How to Change Your Address with the Texas DMV: A Complete Guide
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When you move, it's your responsibility to update your address on your various accounts. This process can be time-consuming, and you might overlook an account here or there. However, one step you should never overlook is a Texas DMV change of address. The Department of Motor Vehicles needs to know your address for legal compliance and convenience.
Updating your address with the DMV ensures you receive important documents, such as renewal notices or vehicle registration updates. It will avoid delays when you have to work with the DMV to buy or sell a car, update your registration, and more.
This step-by-step guide explains everything you need to know about changing your address with the Texas DMV.
Who Needs To Update Their Address With the Texas DMV?
All Texas residents who move must update their residential address with the DMV within 30 days of the move. This includes if you're moving from out of state and transferring your driver's license and vehicle registration to Texas. Texas car registration is a legal requirement, so if you're relocating, you shouldn't delay submitting a change of address to the Texas DMV.
If you've moved to another address in Texas, you must apply for a replacement driver's license and pay the $11 replacement license fee.
To change your address, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Your driver's license is valid and not expired
- You have a non-commercial driver's license
- You are at least 18 years of age
- Your Social Security number is on file with the Texas DMV
- You are a U.S. citizen
When and How Soon Should You Change Your Address?
The DMV in Texas change of address process must happen within 30 days of changing your address. Failure to do so may result in a $20 fine. There are exceptions to the rule, however.
These include:
- Family law cases: If it would put you or your child in danger, you do not need to provide your address to other parties.
- Address Confidentiality Program: Participants in this program may use a substitute address.
- Active military duty: Active duty personnel, their spouses, and dependents may use an out-of-state address.
- Homeless youth: Unhoused applicants do not need to reside at the physical address they provide.
- Incarcerated individuals: Texas inmates may use an alternative address.
- Authorized individuals: Qualified peace officers, prosecutors, special investigators, judges, U.S. Marshals, and U.S. Attorneys may opt for an alternate address.
Required Documents for a Texas DMV Address Change
To change your address on an identification card or your motor vehicle record, you need the following documentation:
- Valid Texas driver's license
- Social Security number (may already be on file)
- Proof of new Texas residency, such as a utility bill or voter registration card dated within the last 180 days
To process an address change on a vehicle registration or Texas car title, you must also provide proof of insurance and proof of vehicle ownership.
Ways To Change Your Address With the Texas DMV
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can change your Texas DMV address online, in person, or by mail.
Updating Your Address on Your Texas Driver's License
One of the simplest and most direct ways to update your address is during the Texas license renewal process. That said, anyone between 18 and 84 must renew their license every eight years, so you'll likely need to change your address at least once before then.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, changing your address online is easy and takes just a few minutes. The DMV will then mail you a replacement.
Updating Your Address for Vehicle Registration & Title
Updating your address on a vehicle registration or title is a bit more complicated. First, you must complete and sign the Change of Address for Texas Motor Vehicle form (Form VTR-146) and mail it to the Texas DMV.
If the DMV already has records of your driver's license, proof of insurance, and proof of safety inspection, it should be able to process the change seamlessly. Otherwise, you'll have to visit a DMV in your county of registration and bring proof of registration or registration receipt and the rest of the necessary documentation.
Common Issues and How To Avoid Them
Some of the most common problems when filing a change of address include waiting past the deadline, filing mismatched document information, or failing to pay the fee. Filing online is typically the easiest way to avoid many of these problems. The system is programmed to guide you through the steps and won't process if there are errors. It will help you figure out what mistakes were made.
If you're filing a change of address by mail, it's crucial to include all necessary documentation to streamline the process. It's also a good idea to call the DMV first to see what they have on record, to learn what to submit, and to see if you need to change addresses on additional forms.
Ensure Your Vehicle Is Protected with the Right Insurance
You're legally required to file a change of address with the Texas DMV after moving. Likewise, you're legally required to meet liability car insurance minimums! Use EverQuote's comparison tools to find the best coverage and rates for your budget.