You must notify the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of moving to a new address

Texas law requires you to report an address change to the DMV within 30 days of moving. You do not need to renew your registration early or pay a fee to make this change. The DMV will update your records and mail your new registration documents to your new address.

You have three ways to report the change: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest and requires only your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current registration number. If you choose mail or in-person, you will need to submit a completed form and proof of your new address.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 30 days from your move date to notify the Texas DMV of your new address, or you may face penalties.
  • The online method through the DMV website is the quickest option and takes just a few minutes if you have your registration number and VIN.
  • If you use mail or visit an office in person, you will need Form VTR-130 and a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The DMV will mail your updated registration documents to your new address at no cost.

Changing your address online through the DMV website

The Texas DMV website allows you to change your address without leaving home. Go to the DMV's official website and select the option to change your address. You will need your driver's license number, the vehicle's VIN, and your current registration number. The system will verify your information and process the change when ready.

After you submit the change online, the DMV will mail your updated registration documents to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to do anything else. Keep your old registration documents until the new ones arrive, since you may be stopped by law enforcement during the transition period.

Changing your address by mail

If you prefer to mail your change, read or request Form VTR-130 (process for Texas Title or Registration) from the DMV website. You do not need to fill out the entire form—only complete the section for address changes. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the address listed on the DMV website for your county or region. Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the DMV to return your old documents. Do not send cash; if a fee applies (which it should not for an address change), the DMV will contact you.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

You can visit any Texas DMV office to change your address. Bring your current vehicle registration, driver's license, and a document showing your new address. The office staff will update your information on the spot, and you will receive a receipt. Your updated registration documents will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days.

DMV office hours and locations vary by county. Use the DMV's office locator tool on their website to find the nearest office and check hours before you go. Some offices require you to take a number and wait, while others allow you to schedule an appointment online. Visiting in person is useful if you have questions or need to handle multiple vehicle-related tasks at once.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DMV accepts several documents as proof of your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most common choice. A signed lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document showing your new address will also work.

The document must show your full name and the complete new address. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on official letterhead, along with a copy of your lease, can serve as proof. Some people use a recent tax return or insurance policy if the address is current.

What happens if you miss the 30-day important date

If you do not report your address change within 30 days, you may receive a warning or citation from law enforcement if you are stopped. Texas law treats failure to report an address change as a minor traffic violation. The penalty is typically a fine, though the amount varies by jurisdiction.

More importantly, if the DMV does not have your correct address, you may miss important notices about registration renewal, vehicle recalls, or license suspension. If you receive a ticket or citation at your old address and do not know about it, the consequences can compound. Report your address change as soon as possible, even if you have already missed the 30-day window.

Changing your address if you also need to update your driver's license

Your vehicle registration and driver's license are separate records. Changing your address with the DMV for your vehicle does not automatically update your driver's license address. You must report your address change to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for your driver's license within 30 days as well.

You can update your driver's license address online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The process is similar to updating your vehicle registration. Many people handle both changes at the same time by visiting a combined DMV/DPS office, which exist in many Texas counties. Bring documents for both updates to save a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?

No. Changing your address on your vehicle registration is free. The DMV will not charge you, and you do not need to renew your registration early. If someone tells you there is a fee, they are not representing the official DMV process.

What if I moved out of state but still own a vehicle registered in Texas?

You should still notify the Texas DMV of your new out-of-state address so they can mail documents to you. However, you will eventually need to register your vehicle in your new state. Contact your new state's DMV for their registration requirements and timeline. Texas will not penalize you for moving, but driving with an out-of-state address on a Texas registration may cause confusion during a traffic stop.

Can I change my address if my registration is expired?

Yes. You can change your address even if your registration has expired. However, you should renew your registration at the same time if it is past due. The DMV can process both requests together, either online or in person.

How long does it take to receive my updated registration documents?

The DMV typically mails updated registration documents within 7 to 10 business days of processing your change. If you change your address online or in person, this timeline applies. Mail-in requests may take 2 to 3 weeks because the DMV must first receive and process your form.

What if I move again before my new registration arrives?

Contact the DMV when ready with your second new address. You can submit another change online or in person. The DMV will update your address again and mail the documents to your most recent address. Avoid multiple moves within a short time if possible, as it can delay your documents.