Update your address with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles online or by mail

You can change the address on your Texas vehicle registration through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) website, by mail, or in person at a local county tax assessor-collector office. The online method is fastest — you'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and driver's license number. If you prefer mail, send a completed form to the address listed on your registration renewal notice, along with a copy of your driver's license.

Texas does not require you to update your registration address when ready when you move, but doing so prevents registration renewal notices from going to your old address and keeps your records current with law enforcement. If you're renewing your registration at the same time, you can update the address during that transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • The TxDMV website lets you update your address without visiting an office, using only your VIN, license plate number, and driver's license number.
  • You can also mail a request to your county tax assessor-collector office with a copy of your driver's license and the address change form.
  • Updating your address is not legally required but prevents renewal notices from going to an old address and keeps law enforcement records current.
  • County tax assessor-collector offices can process address changes in person if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.

Using the TxDMV website to change your address online

Go to the TxDMV website and look for the "Online Services" section. You'll find an option to update vehicle information. Enter your VIN (found on your registration card or vehicle), your license plate number, and your driver's license number. The system will pull up your registration record and let you enter your new address.

After you submit the change, you should receive confirmation on screen. Keep a record of the confirmation number or screenshot in case you need to reference the transaction later. The address change typically takes effect within a few business days, though you may not see it reflected in all systems when ready.

Mailing an address change to your county tax assessor-collector

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a request directly to your county tax assessor-collector office. The address is printed on your vehicle registration renewal notice. Include a letter stating your old address, new address, vehicle identification number, and license plate number. Attach a copy of your driver's license (front and back) to verify your identity.

Mail the documents to the office and allow two to three weeks for processing. Some counties accept faxed requests — call your local tax assessor-collector office to ask whether they take faxes and what their fax number is. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Updating your address in person at a county office

You can walk into any county tax assessor-collector office in Texas and request an address change on the spot. Bring your vehicle 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). The office staff will update your record while you wait.

Hours and locations vary by county. Search online for "[your county name] tax assessor-collector office" to find the nearest location, hours, and whether you need an appointment. Some offices operate by appointment only, especially in larger counties.

What happens if you don't update your address

Your registration remains valid even if the address on file is outdated. However, renewal notices will be mailed to the old address, and you may miss them if you don't check that mailbox. If you miss a renewal important date, your registration will lapse and you cannot legally drive the vehicle.

Law enforcement records will also show your old address, which can create confusion during traffic stops or if you're involved in an accident. Updating your address keeps your records consistent across government systems and ensures you receive important notices at the right location.

Updating your address when you renew your registration

If your registration is coming due for renewal, you can update your address as part of that transaction. When you renew online through TxDMV, the system will ask you to confirm your address and let you change it if needed. When you renew by mail or in person, you can provide your new address on the renewal form or tell the office staff during the transaction.

Combining the address change with renewal is often simpler than making two separate requests. You'll receive your new registration card at the updated address, confirming the change went through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online changes typically take a few business days. Mail and in-person requests usually process within two to three weeks. The exact timeline depends on your county's workload. If you need the change urgently, visiting an office in person is fastest.

Do I need to update my address if I'm moving out of state?

If you're moving permanently out of Texas, you should not renew your Texas registration. Instead, you'll need to register your vehicle in your new state. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department for their registration process.

What if I don't have my registration card with me?

You can still update your address using your VIN and license plate number online, or by providing those numbers in a mailed request. In person, bring your driver's license and the office can look up your record by your license plate number.

Can I update my address if my registration is expired?

Yes, you can update your address even if your registration has lapsed. However, you'll need to renew the registration at the same time. Bring your vehicle and driver's license to a county office, or contact TxDMV about renewing and updating together.

What counts as proof of my new address?

A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days all work. The document must show your name and new address. If you're having mail sent to a new address but don't have a document yet, ask the office what temporary proof they accept.