Where to change your Maryland driver's license address
You can change your driver's license address through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in three ways: online through the MVA website, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. The online method is fastest and requires no documents if you are updating an address within Maryland. If you are moving out of state or need to update other information at the same time, you may need to visit an office or mail in a form.
The MVA processes address changes within two to three business days when you use the online system. Mail submissions typically take one to two weeks. In-person visits are completed the same day, though you may wait depending on office traffic.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland's MVA lets you change your address online at mva.maryland.gov without visiting an office or mailing documents.
- You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to change your address online.
- If you are moving out of Maryland or changing your name at the same time, you must visit an MVA office or mail in Form DL-43.
- Address changes are free and take two to three business days online, or one to two weeks by mail.
- Your new license will be mailed to your updated address within two weeks of approval.
Changing your address online through the MVA website
Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Change Address Online" from the driver's license section. You will need your current Maryland driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter your new address exactly as it appears on mail or utility bills — the MVA matches this against postal records, and mismatches can delay processing.
After you submit your information, the MVA sends a confirmation email within one business day. Your address is updated in the system when ready, but your physical license will still show the old address until the MVA mails you a replacement. The replacement license arrives within two weeks and is sent to your new address.
This method works only if you are staying in Maryland and not changing your name, license class, or other details. If any of those explore, you must use the mail or in-person route.
Changing your address by mail
read Form DL-43 (Change of Address) 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. Mail it to the address listed on the form — currently the MVA's Glen Burnie office, though this can change, so check the form itself.
Include your current driver's license or a copy of it. Do not send cash. The MVA will process your change within one to two weeks and mail your replacement license to your new address. Keep a copy of the form for your records in case the mail is delayed.
Mail is slower than online but works if you cannot access the website or prefer a paper record. It also works if you are moving out of state, though you will eventually need to get a license from your new state.
Changing your address in person at an MVA office
Visit any MVA office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address. The MVA will not accept a bill addressed to someone else, even if you live there.
Bring the original document or a certified copy — photocopies are not accepted. The MVA staff will process your change on the spot, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent replacement is mailed. Your new license arrives within two weeks.
In-person visits are useful if you are also renewing your license, changing your name, or moving out of state. You can handle multiple updates in one trip. Wait times vary by office and time of day; the MVA website shows current wait times for each location.
What counts as proof of your new address
The MVA accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. Acceptable documents include utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, bank or credit card statements, and insurance policies. The document must be an original or certified copy — the MVA will not accept a photocopy or a photo of a document on your phone.
If your name does not yet appear on any document at your new address, bring two documents: one showing your new address (even if it does not have your name, such as a lease signed by a spouse) and one showing your name at your old address (such as a recent utility bill). The MVA staff can use both together to verify your move.
Do not bring a printed email or a screenshot. The MVA requires physical documents because they need to verify the document's authenticity and date.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change
Online changes are processed within two to three business days. You will receive a confirmation email, and your address is updated in the MVA system right away. Your replacement license is printed and mailed within two weeks.
Mail submissions take one to two weeks for processing, plus mail delivery time. In-person visits are completed the same day — you walk out with a temporary paper license and receive your permanent replacement within two weeks.
If your replacement license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 or through the website. Have your confirmation number or reference number ready. Do not assume the mail was lost; delays happen, especially during high-volume periods.
When you must visit an MVA office instead of using online or mail
You cannot change your address online if you are moving out of Maryland, changing your name, upgrading your license class, or correcting other information on your license. In these cases, you must visit an MVA office or mail Form DL-43 with supporting documents.
If you are moving out of Maryland, bring your new state's proof-of-residency requirements along with your Maryland license. The MVA can help you understand what your new state will need, but you will ultimately have to get a license from that state. Some states allow you to transfer your license; others require you to take a new test.
If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order along with your current license and proof of your address. The MVA will issue a new license with your updated name and address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to change my address?
No. Address changes are free through all three methods — online, mail, and in person. The MVA does not charge a fee for updating your address on an existing license. You only pay if you are renewing your license at the same time, which costs $70 for a standard eight-year license in Maryland.
What if I move before my replacement license arrives?
Contact the MVA and provide your new address. The MVA can redirect your replacement license to your updated address, though this may add a few days to delivery. Call 410-787-7758 or use the contact form on mva.maryland.gov. Have your driver's license number and both addresses ready.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?
You can change your address, but you cannot drive legally until your license is valid again. If your license is expired, you can renew it at the same time you change your address. If it is suspended, you must resolve the suspension first — usually by paying fines or completing a required course — before the MVA will process a renewal or replacement.
Will my old license still work after I submit an address change?
Yes, your old license remains valid until your replacement arrives. The address on your old license does not matter for driving purposes. However, if you are asked to show proof of your current address — for example, when opening a bank account or renting an apartment — your old license will not work because it shows your old address. Bring a utility bill or other proof document instead.
How do I check if my address change was processed?
If you changed your address online, check your email for the confirmation message from the MVA. If you mailed Form DL-43 or visited in person, the MVA does not send a separate confirmation. Your replacement license arriving at your new address is your confirmation that the change went through. If you need to verify sooner, call 410-787-7758 with your license number.