration or need to start fresh.
If you're moving within Texas and your registration hasn't expired, the address change process described above is all you need. You don't have to renew early, and your registration will remain valid until its normal expiration date.
Documents you'll need for each method
| Method | Documents Required | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, VIN, registration number | 3–5 business days |
| Form VTR-130, copy of driver's license, proof of residency | 1–2 weeks | |
| In Person | Registration card, driver's license, proof of residency | Same day |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a new registration card with my new address printed on it?
Not automatically. When you change your address online or by mail, your address updates in the state system, but your physical card stays the same. If you want a card with your new address printed on it, you can request a replacement when you renew or visit your county office in person and ask for one (there may be a small fee).
What counts as proof of residency?
A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government document showing your name and new address dated within the last 60 days will work. Some county offices also accept bank statements or insurance documents. Call your county tax assessor-collector if you're unsure whether your document qualifies.
Can I change my address if my registration is suspended or has a hold on it?
No. You'll need to clear the suspension or hold first by paying any outstanding fines or fees. Contact your county tax assessor-collector or the Texas DMV to find out what's blocking your registration and how to resolve it.
How long does an address change take to show up in the system?
Online changes typically process in three to five business days. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person changes are recorded when ready. Once updated, your new address will be used for all future renewal notices and official correspondence.
What if I move and don't update my address before my registration expires?
You'll need to renew your registration instead of just changing the address. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, and provide your new address as part of the renewal process. If your registration has been expired for more than two years, you may need a vehicle inspection before you can renew.