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 through the Texas DMV website without visiting an office, which is the fastest route for most people. The online system accepts address changes within minutes and sends confirmation to your new address. If you prefer mail or need to handle other registration matters at the same time, you can also submit a form to your county tax assessor-collector's office or visit in person.
Texas requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within 30 days of moving. Keeping your registration current matters because the DMV uses your address to send renewal notices, and missing a renewal important date can result in a lapsed registration or late fees.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas DMV online system at txdmv.gov processes address changes in minutes without a visit or fee.
- You must report an address change within 30 days of moving to stay compliant with Texas law.
- If you cannot use the online system, your county tax assessor-collector's office accepts address changes by mail or in person.
- You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and driver's license number to change your address online.
- The DMV sends confirmation of the address change to your new mailing address, so check your mail within one to two weeks.
Changing your address online through the Texas DMV website
Visit txdmv.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Change Address" or "Update Vehicle Information" — the exact link name varies slightly depending on the page layout, but it will be clearly labeled. You will need to enter your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current registration number. These appear on your registration card and your vehicle's title.
The system will ask you to confirm your current address and then enter your new address. Double-check the spelling and ZIP code before submitting, because the DMV mails renewal notices to the address on file. Once you submit, the system provides an on-screen confirmation. The DMV will also mail a confirmation letter to your new address within one to two weeks. Keep this letter with your registration documents.
There is no fee for changing your address online, and the change takes effect when ready. You do not need to print anything or visit an office.
Changing your address by mail
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a completed form to your county tax assessor-collector's office. read form VTR-130-U (process for Texas Title or Registration) from the Texas DMV website, or request it by phone from your county office. Fill in Section 1 with your current vehicle information and Section 2 with your new address.
Mail the form to your county tax assessor-collector's office along with your current registration card. Include a note requesting an address change only — this tells the office not to process any other changes. Mail takes one to two weeks to arrive, and the office typically processes the request within one to two weeks after receiving it. You should receive a new registration card or confirmation letter at your new address within four weeks of mailing.
There is no fee for a mailed address change. If you want to track the status, call your county tax assessor-collector's office after two weeks to confirm they received your form.
Changing your address in person at a county office
Visit your county tax assessor-collector's office with your current registration card and a form of identification. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. The office staff will complete the address change on the spot, and you will receive a new registration card before you leave.
Hours and locations vary by county. Search for your county tax assessor-collector online or call ahead to confirm they handle registration address changes and what their current wait times are. Some offices require an appointment; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no fee for an in-person address change.
What happens if you miss the 30-day important date
Texas law requires notification within 30 days, but the DMV does not automatically penalize you for a late report if you update your address before your registration expires. However, if your registration renewal notice goes to your old address and you miss the renewal important date, your registration will lapse. A lapsed registration can result in a traffic citation if you are stopped while driving.
If your registration has already expired because you did not receive a renewal notice, you will need to renew it in addition to changing your address. Renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person at your county office. Update your address first so the DMV has your current information on file.
Changing your address when you also need to renew
If your registration is expiring soon or has already expired, you can handle both the address change and renewal at the same time. Online renewal at txdmv.gov includes an option to update your address during the process. By mail, submit form VTR-130-U with both the address change and renewal sections completed. In person, the tax assessor-collector's office will process both in one visit.
Combining these tasks saves time and ensures your new address is on file before your renewal confirmation arrives. If you are renewing by mail or in person, the new registration card will reflect your updated address.
Documents and information you will need
| Method | Documents Needed | Information Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Online | None (digital only) | Driver's license number, VIN, registration number |
| By mail | Current registration card, completed form VTR-130-U | Current address, new address, VIN |
| In person | Current registration card, ID, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) | Current address, new address, VIN |
Your VIN appears on your registration card, title, and vehicle dashboard. Your registration number is printed on your registration card. If you cannot locate either, call your county tax assessor-collector's office and they can look it up using your driver's license number and vehicle make and model.
Keep copies of any confirmation letters or emails from your address change with your vehicle documents. These serve as proof that you reported the change to the DMV, which matters if there is ever a question about when you updated your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address on my driver's license too?
Yes, but it is a separate process. The DMV handles driver's license address changes independently from vehicle registration. You can update your driver's license address online at txdmv.gov, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. Updating both at the same time keeps all your records consistent.
What if I moved out of state?
If you moved out of Texas, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state. Texas will not maintain an active registration for an out-of-state address. Contact your new state's DMV to learn their registration process. If you still own property in Texas and plan to return, you can cancel your Texas registration and reregister when you move back.
Can I change my address if my registration is suspended or revoked?
You can report an address change, but it will not restore a suspended or revoked registration. Contact the Texas DMV to learn why your registration was suspended or revoked and what steps are required to reinstate it. Once reinstated, your address will already be updated on file.
How long does it take to receive my new registration card after changing my address?
Online changes take effect when ready, and you will receive a confirmation letter within one to two weeks. By mail, expect four weeks total from the date you mail the form. In person, you receive a new card before you leave the office. If you do not receive confirmation within the expected timeframe, call your county tax assessor-collector's office to verify they processed your request.
What if I get pulled over before my new registration card arrives?
Keep the confirmation letter or email from your address change with you while driving. If you are stopped, show the officer your old registration card along with the confirmation of your address change. This documents that you reported the change to the DMV and should resolve any concern about a mismatched address.