Change car registration address is an essential process that most vehicle owners will have to complete at some time in their lives. However, the procedure can be complicated when you attempt to navigate the DMV requirements.

This article will give you easy steps and advice on how to complete the process easily. Note that, after changing car registration address in MI, your driver’s license address will also be updated, since the SOS connects your vehicle and driving license records under the same name.

Car owners wondering how to change car registration address in Michigan must note that the Secretary of State (SOS) offers the following address change on car registration methods: online, in person and by mail. Therefore, if you update the address on your license to drive, you will not be required to submit a separate address change request for your vehicle registration. To get more information, read the sections outlined below.

Instances Where You Must Change Your Address on Your Michigan Car Registration

The procedure to change car registration address in Michigan must be completed on every occasion a vehicle owner changes his or her residence within the state. However, the address update on car registration transaction must also be completed when a driver transfers an out-of-state registration card and applies for his or her first SOS certificate of registration.

Michigan Address Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration

Changing a car registration address in Michigan is a procedure that must be completed within a limited time frame after a vehicle owner moves to another residence. If you do not complete the address change on vehicle registration as required by law, you may be subjected to penalties.

For example, if you continue operating your vehicle without making an address update, you may receive a traffic citation for driving with outdated documentation and your driving license may be suspended. Another potential consequence is a missed car registration renewal date, since the SOS mails out renewal notices several weeks prior to the expiration date of your registration at your address on file.

How to Change Your Address on Your Michigan Car Registration Online

Finalizing the Michigan address change on car registration online is the best method of informing the SOS of your new address. To successfully change your car registration address online, you will be required to utilize the ExpressSOS service, which is available through the Secretary of State’s official website. You may also be able to obtain a replacement registration card if your current document is inaccurate, lost or defaced.

Note that you cannot complete an MI address change on car registration online in the following instances:

• You hold an enhanced license to drive or identification card.
• You have ordered a duplicate credential via the ExpressSOS service the same day.
• You have requested to update your vehicle registration address online in the preceding 10 days.

How to Change Your Address on Your Michigan Car Registration in Person

If you are unable to change your vehicle registration address in Michigan via the ExpressSOS website, you can always provide the necessary information and documentation in person through a local SOS branch office. Note that, when completing this task in person, you will be required to submit an official form of identification issued by the SOS, in addition to your new and old address. Your address change on vehicle registration request will be processed and your records will be updated once the SOS agent confirms your identity.

How to Change Your Address on Your Michigan Car Registration by Mail

Another method to update a car registration address in Michigan is to mail a written request to the SOS office in Lansing. To successfully complete the process of changing your vehicle registration address by mail, you will be required to fill out and submit the standard application.

Once your request for an address change on car registration and driving license is received and processed by the SOS, a letter verifying the change will be sent to your old address. If you do not want to share your new address with the residents staying at your old address, you should utilize one of the address change methods outlined above.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in Michigan

If you need to change your vehicle registration address in Michigan during your standard renewal cycle, you can complete both procedures with a single application. For example, if you are renewing your tags by mail, you can complete the process by crossing out the incorrect address on your renewal notice and writing in your new address information.

If you plan on changing your vehicle registration address and renewing your vehicle plates via the ExpressSOS website, you can utilize the Online Renewal PLUS option and complete both transactions at the same time.

Michigan DMV Address Change Fees

The process of changing car registration address in Michigan can be finalized without paying a fee, since the state SOS only updates your vehicle and driving records. Even if you choose to complete the address change on car registration and obtain an updated document displaying your new address, you will still not be required to pay a fee, since the state SOS issues replacement registration cards for standard passenger vehicles at no cost.

You will only be required to pay certain fees if you update your car registration address in MI when renewing your current vehicle registration.

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