Where to change your Maryland driver's license address
You can change your address with 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 the fastest if your new address is 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 your documents.
The MVA processes address changes without charging a fee. You do not need to renew your license early or get a new photo just to update where you live — your current license remains valid.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland's MVA lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person, and there is no fee for the change.
- Online changes work only if you are staying in Maryland and your license is not suspended or expired.
- By mail, you send a completed form with proof of your new address to the MVA's address on file.
- In-person visits at an MVA office take about 30 minutes and require your current license and proof of address.
- Your address change should be recorded within two to four weeks of submission.
Changing your address online through the MVA website
Go to the Maryland MVA website and look for the "Change Address" option in the online services section. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new Maryland address and confirm it.
Online changes are only available if your license is not expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license status is any of those, you must visit an MVA office or mail in your request instead. After you submit the change online, the MVA typically records it within two to four weeks.
Mailing in an address change form
read or request the process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit (form DL-43) from the MVA website. Fill in your new address on the form, sign it, and include one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Mail the completed form and your proof of address to the MVA address listed on their website. Include your current driver's license number on the envelope so the MVA can match it to your record. Processing by mail takes longer than online — usually four to six weeks — so plan ahead if you need the change recorded by a specific date.
Visiting an MVA office in person
Bring your current Maryland driver's license and one document showing your new address. The same documents that work for mail (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days) are accepted in person. You do not need an appointment at most MVA offices, though some locations now use an online reservation system — check the MVA website for your local office.
The visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. A staff member will verify your information, update your address in the system, and you will leave with your license unchanged. The address change is recorded when ready in the MVA database, though it may take a few days to show up in other state systems.
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. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement or rental agreement with your signature works if it shows your new address. A mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance declaration also work.
Bank statements and credit card statements are accepted if they show your name and address. A letter from your employer on company letterhead with your address is acceptable. Post office change-of-address confirmation letters do not work on their own — you need a document that shows your actual new address, not just proof that you filed a change.
If you are moving out of Maryland
If your new address is outside Maryland, you cannot use the online change option. You must either mail in your request with the form and proof of address, or visit an MVA office in person. When you move to another state, you will eventually need to get a driver's license from that state, but your Maryland license remains valid until it expires.
Some people keep their Maryland address on file temporarily while they settle into a new state, then update it once they have a utility bill or lease in their new name. Others update when ready. There is no penalty for updating your address with Maryland even if you no longer live there — the address on file is for mail and legal notices, not for determining where you can drive.
What happens after you submit your address change
Once the MVA records your address change, it appears in their system within two to four weeks. Your physical license does not change — you keep the same card with the old address printed on it. The address in the MVA database is what matters for official purposes like vehicle registration, tickets, and mail from the state.
If you need a new license card with your updated address printed on it, you can request a replacement license for a fee (currently $70 for a standard license, though this amount can change). Most people do not replace their license just for an address change — they wait until renewal time. However, if you are moving and need your license to show your new address for identification purposes, a replacement is an option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my address change to show up?
Online and in-person changes are recorded within two to four weeks. Mail takes four to six weeks. Your address is updated in the MVA system first; it may take a few extra days to appear in other state databases like vehicle registration or the police system.
Do I need to change my address if I am only moving temporarily?
You should update your address with the MVA if you are moving for more than a few months. Your address on file is used for official mail and legal notices. If you move back before updating, you can change it again at no cost.
What if my proof of address document does not have my full name on it?
The document must show your name as it appears on your license. If your name on a utility bill or lease is slightly different (a nickname instead of your legal name, for example), bring a second document that shows both versions, or contact the MVA office to ask what they will accept.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No, you cannot change your address online if your license is expired. You must visit an MVA office in person or mail in your request. If your license is also expired, you may need to renew it at the same time, which involves a new photo and a fee.
Do I need to update my vehicle registration when I change my driver's license address?
Yes, you should update your vehicle registration address with the Maryland MVA as well. You can often do this online or by mail at the same time you update your license, or as a separate transaction. Check the MVA website for vehicle registration address change options.