Carvana's Role in Your Address Change

Carvana does not file address changes with your state DMV on your behalf. If you bought a car from Carvana and your address has changed, you are responsible for notifying your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly. Carvana will have your old address on file as the delivery address, but that information does not automatically update your vehicle registration or driver's license.

You may want to update your address with Carvana for their records — so they can reach you about warranty issues, recalls, or service offers — but this is separate from the DMV address change you need to complete. The two processes use different forms and go to different agencies.

Key Takeaways

  • Carvana does not notify the DMV when you change your address; you must contact your state DMV directly to update your vehicle registration and driver's license.
  • Updating your address with Carvana's customer service keeps their records current for warranty and recall notices, but does not satisfy DMV requirements.
  • Your state DMV requires you to report an address change within a specific timeframe — usually 10 to 30 days — regardless of where you purchased the vehicle.
  • You can update your Carvana account address through their website or by calling their customer service line, but this step is optional for DMV compliance.

How to Update Your Address with Carvana

To change the address Carvana has on file, log into your Carvana account on their website or mobile app. Navigate to your account settings or profile section, where you should find an option to update your personal information. Enter your new address and save the changes. Carvana will use this updated address for any future communications about your vehicle.

If you prefer not to use the website, you can call Carvana's customer service line. A representative can update your address over the phone and confirm the change in their system. This step takes a few minutes and does not cost anything.

Updating your Carvana address is useful if you want to receive recall notices or warranty information at your current location, but it is not a substitute for notifying your state DMV. Some states may send DMV notices to the address on file with the vehicle's seller, but your registration address — which is what matters legally — comes from your state's records, not Carvana's.

Why Your State DMV Address Change Is Separate

Your state DMV maintains its own database of vehicle registrations and driver's licenses. When you change your address, the DMV needs to update that record so your registration certificate, renewal notices, and any official correspondence reach you at the correct location. Carvana's records are independent of the DMV system and do not feed into it automatically.

Each state has its own important date for reporting an address change — typically 10 to 30 days after you move. Missing this important date can result in fines, and it may complicate vehicle sales or insurance claims later. The DMV does not know you bought the car from Carvana; they only know the address you provided when you registered the vehicle or last updated your registration.

What Information Carvana Has About Your Vehicle

Carvana receives information from your state's DMV when you purchase a vehicle through them, including your name, address, and driver's license number. They use this to complete the sale and arrange delivery. After the sale closes and the title transfers to your name, Carvana's role in your vehicle's registration ends.

Carvana keeps your purchase information and delivery address in their system for customer service purposes — warranty claims, service records, and recall notifications. If you move and do not update your address with them, you may miss important notices about your vehicle. However, Carvana cannot and does not update your DMV registration for you.

Steps to Update Your DMV Address After Buying from Carvana

After you change your address with Carvana (or decide not to), you must file a separate address change with your state DMV. The process varies by state, but most allow you to update your address online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office.

You will typically need your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current registration information. Some states charge a small fee for address changes; others do not. A few states allow you to update your driver's license and vehicle registration address in one transaction; others require separate filings.

Visit your state's DMV website to find the exact form, fee, and method for your location. The address change process is the same whether you bought your car from Carvana, a traditional dealership, or a private seller.

Common Confusion Between Carvana and DMV Records

Many people assume that because Carvana handled the sale and delivery, Carvana will handle the registration paperwork. In reality, Carvana's job ends when they deliver the car and transfer the title to you. From that point forward, you own the vehicle and are responsible for keeping your registration current with the DMV.

Carvana may send you a reminder to register the vehicle if you have not done so, but they do not file the registration or address changes for you. If you receive mail from your state DMV about your vehicle, it is because the DMV has your old address on file — not because Carvana failed to update anything. The solution is to contact your DMV directly, not Carvana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Carvana tell the DMV my new address?

No. Carvana does not report address changes to the DMV. You must contact your state DMV separately to update your registration and driver's license address. Updating your address with Carvana only changes their internal records.

What happens if I don't update my address with the DMV?

Your vehicle registration will remain tied to your old address in the DMV system. You may miss renewal notices, fail to receive recall information, and face fines if you do not renew on time. Some states may also flag your registration as invalid if mail sent to your registered address is returned as undeliverable.

Can I update my DMV address online if I bought from Carvana?

Yes, in most states. The method for updating your address does not depend on where you purchased the vehicle. Check your state's DMV website for online, mail, or in-person options. You will need your driver's license number and vehicle registration information.

Do I have to update my address with Carvana?

No, updating your address with Carvana is optional. It is useful if you want to receive warranty or recall notices at your new address, but it is not required by law. You must, however, update your address with your state DMV within the timeframe your state requires.

How long does it take for Carvana to update my address?

Carvana typically updates your address in their system within a few minutes if you change it online, or within one business day if you call customer service. This does not affect your DMV registration, which requires a separate process that may take one to four weeks depending on your state.