You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office
Maryland lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new card — you just notify the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The fastest way is online through the MVA website if your license is current and you have not changed your name. If you need a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you can request one at the same time, though there is a fee. In-person visits and mail-in forms also work, and some people prefer them because they produce a receipt on the spot.
The method you choose depends on whether you want a new physical card, how quickly you need confirmation, and whether you have the documents the MVA asks for. None of these routes is wrong — they just have different timelines and what you walk away with.
Key Takeaways
- The MVA online portal is the fastest way to change your address if your license is valid and you have not changed your name.
- You can request a replacement card with your new address printed on it, but this costs money and takes longer than a straightforward address change.
- Mailing a form or visiting an MVA office in person both work and produce official confirmation of your address change.
- Your address change takes effect when ready for MVA records, even if you do not get a new card.
Changing your address online through the MVA website
Go to mva.maryland.gov and look for the "Change of Address" option under the driver's license section. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and enter your new one.
Online changes work only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. If either of those is true, you will need to use the mail or in-person route instead. Once you submit the form online, you get an when ready confirmation on screen, and the MVA updates its records right away. You do not get a new physical card unless you pay a replacement fee and request one.
Requesting a replacement card with your new address
If you want a new driver's license card printed with your new address on it, you can request a replacement at the same time you change your address. This costs a replacement fee (the amount varies and you can find the current fee on the MVA website). The new card will arrive by mail in about two to three weeks.
You can request a replacement card through the online portal if your license is current, or by mail or in person if it is not. Many people do this when they move because it means their ID matches their actual location, which can matter when you show your license to a landlord, employer, or bank. However, if you just need the MVA to have your correct address on file, a replacement card is not required.
Mailing in a change of address form
You can read the change of address form from the MVA website or request one by phone at 410-787-7758. Fill it out with your current information and new address, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work, as long as it is dated within the last 60 days.
Mail processing takes about two to three weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter in return, so keep a copy of what you mailed for your records. If you need proof that you changed your address, request it in writing or visit an MVA office and ask for a printout of your record.
Changing your address in person at an MVA office
Walk into any MVA office with your driver's license and a document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will update your record on the spot and give you a receipt showing the change took effect.
This is the fastest way to get official proof of your address change, and it takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You do not get a new card unless you pay the replacement fee. If you want to know the wait time before you go, call ahead or check the MVA website for real-time office wait times.
What documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, last 4 digits of SSN, date of birth | when ready |
| Signed form, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, etc., dated within 60 days) | 2–3 weeks | |
| In person | Driver's license, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, etc., dated within 60 days) | 15–30 minutes |
| Replacement card | Same as your chosen method, plus replacement fee | 2–3 weeks by mail |
When you cannot change your address online
The online portal will not let you proceed if your license is expired or if you have changed your name since you got it. In either case, you must use the mail or in-person route. If your license is expired, bring it anyway — the MVA will still update your address, and you can renew your license at the same time if you want.
If you have changed your name, you will need to bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will update both your name and address together. This process takes longer in person and by mail because the MVA has to verify the name change document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a new card when I change my address?
No. Changing your address in the MVA system is separate from getting a new card. Your old card remains valid — the MVA just updates its records. You only need a new card if you want your new address printed on it, which costs a replacement fee.
How long does it take for the address change to show up in the MVA system?
Online changes take effect when ready. Mail and in-person changes are recorded right away, though mail processing takes two to three weeks. Once the change is recorded, the MVA has your new address on file for things like vehicle registration and license renewal notices.
What counts as proof of my new address?
A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work, as long as it is dated within the last 60 days and shows your name and new address. Some people use a rental agreement or property tax bill. The document does not have to be in your name alone — a spouse or household member's name is fine.
Can I change my address if I do not have a document showing my new address yet?
Not through the standard process. The MVA requires proof of your new address. If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, wait until you do, or ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address.
What if I moved out of state — do I still need to notify Maryland?
If you are keeping your Maryland license, you should update your address so the MVA has your correct location on file. If you are getting a license in your new state, you do not need to formally close your Maryland license — it will straightforward expire. However, if you plan to come back to Maryland, updating your address now prevents confusion later.