Change your address at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration in person, by mail, or online through their website
Maryland allows you to update your driver's license address without getting a new card — the MVA will issue you a replacement license with your new address printed on it. You have three ways to do this: visit an MVA office in person, mail in a form, or use the online system if you have a valid email address on file. The fastest route is usually the MVA website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing.
The address change itself is free. You will receive a replacement license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you do not need to rush — there is no important date for making the change, though doing it sooner prevents mail from going to an old address.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your address online at mva.maryland.gov without visiting an office or paying a fee.
- The MVA will mail you a replacement license with your new address printed on it within 7 to 10 business days.
- If you change your address by mail, send a signed form DL-13 along with proof of your new address to the MVA.
- Your current license stays valid while you wait for the replacement, so there is no gap in your ability to drive legally.
Changing your address online through the MVA website
Go to mva.maryland.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Change Address" and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and enter your new one. You will also need to verify an email address — the MVA uses this to confirm the change was made.
After you submit the form, you will see a confirmation number on the screen. Write this down or take a screenshot. The MVA will mail your replacement license to the new address you entered. If the online system does not work or you do not have an email address, use one of the other two methods instead.
Changing your address by mail
read or request form DL-13 from the MVA website or call 410-787-7758 to have one mailed to you. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. You must sign it — unsigned forms are rejected.
Include one document that shows your new address. The MVA accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail with your name and address on it. Mail the signed form and your proof of address to: Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062. Your replacement license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.
Changing your address in person at an MVA office
Visit any Maryland MVA office with your current driver's license and one document showing your new address. Bring the same types of proof accepted by mail: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but you can reserve a time slot on the MVA website to avoid waiting.
Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will take your documents, verify the information, and hand you a receipt. Your replacement license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the license faster, ask the clerk whether your office offers a rush option — some do, though this usually costs extra.
What documents count as proof of your new address
The MVA accepts any of these documents dated within the last 60 days:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
- Lease agreement or rental contract
- Mortgage statement or property tax bill
- Bank or credit card statement
- Government mail (tax return, voter registration, court document)
- Insurance policy (home, auto, or renter's)
The document must have your name and your new address printed on it. A handwritten address does not count. If you just moved and do not have a document yet, ask your landlord or mortgage company for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your new address — many MVA offices accept this as temporary proof while you wait for a utility bill to arrive.
What happens if you move and do not update your address
Your license remains valid even if the address on it is wrong. You can still drive legally and use it as identification. However, the MVA and other agencies will have your old address on file, which means important mail — renewal notices, court documents, or vehicle registration updates — may go to the wrong place.
If you get pulled over, a police officer may notice the address mismatch but will not cite you for it. The bigger risk is missing a license renewal notice and accidentally letting your license expire. Updating your address keeps your records current and prevents mail from being lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get the replacement license in the mail?
The MVA typically mails replacement licenses within 7 to 10 business days of processing your change. This does not include weekends or holidays. If you need the license sooner, visit an MVA office in person and ask whether they offer rush processing — some locations can issue a temporary license on the spot, though this may cost extra.
Can I use my old license while I wait for the replacement?
Yes. Your current license stays valid until the replacement arrives. You can drive, use it as identification, and show it to police without any problem. The old address on it is not a legal issue.
What if I move again before the replacement license arrives?
Contact the MVA and let them know your address changed again. You can file another change-of-address request, and the MVA will mail the replacement to your newest address instead. Call 410-787-7758 or use the online system again to update it.
Do I need to change my address if I move out of state?
No. If you move out of Maryland, your Maryland license remains valid for identification and driving purposes in other states until it expires. However, you will eventually need to get a license from your new state. Check that state's motor vehicle agency for their rules on when you must switch.
Is there a fee to change my address?
No. Changing your address on your Maryland driver's license is free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. The replacement license itself costs nothing.