How to Change a Car Registration Address in Texas
You must change your car registration address in Texas whenever you move to a new residence within the state. Overall, this procedure is available for vehicle owners to perform through the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It is important for motorists to request an address change on a car registration in TX so that the DMV can properly send them important notices regarding their vehicles.
In addition, changing a Texas car registration address is also required for out-of-state motorists who have recently moved to the state. In any case, this procedure must be requested in a timely manner, allowing the DMV to always have the most accurate information on file regarding its in-state car owners. For more information on how to change a car registration address in TX, continue reading the sections below.
Instances Where You Must Change Your Address on Your Texas Car Registration
If you are a car owner in Texas, there are many instances that can require you to change your vehicle registration address. The most common reason why motorists change their addresses on their registration credentials has to do with when they move to a new residence within the state. Additionally, changing an auto registration address is a requirement for out-of-state vehicle owners who have recently moved to TX.
Furthermore, certain motorists have to change their address information on their car registration documents due to the fact that those details are inaccurate. It is important for vehicle owners to update their auto registration addresses in Texas in order to receive car registration renewal notices prior to the expiration dates of their credentials.
Texas Address Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration
Requesting an address change on a vehicle registration in Texas must be done in a timely manner. As a general rule, vehicle owners are encouraged to perform this procedure immediately after they move to a new residential address.
Furthermore, motorists need to update their car registration addresses within a certain period of time in order to avoid future penalties. Failing to change your registration address promptly may result in the failure to receive important car registration renewal notices, as well as other relevant mail sent out by the Texas DMV.
How to Change Your Address on Your Texas Car Registration Online
Vehicle owners may perform an online address change on auto registration in Texas by using the service offered at the state DMV portal. On the other hand, this method may only be used by drivers when they want to update the address where they receive registration renewal notices. Motorists who want to change an auto registration address online must prepare the following:
- The vehicle’s license plate number
- The last four digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN)
Note: This online service for updating an auto registration address is not available for changing the vehicle owner’s title address. Moreover, you may not use this online method to change the address where the car is located. If you want to change these addresses, you need to complete another application form, which must be sent by mail.
How to Change Your Address on Your Texas Car Registration by Mail
The most convenient method for you to change an auto registration address in Texas is by mailing the required documentation to the appropriate Department of Motor Vehicles mailing address. Motorists wondering how to change a vehicle registration address by mail must be mindful that they will need to complete and sign a particular application form.
Overall, this form will request applicants to provide details about themselves and the vehicles they own. Then, this completed form has to be mailed to the TX DMV mailing address.
Note: The address change on a car registration procedure typically takes within two business days to be processed by the DMV.
How to Change Your Address on Your Texas Car Registration in Person
Motorists may update a vehicle registration address in Texas online or by mail. Therefore, an in-person method is not available for this service at a local TX DMV branch. However, if you wish to hear more about this procedure from an official Department of Motor Vehicles agent, you may visit one of their locations in person and request more information.
When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Texas
Vehicle owners often wonder whether to change a car registration address or request a car registration renewal. Therefore, these motorists must learn about the differences between changing a car registration address and renewing an auto registration. If the expiration date on your registration document is approaching, you have the option to renew your credential and update your car registration address with the TX DMV at the same time.
For that reason, prior to updating your address on the registration, you are encouraged to check the expiration date on your document, as it may be advantageous to request both services at once. On the other hand, if you have lost your registration document, you must request a replacement car registration instead.
Texas DMV Address Change Fees
The last step in the process of changing a vehicle registration address in Texas is to provide an acceptable payment method for the applicable fees charged by the DMV. Drivers who only want to update their car registration addresses with the DMV may not be required to pay fees in a situation when they do not apply for duplicate registration cards.
On the other hand, motorists who change their auto registration addresses and replace their credentials at the same time may be required to pay fees for the duplicate card. The state of Texas charges a $6 replacement fee in addition to a $0.50 automation fee to update the computer system with your new address.
Related Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Register your Vehicle from TXDMV.gov