Where to report your address change

In Texas, you report an address change to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not to your county tax assessor or local office. You can do this online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home.

You do not need to wait for your registration to expire. You can change your address at any time, and the DMV will update your records when ready. If your registration is current, you keep the same expiration date; the address change does not reset your renewal cycle.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DMV handles address changes online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office — online is the fastest option.
  • You need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and driver's license number to change your address online.
  • An address change does not affect your registration expiration date or require you to renew early.
  • If you move out of state, you must transfer your registration to that state within the timeframe required by that state's DMV.
  • Mail-in changes take two to three weeks; in-person changes are processed the same day.

Changing your address online through the DMV website

Go to the Texas DMV website and select the option to change your vehicle registration address. You will need your VIN (found on your registration card or vehicle title), your current registration number, and your driver's license number. Enter your new address, review the information for accuracy, and submit. The DMV will send you a confirmation email.

There is no fee for an address change. Once submitted, your new address is active in the DMV system. You do not receive a new registration card in the mail unless you also renew your registration or request a replacement card. If you want a new card with your updated address before your registration expires, you can request one through the same online portal for a small fee, or wait until your next renewal.

Changing your address by mail

Complete Form VTR-130 (process for Texas Title or Registration), available on the Texas DMV website. Write your new address clearly on the form, include your current registration number and VIN, and mail it to the address listed on the form instructions. Include a copy of your driver's license (front and back) and your current registration card.

Mail processing takes two to three weeks. Send your documents to the DMV office that issued your current registration — you can find this on your registration card. Use certified mail or a tracked service so you have proof of delivery. The DMV will send you a confirmation once your address is updated.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

Bring your current registration card, driver's license, and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works). Visit any Texas DMV office — you do not have to go to the office that issued your original registration. The staff will update your address on the spot, and you will receive confirmation when ready.

Processing is same-day, and there is no fee. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the week or early in the morning typically means shorter lines. You can check wait times for your local DMV office on the Texas DMV website before you go.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance policy — any document that shows your name and new address and is dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have one of these, a bank statement or government mail (like a tax return or voter registration card) also works. The document must be an original or certified copy, not a photo or printout.

If you are moving to a new address but have not yet received a utility bill or lease in your name, bring whatever documentation you have from your landlord or utility company showing the address and your move-in date. The DMV staff can often work with incomplete documentation if you explain the situation.

Changing your address when you move out of state

If you move to another state, you must transfer your vehicle registration to that state's DMV within the timeframe that state requires — typically 30 to 90 days after you move. You cannot straightforward update your address with Texas DMV and keep a Texas registration. Contact the DMV in your new state to learn their registration transfer process and timeline.

You will need your Texas title and registration, proof of residency in the new state, and your driver's license. Some states require an emissions test or safety inspection before they will issue a new registration. Start the transfer process as soon as you move, because driving with an out-of-state registration after the important date can result in fines.

What happens if you do not update your address

If you move and do not report your new address to the DMV, your registration renewal notice will go to your old address and you may miss the important date. You could also miss important notices about vehicle recalls or safety issues. If you are pulled over, the officer will see your old address on file, which can cause confusion.

More importantly, if you are involved in an accident or receive a traffic citation, the ticket or lawsuit notice will be mailed to your old address. If you do not respond because you never received it, a warrant can be issued for your arrest. Updating your address takes minutes and prevents these problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get a new registration card when I change my address?

No. Your current registration card remains valid even after you change your address. The DMV updates your address in their system, but you do not receive a new card unless you request one or renew your registration. If you want a new card with your updated address before renewal, you can request one online or in person for a fee.

How long does it take for my address change to show up in the DMV system?

Online changes are when ready. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks. In-person changes are processed the same day. Once your address is updated, it appears in the DMV system when ready, though it may take a few days to appear in third-party databases that pull from the DMV.

Can I change my address if my registration is expired?

Yes, you can change your address at any time, even if your registration is expired. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until you renew the registration. If your registration is expired, renew it at the same time you change your address to avoid making two separate trips or submissions.

What if I moved but do not have a utility bill or lease yet?

Bring whatever documentation you have — a signed lease, a move-in confirmation from your landlord, or a utility company letter showing your new address and move-in date. If you are changing your address in person, the DMV staff can often work with incomplete documentation. If you are mailing the form, include a letter explaining your situation.

Do I need to notify my insurance company about my address change?

Yes, but that is separate from the DMV. Contact your auto insurance company directly to update your address. Your insurance policy and your vehicle registration are different documents, and each requires its own update. Some insurance companies may adjust your premium based on your new location.