Where to change your Maryland driver's license address

You can change your address on a Maryland driver's license in three ways: online through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address.

If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed form to the MVA or walk into any MVA branch. In-person visits take about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the MVA website is free and takes about five minutes, and your updated license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
  • You need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to change your address online.
  • If you mail in a change-of-address form, include your current license, a completed DL/ID-14 form, and proof of your new address.
  • In-person changes at an MVA office require your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Your physical license remains valid at your old address until the new one arrives; the MVA records update when ready online.

Changing your address online

Go to the MVA website at mva.maryland.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Change Address" and enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will confirm the change and send you a confirmation email.

Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within one to two weeks. Until it arrives, your current license is still valid for identification purposes. The MVA's computer system updates your address when ready, so any records tied to your license—such as vehicle registration or traffic citations—will reflect the new address right away.

If the online system won't accept your information, it usually means there's a mismatch between what the MVA has on file and what you're entering. Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 (or 1-888-769-0396 from outside Maryland) to verify your details before trying again.

Changing your address by mail

read or request the DL/ID-14 form (Change of Address for Driver's License or ID Card) from the MVA website or pick one up at any MVA office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Include your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address.

Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Mail everything to the address listed on the form—typically the MVA's central processing office in Glen Burnie. Processing takes two to three weeks, and your new license will be mailed to your new address.

Keep a copy of what you send for your records. If your mail doesn't arrive within four weeks, contact the MVA to check the status of your request.

Changing your address in person at an MVA office

Visit any MVA branch with your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. Bring the same proof documents accepted for mail-in changes: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or recent government mail. You do not need to fill out a form beforehand; staff will handle it at the counter.

Wait times vary widely depending on the office and time of day. Early morning on a weekday is usually faster than afternoons or weekends. The transaction itself takes about five minutes once you reach the counter. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license with the new address will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

If you're changing your address because you've moved out of state or no longer need a Maryland license, you can surrender your license in person and receive a receipt. This is useful if you're moving permanently and won't need the license again.

What happens to your old license

Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives. You can use it for identification at banks, stores, or police stops. The address printed on it won't match your actual residence, but that's normal during the transition period.

Once your new license arrives, you should destroy your old one by cutting it in half or shredding it. There's no formal surrender process required unless you're moving out of state or no longer want a Maryland license. The MVA doesn't ask you to return the old card.

If you've moved and haven't updated your vehicle registration

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You need to handle those separately. Contact the MVA or go online to update your registration address within a set timeframe after moving—Maryland requires this within 30 days of establishing residency.

If your registration and license address don't match, it can cause confusion during traffic stops or when renewing your registration. Update both at the same time if possible. You can change your vehicle registration online, by mail, or in person using the same MVA channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

One to two weeks is typical for online or in-person changes. Mail-in requests take two to three weeks because the form has to reach the processing center first. If your new license doesn't arrive within four weeks, contact the MVA to check on it.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can change your address on an expired license through any of the three methods. However, if your license expired more than a year ago, you may need to renew it at the same time, which requires a vision test and new photo. Contact the MVA to confirm what you'll need.

What if I don't have proof of my new address?

You'll need at least one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address. If you just moved and don't have a utility bill yet, a lease agreement, mortgage statement, or a bank statement will work. If you have none of these, ask your landlord or mortgage company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your residency.

Do I have to change my address online, or can I wait until I renew my license?

You don't have to change it when ready, but it's worth doing sooner rather than later. If you're pulled over or need to show ID, an outdated address can raise questions. Changing it now takes five minutes online and costs nothing. You'll have the correct address on file for any official records.

What if I change my address and then move again before my new license arrives?

Contact the MVA and provide your updated address. They can remail your license to the new address if it hasn't shipped yet. If it's already in the mail, you may need to pick it up at your original address or request a replacement sent to the correct one. Call 410-787-7758 to sort this out quickly.