How to Change Your Address on a Texas Vehicle Registration

Change your address with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles online, by mail, or in person at a local office

You can update your registration address without renewing your registration early. Texas allows you to file a change-of-address form separately, and the fastest method is through the Texas DMV website using your driver's license number and vehicle identification number (VIN). If you prefer not to go online, you can mail Form VTR-130 (Change of Address) to the address listed on the form, or walk into any Texas DMV office with your current registration card and proof of your new address.

The address change takes effect when ready when processed online or in person, though mail submissions typically take 7 to 10 business days. Your registration card itself does not change — the DMV updates your file, and the address on your next renewal notice will reflect the new location. If you move before your registration expires, you do not need to renew early; just file the address change and your current registration remains valid.

Key Takeaways

The Texas DMV website (myDMV.texas.gov) is the fastest way to change your address if you have your driver's license number and VIN handy.
Form VTR-130 is the official change-of-address form and can be mailed to the DMV or submitted in person at any local office.
Your physical registration card does not change when you update your address; the DMV updates your file for the next renewal.
Changing your address does not reset your registration expiration date — your current registration remains valid until the date printed on your card.
Proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) is required if you submit the form in person or by mail.

Online address change through myDMV.texas.gov

Log into myDMV.texas.gov with your driver's license number and date of birth. Select "Change Address" from the menu, then enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration number. The system will display your vehicle and current address on file; enter your new address and confirm the change. You will receive an on-screen confirmation when ready, and the DMV updates your file within minutes.

This method works only if your driver's license is current and your vehicle registration is not suspended or revoked. If you have multiple vehicles, you must change the address for each one separately. The online system does not charge a fee for address changes.

Mailing Form VTR-130 to the DMV

read Form VTR-130 from the Texas DMV website or request it by phone at 1-888-368-4689. Fill in your current registration number, vehicle information, and new address. Attach a copy of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued mail showing your name and new address will work. Mail the completed form and proof to the address printed on the form itself.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your envelope. Keep a copy of the form for your records. If you are moving out of state or to a rural area where mail delivery is uncertain, consider using in-person submission instead to avoid delays.

Submitting the form in person at a DMV office

Bring your current registration card, Form VTR-130 (completed), and proof of your new address to any Texas DMV office. You do not need an appointment for an address change. The staff member will verify your information, process the change, and hand you a receipt. The update is complete when ready, though your registration card itself will not change.

Find your nearest DMV office by entering your zip code at the Texas DMV website. Office hours vary by location, and wait times are typically shorter early in the week and early in the morning. Bring your driver's license as well, even though it is not required, because it speeds up the verification process.

What happens to your registration card and expiration date

Your registration card does not change when you update your address. The card you carry remains valid with the old address printed on it until your registration expires. When you renew your registration — whether that is next month or two years from now — the DMV will mail your new card to your updated address with the new address printed on it.

Your registration expiration date does not move. If your registration expires on March 15, 2026, it still expires on March 15, 2026, regardless of when you change your address. Changing your address is a separate transaction from renewal and does not affect the timeline.

Address changes when you move out of state

If you are moving out of Texas permanently and plan to register your vehicle in another state, you do not need to file an address change with the Texas DMV. Instead, follow the registration process in your new state. Texas will not send renewal notices to an out-of-state address, so contact your new state's DMV to register your vehicle there.

If you are moving temporarily (military deployment, job assignment, school) and keeping your Texas registration, file the address change with your new address. Texas will mail renewal notices and registration documents to that address. When you move back to Texas, file another address change to update your file.

Common reasons the address change may not process

The online system will reject your request if your driver's license is expired, suspended, or cancelled. If this happens, renew your driver's license first through myDMV.texas.gov or at a DMV office, then file the vehicle address change. The system will also reject the request if the VIN you enter does not match the registration number, so double-check both numbers before submitting.

If you are mailing the form and it is returned as undeliverable, the DMV will not process it. Use a current address on the form and include your phone number so the DMV can contact you if there is a problem. If your registration is suspended for unpaid tolls, traffic violations, or child support, you must resolve those issues before the DMV will process an address change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move within Texas?

Yes. The DMV uses your address on file for renewal notices and official correspondence. If you move and do not update your address, renewal notices will go to your old address and you may miss the important date. File the change within 30 days of moving to stay current.

Can I change my address without renewing my registration?

Yes. An address change is a separate transaction and does not require you to renew early. Your current registration remains valid until the expiration date printed on your card, regardless of when you move or update your address.

What if I do not have proof of my new address?

If you are submitting online, you do not need proof — the system updates your file when ready. If you are mailing the form or going in person, you must provide proof such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail. Without it, the DMV will not process the change.

How long does it take to change my address by mail?

The DMV typically processes mailed forms within 7 to 10 business days after receiving them. Mail delivery itself can add another 3 to 5 days, so allow two to three weeks total. Online and in-person changes are processed when ready.

Will my registration card show my new address?

No. Your current registration card will not change. When you renew your registration at the end of its term, the DMV will mail you a new card with your updated address printed on it. Until then, your card shows the old address but remains valid.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.