You can change your address with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles online, by mail, or in person at a local office
The Texas DMV lets you update your registration address without renewing your registration early. You do not need to wait for your renewal notice to arrive. The fastest route is the online system at texas.gov/motorvehicles, which processes most address changes within a few days. If you prefer mail or in-person service, both are available but take longer — typically two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your paperwork.
You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current license plate number, and driver's license number to start. If you are changing the address for a vehicle you financed or leased, your lienholder or lessor may need to approve the change, depending on your loan or lease agreement. Texas does not require you to notify the DMV before you move, but doing so prevents registration notices from going to an old address and keeps your records current for insurance and traffic citations.
Key Takeaways
- The online method at texas.gov/motorvehicles is the fastest way to change your address and takes a few days to process.
- You will need your VIN, current license plate number, and driver's license number whether you go online, by mail, or in person.
- Mail and in-person changes take two to three weeks, while online changes are usually done within a few days.
- If your vehicle has a lienholder or lessor, check your loan or lease agreement to see if they must approve the address change.
- Changing your address does not renew your registration or extend your renewal date — it only updates where the DMV sends notices.
Changing your address online through the Texas DMV website
Go to texas.gov/motorvehicles and select "Change Address" under the registration services menu. You will be asked to enter your VIN, license plate number, and driver's license number. The system will pull up your current registration record and show you what address is on file. Review it carefully before you proceed, because you cannot undo the change once you submit it.
After you confirm your new address, the system will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — you will need it if you have questions about the status of your change. The DMV will mail a confirmation letter to your new address within a few days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DMV to verify the change went through. Online changes cost nothing.
Mailing in an address change form
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail Form VTR-130 (process to Change Address) to the Texas DMV. You can read the form from texas.gov/motorvehicles or request it by phone at 1-888-368-4689. Fill in your current registration information, your new address, and sign the form. Do not send your registration certificate or license plate — the DMV does not need them.
Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form itself, which varies by region. Include a copy of your driver's license for identification. The DMV will process your change and mail a confirmation to your new address. This method takes two to three weeks from the time they receive your form. There is no fee for an address change by mail.
Changing your address in person at a DMV office
You can walk into any Texas DMV office and request an address change on the spot. Bring your current vehicle registration certificate, driver's license, and proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The staff will update your record while you wait and give you a receipt. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day usually means a shorter wait.
Not all DMV offices handle all services, so call ahead or check texas.gov/motorvehicles to find an office near you that processes address changes. In-person changes cost nothing. You will receive a confirmation letter at your new address within a few days.
What happens if your vehicle has a loan or lease
If you financed your vehicle through a bank, credit union, or dealership, your lienholder's name appears on your registration. Some lienholders require written approval before you can change your address on the registration. Check your loan agreement or call your lienholder directly to ask whether they need to sign off on the change. If they do, you will need to submit their written approval along with your address change request.
If you leased your vehicle, the lessor (usually a leasing company) is listed as the owner on the registration. Most lease agreements require you to notify the lessor of an address change, and some require their approval. Contact your lessor before you submit your address change to the DMV. Once you have approval, you can proceed with the online, mail, or in-person method.
Address changes do not renew your registration or change your renewal date
Updating your address is separate from renewing your registration. Your renewal date stays the same — it does not move forward or backward because you changed your address. If your registration expires in six months, it will still expire in six months after you change your address. The only thing that changes is where the DMV sends your renewal notice and other correspondence.
If you are moving and your registration is about to expire, you can renew it at the same time you change your address. You can do both online, or you can handle them separately. Renewing your registration costs money (the amount varies by vehicle type and weight), while changing your address is free.
What to do 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 just changing your address with the Texas DMV. Each state has its own registration process and fees. You typically have 30 to 90 days from the date you move to register your vehicle in the new state (the timeframe varies by state). Contact your new state's DMV or motor vehicle agency to find out what documents you need and how much it costs.
If you are stationed at a military base or have a military mailing address, you can use that address on your Texas registration. The process is the same as any other address change — use the online system, mail Form VTR-130, or visit a DMV office in person. Military addresses are handled the same way as civilian addresses in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to change my address with the Texas DMV?
Online changes usually process within a few days. Mail and in-person changes take two to three weeks. You will receive a confirmation letter at your new address once the change is complete. If you do not hear back within the timeframe, contact the DMV with your confirmation number or process details.
Do I have to change my address before I move, or can I do it after?
You can change your address before or after you move. There is no penalty for updating it after the fact. However, changing it before you move ensures that your renewal notice and other DMV mail go to your new address right away, so you do not miss important important date.
What if I changed my address online but did not receive a confirmation letter?
Check your confirmation number and wait up to two weeks for the letter to arrive. If it does not show up, contact the Texas DMV at 1-888-368-4689 with your confirmation number and vehicle information. They can verify whether the change was processed and resend the confirmation if needed.
Can I change my address if my registration is expired?
You can change your address even if your registration is expired, but you cannot drive the vehicle legally until you renew it. If your registration is expired, renew it at the same time you change your address to avoid multiple trips or separate fees.
Is there a fee to change my address on my Texas registration?
No, changing your address is free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. You only pay a fee if you renew your registration at the same time, and that fee depends on your vehicle type and weight.