You can change your registration address online, by mail, or in person at your county tax assessor's office
Texas allows you to update your vehicle registration address through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, which is the fastest method. You can also mail a completed form to your county tax assessor's office or visit in person. The process takes a few minutes online but can take two to four weeks by mail, depending on your county's processing time.
You do not need to renew your registration to change your address — the address update is separate. However, if your registration is expiring soon, you may want to handle both at the same time to avoid two separate transactions.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas DMV online portal lets you change your address in minutes without visiting an office or paying a fee.
- By mail, you send Form VTR-130 (Address Change) to your county tax assessor's office, which processes it in two to four weeks.
- In person, bring your vehicle title, current registration card, and proof of your new address to your county tax assessor's office.
- Your registration card will not change — the address update appears in the DMV system and on your next renewal notice.
- If you move out of state, you must register your vehicle in the new state within a set timeframe, not straightforward update your Texas address.
Changing your address online through the Texas DMV
Visit the Texas DMV website and log into your account using your driver's license number and date of birth. Select "Address Change" from the menu, enter your new address, and confirm the vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number. The system will show you which vehicle the address applies to if you own more than one.
Online changes are processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email. Your registration card itself does not change — the address update is recorded in the DMV system and will appear on your next renewal notice or any documents the DMV mails to you. There is no fee for this update.
Mailing an address change form to your county tax assessor
read or request Form VTR-130 (Address Change) from the Texas DMV website or your county tax assessor's office. Fill in your current vehicle information, new address, and sign the form. Mail it to your county tax assessor's office — the address varies by county, so check the DMV website for your specific county's mailing address.
Processing time ranges from two to four weeks depending on your county's workload. Include a copy of your vehicle title or registration card to speed up processing. You will not receive a new registration card; the address change is recorded in the system only.
Updating your address in person at the tax assessor's office
Bring your vehicle title, current registration card, and proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). Visit your county tax assessor's office during business hours. Staff will update your address in the system on the spot, and you will receive a confirmation.
This method is useful if you need the change recorded when ready or if you have questions about your registration. Some counties allow you to handle this at a DMV office instead of the tax assessor's office, so call ahead to confirm your county's process.
What happens if you move to another state
Changing your address within Texas is different from relocating out of state. If you move to another state, you must register your vehicle in that state within the timeframe set by that state's DMV — typically 30 to 90 days. straightforward updating your address in the Texas system does not satisfy out-of-state registration requirements.
Contact the DMV in your new state to learn their registration process and timeline. You will need your Texas title, proof of residency in the new state, and proof of insurance. Your Texas registration will expire on its normal date, but you should not renew it if you are now a resident of another state.
Timing your address change with registration renewal
If your registration expires within the next few months, you can update your address and renew at the same time through the online portal. This saves you a separate transaction and ensures your renewal notice goes to your correct address. If your registration is not expiring soon, update your address separately — there is no advantage to waiting.
If you have already renewed your registration at your old address, you can still update your address in the system. The next renewal notice will go to your new address, and the address change takes effect when ready in the DMV records.
Documents you may need depending on your method
| Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (DMV website) | Driver's license number, date of birth, VIN, license plate number | when ready | Free |
| By mail (Form VTR-130) | Completed form, copy of title or registration card | 2–4 weeks | Free |
| In person (tax assessor's office) | Title, registration card, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, etc.) | Same day | Free |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a new registration card when I change my address?
No. Your registration card does not change when you update your address. The address change is recorded in the DMV system and appears on your next renewal notice or any future documents the DMV mails to you. Your current card remains valid.
What if I moved but haven't updated my address yet and I got a ticket?
Update your address as soon as possible. If you received a ticket or notice at your old address, contact the court or issuing agency to confirm they have your current address on file. The DMV address change does not automatically update court or law enforcement records.
Can I change my address if my registration is expired?
Yes, you can update your address even if your registration has expired. However, 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 two separate transactions.
How long does the online address change take to show up in the system?
Online changes are recorded when ready and you will receive a confirmation email right away. However, it may take a few business days for the change to appear in all DMV systems and databases. If you need proof of the change, keep your confirmation email.
What if I don't know my VIN or license plate number for the online form?
Your VIN is on your vehicle title, registration card, and the vehicle itself (usually on the dashboard or driver's side door jamb). Your license plate number is on your registration card and the plate itself. If you cannot locate either, mail Form VTR-130 instead or visit your county tax assessor's office in person.