How to Change Your Address on a Texas Car Registration

You can change your Texas car registration address online, by mail, or in person at your county tax assessor's office

Texas allows you to update your registration address without renewing your entire registration. The fastest route is the online system through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, which takes about 10 minutes if you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration handy. If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a form to your county tax assessor's office or visit in person — both methods take longer but require no computer access.

The method you choose depends on what information you have available and how quickly you need the change recorded. Online processing is when ready; mail takes one to two weeks depending on your county's processing speed.

Key Takeaways

The Texas DMV online portal lets you change your address in minutes without visiting an office or paying a fee.
You will need your VIN, current registration number, and the last four digits of your driver's license or ID to use the online system.
If you cannot use the online system, mail Form VTR-130 to your county tax assessor's office with a copy of your current registration.
Your county tax assessor's office, not the DMV, processes address changes for vehicle registration in Texas.
Address changes do not renew your registration — your renewal date stays the same.

Changing your address online through the Texas DMV

Go to the Texas DMV website and select "Change Address" under the vehicle registration section. You will be asked to enter your VIN (found on your registration card or the driver's side dashboard), your current registration number, and the last four digits of your driver's license or state ID. The system will pull up your vehicle record and let you enter your new address.

Once you submit the change, the system confirms it when ready and sends a confirmation email to the address on file. Your registration record updates right away, though your physical registration card will not change — you keep using the one you have until your registration renews. If you need proof of the address change before your next renewal, print the confirmation email or contact your county tax assessor's office for a letter.

Mailing a form to your county tax assessor

read Form VTR-130 (Address Change for Vehicle Registration) from the Texas DMV website or request it by phone from your county tax assessor's office. Fill in your vehicle information, current registration number, and new address. Include a copy of your current registration card and mail both to the address listed on the form for your county.

Processing time varies by county but usually takes one to two weeks. Some counties process faster than others, so call your tax assessor's office if you need to know the exact timeline. Mail your form to the tax assessor's office in the county where you registered the vehicle, not to the state DMV office.

Visiting your county tax assessor's office in person

Bring your current registration card, your driver's license or state ID, and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works). Walk in during business hours — no appointment is needed in most counties, though some offices accept appointments to reduce wait time.

The staff will update your address on the spot and give you a receipt. Your registration record changes when ready, though again, your physical card does not. If you need a new card printed, some counties can do it while you wait; others mail it to your new address within a few days. Call your county tax assessor's office before you go to confirm their hours and whether they can print a new card on the spot.

What counts as proof of your new address

Texas accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and the new address. If you just moved and do not have a bill or lease in your name yet, a signed lease with a move-in date, a utility company letter confirming your service start date, or a notarized statement from your landlord can work — call your tax assessor's office first to confirm they will accept what you have.

If you are moving to a new address but have not yet received mail there, bring whatever document you have plus a written statement explaining the situation. Most offices will work with you rather than turn you away.

Address changes do not affect your registration renewal date

Changing your address does not restart your registration renewal cycle. Your registration still renews on the same month and year it always did. You will receive your renewal notice at your new address once the change is processed, so make sure the address you enter is correct and that you update it with the post office if you are moving out of state.

If you move out of Texas, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state instead of just changing the address. Contact your new state's DMV for their registration process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address before my registration expires?

No. You can change your address at any time, and it does not affect when your registration renews. However, it is a good idea to update it soon after you move so you receive your renewal notice at the correct address.

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

Call your county tax assessor's office and explain your situation. Many will accept a lease with a future move-in date, a utility company letter, or a notarized statement from your landlord. Having something in writing with your name and new address is usually enough.

Can I change my address if my registration is expired?

Yes. You can update your address even if your registration has expired. However, you will still need to renew your registration before you can legally drive. Change the address first, then renew separately.

Will I get a new registration card when I change my address?

Not automatically. Your current card stays valid until your registration renews. Some counties will print a new card with your updated address if you visit in person; others mail one to your new address after processing. Call your tax assessor's office to ask what they do.

What if I moved and did not update my address before getting pulled over?

Update your address as soon as you can. An outdated address on your registration is not usually a violation, but having current information on file protects you if you need to renew or if there are any issues with your vehicle record.

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.