What you need to do when you move
When you move to a new address, you must notify your state's DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) about the change. The DMV uses your registration address to send you renewal notices, violation notices, and other official mail about your vehicle. If you don't update it, you may miss important important date or not receive documents you need.
Most states let you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The method available to you depends on your state and whether you're changing your address within the same state or moving out of state. Some states charge a small fee for the change; others do it at no cost.
The process is straightforward and usually takes just a few minutes if you do it online. Even if you choose to mail or visit in person, the whole thing rarely takes more than a week or two to process.
Key Takeaways
- You must notify your DMV of an address change within a specific timeframe — usually 10 to 30 days after you move, depending on your state.
- Most states allow you to change your address online through the DMV website, which is the fastest method.
- You will need your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current registration information to make the change.
- If you're moving out of state, you may need to register your vehicle in the new state rather than straightforward updating your address.
- Changing your address does not affect your registration expiration date or require you to renew early.
How to change your address online
Most states now offer online address changes through their DMV website. Go to your state's DMV homepage and look for a link labeled "Change Address," "Update Registration," or "Manage My Account." You'll be asked to log in or create an account using your driver's license number and other personal information.
Once you're logged in, you'll enter your new address and confirm your vehicle information. The system will ask for your VIN (found on your registration card or vehicle title) and your current registration number. Double-check that your new address is spelled correctly before you submit, since the DMV will mail documents to this address.
After you submit online, most states process the change within a few business days. You don't need to pay a fee in most states for an address-only change. Some states will email you a confirmation; others will mail an updated registration card to your new address within one to two weeks.
Changing your address by mail or in person
If your state doesn't offer online changes, or if you prefer to handle it in person, you can visit a DMV office or mail in a form. Contact your state DMV to request the address change form — it's usually called a "Registration Change Form" or "Address Change Form." Some states let you read the form from their website.
Fill out the form with your current registration number, VIN, and new address. You'll need to sign it and mail it to the address listed on the form, usually a DMV processing center. Include a copy of your registration card if the form asks for it. Mail it certified or regular mail — certified is safer if you want proof it arrived, but regular mail is fine and faster.
Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. If you visit a DMV office in person, the change is usually done on the spot, and you may receive an updated registration card before you leave. Bring your current registration card, driver's license, and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).
What happens if you move out of state
If you're moving to a different state, you generally cannot straightforward change your address with your old state's DMV. Instead, you'll need to register your vehicle in your new state. This is a separate process from an address change and involves getting a new registration, new license plates, and possibly a new title.
Most states give you 30 to 60 days after you move to register your vehicle locally. You'll need to visit a DMV office in your new state with your current registration, title, proof of insurance, and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease). Some states also require an emissions test or vehicle inspection.
Once you register in the new state, you can cancel your old registration by notifying your previous state's DMV. Some states do this automatically once they see you've registered elsewhere; others require you to submit a cancellation form.
Timeframes and important date
Each state sets its own important date for notifying the DMV of an address change. Most states require you to report the change within 10 to 30 days of moving. Check your state's specific important date — waiting too long can result in a fine, though enforcement varies widely.
The good news is that changing your address does not reset your registration expiration date. If your registration expires in six months, it will still expire in six months after you change your address. You won't be forced to renew early, and the address change won't cost you anything in most states.
If you receive a renewal notice at your old address before the DMV processes your change, don't worry. You can still renew using that notice. When you renew, the DMV will update your address to the new one you reported.
What to do if you didn't change your address in time
If you've already moved and haven't notified the DMV yet, change your address as soon as you can. Most states don't penalize you for a late change if you do it within a reasonable time — usually a few months. The main risk is missing important mail from the DMV, such as renewal notices or violation notices.
If you've missed a renewal important date because mail went to your old address, contact your state DMV to explain. Many states will work with you to renew your registration, especially if you can show you moved in good faith. You may have to pay a late fee, but you won't lose your registration permanently.
If you receive a ticket or notice at your old address and didn't know about it, contact the DMV or the court listed on the notice as soon as you find out. Explain that you had moved and didn't receive the original notice. Courts and the DMV often give drivers a chance to respond if they can show the notice didn't reach them.
Documents and information you'll need
Before you start the address change process, gather these items: your current vehicle registration card, your driver's license, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If you're changing your address in person at a DMV office, bring the originals of these documents. If you're doing it online, you'll type in the information rather than upload documents. If you're mailing a form, include a copy of your registration card and a copy of your proof of address.
Some states also ask for your insurance information or proof of insurance when you change your address. Check your state's DMV website to see if this applies to you before you submit your change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to change my address with the DMV?
Online changes usually process within a few business days, and you'll receive an updated registration card by mail within one to two weeks. Mail-in changes take two to four weeks. In-person changes at a DMV office are typically done when ready, though you may receive an updated card by mail later.
Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?
Most states do not charge a fee for an address-only change. A few states charge a small fee, usually between $5 and $15. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to confirm whether there's a fee.
What if I move before my registration expires?
Your registration expiration date does not change when you update your address. If your registration expires in eight months, it will still expire in eight months after the address change. You'll renew on your original schedule, and the DMV will update your address at that time if you haven't already.
Can I change my address if my vehicle title is in someone else's name?
Yes, you can change the registration address even if the title is in another person's name, as long as you're listed as the registered owner. If you're not on the title at all, you'll need the title holder to make the change or to add you to the registration first.
What happens if I get pulled over before my address change is processed?
The officer will see your old address on your registration. This is not a violation as long as you've reported the change to the DMV within your state's important date. If you haven't reported it yet and you're past the important date, you could receive a citation, though enforcement varies by state.