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 to make this change — you can update your address separately, and your registration stays valid until its normal expiration date. The DMV processes address changes by mail, online, or in person at a local office.
If you do not update your address, the DMV will mail renewal notices and vehicle registration documents to your old address, and you may miss important important date. You will also have outdated information on file if you are pulled over or involved in an accident.
Key Takeaways
- You have 30 days from your move to notify the Texas DMV of your new address, or you risk missing renewal notices.
- Online address changes through the Texas DMV website are the fastest option and take effect within one to two business days.
- By mail, you will need to send a completed form VTR-130 with proof of your new address and your current vehicle registration card.
- In-person changes at a local DMV office require your driver's license, vehicle registration card, and proof of your new address.
- A proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days.
Change your address online through the Texas DMV website
The fastest way to update your address is through the Texas DMV's online portal at mydmv.texas.gov. You will need your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current vehicle registration card. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm your identity.
Online changes typically take effect within one to two business days. You do not need to print anything or visit an office. The DMV will send a confirmation email to the address you provide, and your registration card will remain valid — you do not receive a new one just for an address change.
Mail a completed form VTR-130 to the DMV
If you prefer to mail your address change, read or request form VTR-130 (process for Replacement or Amended Vehicle Registration) from the Texas DMV website or pick one up at a local DMV office. Fill in your vehicle information and new address, then sign and date the form.
Include your current vehicle registration card and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail (such as a tax bill or voter registration card) dated within the last 30 days. Mail the completed form and documents to the address listed on the DMV website — it varies by region.
Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Update 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 driver's license, current vehicle registration card, and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent government mail). The staff will complete the change while you wait.
In-person changes are processed when ready, though the office may be busy. Check the DMV website to find the office nearest you and review its hours before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to take a number or check in online through their system.
What counts as proof of your new address
The DMV accepts several types of documents as proof that you live at your new address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days and show your name and full address. Acceptable documents include:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
- Lease agreement or rental contract
- Mortgage statement or property tax bill
- Government mail (voter registration card, tax notice, or court document)
- Bank or credit card statement
A driver's license or ID card showing your new address also works, though you would typically update your driver's license at the same time you change your vehicle registration address. If your name does not match exactly on the proof document (for example, if you recently married), bring a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Update your driver's license address at the same time
While you are updating your vehicle registration address, consider updating your driver's license address as well. Texas requires you to notify the DMV of an address change for your driver's license within 30 days, just as you do for vehicle registration. You can update both at the same time online, by mail, or in person.
If you update your driver's license online or in person, you can do your vehicle registration in the same transaction. This saves you a trip and ensures all your DMV records match. If you are updating by mail, you can send both forms together with a single proof of address document.
What happens if you miss the 30-day important date
Missing the 30-day window does not automatically invalidate your registration or result in a fine, but it creates problems. The DMV will continue to mail renewal notices and other documents to your old address, and you may not receive them. If your registration expires and you do not renew on time because you never got the notice, you could be cited for driving with an expired registration.
Update your address as soon as you realize it is outdated, even if more than 30 days have passed. The DMV will process the change and update your records. If you have already missed a renewal important date, contact the DMV to find out whether you can renew online or if you need to visit an office in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get a new registration card when I change my address?
No. Your registration card remains valid until your registration expires. The DMV updates your address in its system, but you do not receive a new card just for an address change. You will get a new card when you renew your registration at its normal expiration date.
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 legally drive the vehicle until you renew it. Contact the DMV or visit a local office to renew your registration and change your address in the same transaction.
What if I moved out of state but still own a Texas-registered vehicle?
If you moved permanently to another state, you will eventually need to register your vehicle in that state instead of Texas. However, if you are moving temporarily or keeping the vehicle registered in Texas, you can update your address to your new out-of-state address through the Texas DMV. Call the DMV at 1-888-368-4689 to confirm whether your situation requires a full registration transfer or just an address change.
How long does it take to receive a confirmation that my address was changed?
Online changes take effect within one to two business days. By mail, allow two to three weeks. In person, the change is processed when ready. The DMV does not always send a separate confirmation letter, but you can log into your account on mydmv.texas.gov to verify that your address was updated.
Can I change my address online if I have a lienholder on my vehicle?
Yes. A lienholder (such as a bank or finance company) does not prevent you from updating your address. The lienholder's information stays on file separately, and changing your address does not affect their records. Update your address through the normal process online, by mail, or in person.