How to Change a Car Title Address

Whenever you move within the US, updating the registration and license tags for any vehicles you own is a necessary and important task. If you've paid off your car, you'll also want to change the address on the car title to reflect where you currently live. Some states automatically change the address on your car title when you update your registration.[1] If your state doesn't do this, though, you can still change the car title address easily. While there's no fee to change your address if you move within the same state, you'll have to pay regular vehicle registration fees if you move to a different state.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

In State

Use this method if you're moving to a new address in the same state and you own your car outright. If your car is financed and you're still making payments, the finance company will update your car title when you update your address with them.[2]

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  1. Image titled Change a Car Title Address Step 1
    1
    Check the website of your state's department of motor vehicles (DMV). Each state has a slightly different process for changing your address if you move within the same state.[3] Typically, you have to update your address with the DMV first, which updates your license. Some states update the address on your registration and title automatically when you update the address on your license.[4]
    • Most states technically require you to update your vehicle registration with your new address soon after moving. For example, in NY, you have 10 days to update your registration and title after you move.
    • In some states, titling is handled in a separate office from the DMV. However, the DMV's website will still tell you where you need to go and what you need to do to update the address on your title.[5]
  2. Image titled Change a Car Title Address Step 2
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    Change your address online if possible in your state. Check the website of your state's DMV for online options. If you've moved within the same state, some states allow you to change your address on your title and registration online, without filling out a paper form or going to an office in person.[6]
    • If you have the option to change your registration address online, the DMV might also change the address on your title automatically. The website will let you know if you have to do anything additional to change the address on your title.
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    Fill out a change of address form. Provide information about yourself and any other owners of the vehicle, including your new address.[7] Then, provide information about the vehicle that matches the information listed on the vehicle's registration.[8]
    • If you're changing anything other than your address, you may have to fill out a different form. For example, you might not be able to change the record owner of the vehicle using the same form you would use to change the address.
  4. Image titled Change a Car Title Address Step 4
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    Submit your form to the DMV. Unless you're changing your address online, take the form to the local office in person or mail it to the address listed on the form. If you're mailing your form, make a copy of it for your records before you mail it.[9]
    • Contact the office a week or so after you've mailed the form to confirm that your address has been changed on your title.
    • If you want a copy of your title with your new address, order one from the same office. Don't simply write the new address on your existing title certificate.[10] You may have to pay a small fee for the copy, but this usually won't be more than a few dollars.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Out of State

Use this method if you're moving to a different state, regardless of whether you own your car outright or are still making payments to a finance company. The state issues your new title when you register your out-of-state car.[11]

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    Contact the finance company if you're still making payments on your car. As long as you're making payments on your car, the finance company has the title. They'll need to send the title to the new state to get a title in that state. Call customer service and find out what their process is for changing the address on the title.[12] You might also be able to find this information on their website.[13]
    • In most states, you provide the name of the finance company to the DMV and they'll request the title for you so they can issue a new one.
    • In some states, such as Connecticut, you have to request that the finance company send your title to your new state.[14]
  2. Image titled Change a Car Title Address Step 6
    2
    Visit the nearest DMV office to get a new license. Check the DMV website to find out what you need to bring with you when you come to apply for a new license. Typically, you'll need to make an appointment. As long as you have a valid license from another state, you usually won't have to take any tests to get your new license.[15]
    • If you're under 21 or haven't had your license for very long, you might be required to take a written test. The DMV website will have more information about this.
  3. Image titled Change a Car Title Address Step 7
    3
    Transfer your auto insurance to your new state. After you move, call your car insurance company and change your address with them. They'll quote you a new premium for your auto policy based on your new address and the minimum insurance requirements in your new state.[16]
    • Print your insurance card after you transfer your insurance. You'll need it to register your car.
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    Get any required inspections or emissions tests in your new state. Contact your local office of motor vehicles to find out what tests or inspections are required for a new registration. You can also find this information online, typically with locations that are approved for testing.[17]
    • When your inspection or testing is complete, an officer will give you a certificate showing that you passed. Keep this certificate—you'll need it to register your vehicle and transfer your title to your new state.
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    Bring documents to prove ownership, residency, and identity to the DMV. When you register your car for the first time, the state requires you to provide documents that prove who you are and that you own the car you're trying to register. While specific documents required vary among states, typical documents you'll need include:[18]
    • Title from your old state
    • Driver's license from your new state
    • Insurance card
    • Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other proof of residency
  6. Image titled Change a Car Title Address Step 10
    6
    Fill out the title and registration application at your local DMV. Provide your name and address, driver's license information, and information about the vehicle you want to register. Print your information neatly to avoid any mistakes or delays in processing your application.[19]
    • You typically can't register a car in a state for the first time online. However, you might be able to download the registration application online so you can go ahead and fill it out.
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    Pay your registration fee to the DMV clerk. Registration fees vary widely among states, and even among cities and counties within the same state. If you're concerned about the cost, contact the DMV ahead of time. You can also usually find this information online. The clerk issues your registration and new state car title when you pay our fees.[20]
    • You'll usually get your registration immediately. However, your title certificate will likely be mailed to you.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    Can you change a car title online?
    Bryan Hamby
    Bryan Hamby
    Professional Auto Broker
    Bryan Hamby is the owner of Auto Broker Club, a trusted auto brokerage in Los Angeles, California. He founded Auto Broker Club in 2014 out of a passion for cars and a unique talent for customizing the car dealership process to be on the buyer’s side. With 1,400+ deals closed, and a 90% customer retention rate, Bryan’s focus is to simplify the car buying experience through transparency, fair pricing, and world class customer service.
    Bryan Hamby
    Bryan Hamby
    Professional Auto Broker
    Expert Answer
    It's different in every state, but typically, no. You usually have to go to the DMV and do this in person.
  • Question
    How do I change the address on my car registration?
    Bryan Hamby
    Bryan Hamby
    Professional Auto Broker
    Bryan Hamby is the owner of Auto Broker Club, a trusted auto brokerage in Los Angeles, California. He founded Auto Broker Club in 2014 out of a passion for cars and a unique talent for customizing the car dealership process to be on the buyer’s side. With 1,400+ deals closed, and a 90% customer retention rate, Bryan’s focus is to simplify the car buying experience through transparency, fair pricing, and world class customer service.
    Bryan Hamby
    Bryan Hamby
    Professional Auto Broker
    Expert Answer
    It depends on where you live, but you should be able to find the process on your state's DMV website.
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Warnings

  • This article discusses how to change a car title address in the US. If you live in another country, the process might be different. Contact your local automobile authority to find out more.
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References

  1. ↑ https://dmv.ny.gov/address-change/how-change-your-address
  2. ↑ https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/faq_car_title_index?akredirect=true
  3. ↑ Bryan Hamby. Professional Auto Broker. Expert Interview. 11 June 2019.
  4. ↑ https://dmv.ny.gov/address-change/how-change-your-address
  5. ↑ http://www.nashvilleclerk.com/motor-vehicles/title-and-registration/
  6. ↑ https://dmv.ny.gov/address-change/how-change-your-address
  7. ↑ Bryan Hamby. Professional Auto Broker. Expert Interview. 11 June 2019.
  8. ↑ https://www.txdmv.gov/sites/default/files/form_files/VTR_146.pdf
  9. ↑ http://www.dot.state.pa.us/Public/DVSPubsForms/BMV/BMV%20Forms/mv-63.pdf
  1. ↑ https://dmv.ny.gov/address-change/how-change-your-address
  2. ↑ https://apps.azdot.gov/files/mvd/mvd-forms-lib/96-0236.pdf
  3. ↑ Bryan Hamby. Professional Auto Broker. Expert Interview. 11 June 2019.
  4. ↑ https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/faq_car_title_index?akredirect=true
  5. ↑ https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DMV/MovingtoCTOutofStateTitleRequestpdf.pdf
  6. ↑ Bryan Hamby. Professional Auto Broker. Expert Interview. 11 June 2019.
  7. ↑ https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/how-register-vehicle
  8. ↑ https://portal.ct.gov/DMV/Registration/Requirements-to-Transfer-Your-Out-of-State-Registered-Vehicle
  9. ↑ https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/how-register-vehicle
  10. ↑ Bryan Hamby. Professional Auto Broker. Expert Interview. 11 June 2019.
  11. ↑ https://portal.ct.gov/DMV/Registration/Requirements-to-Transfer-Your-Out-of-State-Registered-Vehicle

About This Article

Bryan Hamby
Co-authored by:
Bryan Hamby
Professional Auto Broker
This article was co-authored by Bryan Hamby and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Bryan Hamby is the owner of Auto Broker Club, a trusted auto brokerage in Los Angeles, California. He founded Auto Broker Club in 2014 out of a passion for cars and a unique talent for customizing the car dealership process to be on the buyer’s side. With 1,400+ deals closed, and a 90% customer retention rate, Bryan’s focus is to simplify the car buying experience through transparency, fair pricing, and world class customer service. This article has been viewed 52,170 times.
3 votes - 67%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: February 17, 2023
Views: 52,170
Categories: Cars & Other Vehicles
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