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How To Do a Texas DMV Change of Address
Making a move to the Lone Star State? Moving to Texas doesn’t just require a trip to the store to pick up a cowboy hat and boots—you’ve also got to head to the Department of Motor Vehicles to fill out your Texas DMV Change of Address forms, or do them online. Filling out the necessary paperwork ensures that you cover all of your legal bases in terms of keeping your driving records and vehicle registration up to date. (After that you can get back to cowboy hat shopping.)
In Texas, you only have 30 days to notify the DMV of your change of address, so make sure that you make it a high priority on your post-move to do list.
Here’s how to get it done.
If You’re Moving to Texas from Another State
Will you need to get a new driver’s license if moving to Texas from another state?
How do you get one?
To get a Texas driver’s license as a formerly out-of-state resident you’ll have to go to the Texas Department of Public Safety in person to apply. If you’re near one of their Mega Centers, you can save your spot in line before you even get in the door. Find a location near you to get started.
Is there a fee?
Yes. Costs vary by age: $16 for applicants under 18, $25 for applicants 18-84, and $9 for applicants 85 and older.
Does a Texas DMV change of address require a driving test?
No, but you will need to pass a vision test before they’ll hand over your new license.
How long do you have to get a Texas driver’s license or ID card?
30 days—so act fast!
How long do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?
How do you update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of Texas?
You’ll need to head to the Texas DMV in person to update your vehicle’s registration. Bring your car along, as well as the following information:
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- Proof of liability insurance (visit the Texas DMV website to learn more about car insurance requirements in the state so that you can be sure you’re adequately covered)
- Proof of inspection
- Your most recently issued registration certificate or renewal notice for the current year
- Valid ownership evidence, such as your car’s out of state title
- Your vehicle’s odometer reading, if the car is less than 10 years old
- Completed Form 130-U
Unlike many other states, no emissions test is necessary, but your car will need to pass inspection by a Texas DMV employee.
What is the registration fee?
The registration fee is $50.75 for passenger vehicles and light trucks. Additional fees apply as well, such as an inspection fee of up to $30.75, a title application fee of $28-$33 (depending on the county), local county fees and taxes, and processing fees.
If You’re Moving Within Texas
Per Texas law you will have just 30 days to update your address with the DMV after you move. There are four ways to do this:
- Fill out a Texas DMV change of address form online. You can find it here. After submitting, you’ll be able to print out a temporary license while you wait for your official license to arrive.
- Go to the Department of Public Safety.Find a Texas driver’s license office near you and fill out a Texas DMV change of address form in person. Be sure to bring all the required information.
- Change your address by phone. Call the Texas Driver’s License Renewal Service at 1-866-357-3639 from a touch-tone phone. To be eligible to update your address by phone, you must be between the ages of 18 and 74 with a currently active license and no outstanding traffic tickets or warrants.
- Download the Change of Address form at home. Print out form DL-64, fill it out, and mail it to the address listed at the top.
How much does a Texas change of address cost?
What information do you need to provide to update your address on your driver’s license?
To change your address on your driver’s license or identification card, you will need:
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- Your current Texas driver’s license or ID card
- The last four digits of your social security number
- A credit card to make your payment
To change your address for your vehicle’s registration, you will need:
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- Your current Texas driver’s license or ID card
- Your license plate number
- The last four digits of your VIN (vehicle identification number)
You can easily update the address on your vehicle’s registration online through the Texas DMV—go here to do it. You must update your registration information within 90 days of your move, and address changes go into effect after two days. (If you’d rather make the change in person, go to your local Texas county tax office.)
Will Texas issue you a new driver’s license if you’re moving within the state?
If You’re Moving From Texas to Another State
Do you need to notify the Texas DMV if you’re moving to another state without a registered car?
No. Once you successfully obtain a new driver’s license in the state you’ve moved to your Texas driver’s license will be automatically canceled.
Do you need to notify the Texas DMV if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle?
Do you need to return your Texas license plates?
No, you can keep them.
Have questions?
If you have any questions about changing your address on your driver’s license and/or vehicle’s registration when moving to, from, or within the state of Texas, contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles directly at 1-888-DMV-GOTX (1-888-368-4689).
Need to hire movers for your move to or from Texas?
We can help with that! Use our free online moving company directory to quickly and easily search reputable interstate movers in your area. Because moving out of state can be costly, we recommend reaching out to at least three different interstate moving companies to get quotes so that you can ensure you are getting the best price possible. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate on how much your Texas move will cost.