You can change your Maryland driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office

Maryland allows you to update your address without renewing your license. The fastest route is the online system at mva.maryland.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer to handle it in person or by mail, both options are available, though they take longer and may require a trip to a Motor Vehicle Administration office.

Your address change becomes official once the MVA processes it. You do not need to carry proof of the change — the updated address appears in the system when ready for law enforcement and other agencies that check your record. Your physical license card keeps the old address until you renew it, but the official record is what matters for traffic stops, vehicle registration, and voter registration updates.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at mva.maryland.gov is free and takes about 10 minutes, and you need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • In-person changes at any MVA office take the same day but require a trip and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Mail-in changes require a completed form and proof of address, and processing takes two to four weeks.
  • Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it, but the official MVA record updates when ready.
  • Changing your address does not affect your license expiration date or require you to pay a renewal fee.

Online address change through the MVA website

Go to mva.maryland.gov and look for the "Change of Address" option in the online services section. You will need your current Maryland driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm your identity through a few security questions based on your driving record.

Once you submit, the change processes when ready. You will receive a confirmation number on screen — save or print this for your records. The updated address appears in the MVA system right away, so it will show up when law enforcement or other agencies check your record. This method works only if your license is not expired and you have not had any recent suspensions or holds on your account.

In-person change at an MVA office

Visit any Motor Vehicle Administration office in Maryland with proof of your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address. Bring your current driver's license and be ready to wait — office wait times vary by location and time of day, but you can check estimated wait times on the MVA website before you go.

The staff member will update your address on the spot, and the change takes effect when ready. You will not pay a fee for this service. Your physical license card will not change — it will still display your old address until you renew your license at the end of its validity period. The official record in the system is what matters for all practical purposes.

Mail-in address change with form DL-43

read or request form DL-43 (Change of Address for Driver's License) from the MVA website or by calling 410-787-7758. Fill out the form with your name, license number, old address, and new address. Include a copy of proof of your new address — the same documents accepted in person work by mail, such as a utility bill or lease.

Mail the completed form and proof to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to four weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter, but you can check your address in the system by logging into your MVA account online or calling the MVA to verify the change went through. This method is slower than online or in-person options but works if you cannot visit an office or use the online system.

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, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement also work. Some people use a letter from a government agency, employer, or school that includes their name and address, though utility bills are faster to obtain and less likely to cause questions.

If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and utilities have not been transferred — ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. The MVA will usually accept this, though you may want to call ahead to confirm before you visit an office or mail it in.

How the address change affects your license and registration

Changing your address on your driver's license does not change your license expiration date or cost you anything. Your license remains valid for the same number of years it would have without the change. When you eventually renew your license — whether that is in two years or ten years, depending on your age and license type — the new physical card will show your current address at that time.

Your vehicle registration is separate from your driver's license. If you own a vehicle, you will need to update your registration address with the MVA as well. This is a different transaction and can also be done online, by mail, or in person. Updating your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration, so handle both if you own a car.

Changing your address if your license is expired or suspended

If your license is expired, you cannot use the online address change system. You must visit an MVA office in person or mail in form DL-43. If your license is suspended or has a hold on it, the online system will reject your request. In either case, the in-person or mail-in route is your only option.

If you have a suspension or hold, the MVA office staff can tell you what needs to be resolved before you can renew or update your license. Address changes themselves do not lift suspensions, but handling the address change at the same time you resolve the underlying issue can save you a second trip.

Updating your voter registration after changing your address

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your voter registration. You must register to vote at your new address separately through the Maryland State Board of Elections. You can do this online at elections.maryland.gov, by mail, or in person at your local board of elections office.

If you registered to vote using your driver's license number, the election office will eventually match the address change in the MVA system to your voter record, but this can take weeks or months. To avoid missing an election, update your voter registration directly rather than waiting for the systems to sync. This is especially important if you moved close to an election date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an online address change to show up?

The change appears in the MVA system when ready after you submit it online. Law enforcement and other agencies can see your new address right away. You do not need to wait for anything to arrive in the mail or for a confirmation letter.

Do I need to get a new license card if I change my address?

No. Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew your license at the end of its validity period. The official address in the MVA system is what matters for traffic stops, vehicle registration, and background checks.

Can I change my address if I moved out of state?

No. If you no longer live in Maryland, you should surrender your Maryland license and obtain a license in your new state. Contact the MVA or your new state's licensing agency for instructions on how to handle the transition.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

A signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead works. Include the letter with your name, new address, and move-in date. Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 before you visit or mail anything to confirm they will accept it.

Does changing my address affect my license points or driving record?

No. An address change is purely administrative and does not touch your driving record, points, or any violations. It only updates where the MVA has on file for you.