How to Change Your Address With the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

How to change your address with the Maryland MVA

You can change your address with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You will need your driver's license or ID card number, your current address on file, and your new address. The MVA will mail your updated card to your new address within 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not want to go online, you can mail a form or walk into any MVA office with proof of your new address. Both routes take longer but work the same way: the MVA updates your record and sends you a new card. You do not need to renew your license or ID to change your address — this is a separate transaction that does not cost money or require a new photo.

Key Takeaways

The online address change at mva.maryland.gov takes about 10 minutes and is free, with your new card arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
You will need your driver's license or ID number, your current address as it appears on your MVA record, and your new address to change online.
If you prefer not to go online, you can mail form DL 43 with proof of your new address, or visit an MVA office in person with the same documents.
Changing your address does not require you to renew your license or ID card, and there is no fee for this transaction.
Your old card remains valid until it expires — you do not need to destroy it when your new one arrives.

Change your address online through the MVA website

Go to mva.maryland.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Change Address" or "Update Your Address" — the exact link name varies slightly depending on whether you hold a driver's license or ID card. You will be asked to log in or create an account. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your driver's license or ID number and your date of birth.

Once you are logged in, enter your current address exactly as it appears on your MVA record. This is important — if you type it differently than the MVA has it stored, the system will reject the change. Then enter your new address. Double-check both addresses before you submit. The MVA will send a confirmation email, and your new card will arrive at your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to do anything else.

Mail a form to the MVA with proof of your new address

read or request form DL 43 (process for Change of Address) from the MVA website or by calling 410-787-7758. Fill in your name, driver's license or ID number, current address, and new address. You must also include proof that you live at the new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at the new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Mail the completed form and your proof of address to the Maryland MVA at P.O. Box 1781, Glen Burnie, MD 21060. Include a copy of both sides of your current driver's license or ID card if possible — this helps the MVA process your request faster. Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks after the MVA receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Change your address in person at an MVA office

Visit any Maryland MVA office with your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. Bring the same documents you would mail: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can schedule one online at mva.maryland.gov to avoid waiting. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day.

Tell the MVA representative that you want to change your address. They will update your record on the spot and give you a receipt. Your new card will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee. If you need your card urgently, ask whether your local office offers a temporary address change that you can use when ready while you wait for the new card to arrive.

What happens to your old card and when you will receive your new one

Your old driver's license or ID card remains valid until its expiration date, even after you change your address. You do not need to destroy it or return it to the MVA. When your new card arrives, it will have your new address printed on it and the same expiration date as your old card. If your old card expires soon, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your address — this costs extra but means you will not need to update your address again in a few months.

If you do not receive your new card within 10 business days of submitting your change, contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 or check your online account at mva.maryland.gov to confirm the address was updated. If the address in your account is wrong, you can correct it and resubmit. The MVA occasionally loses mail, so if you are concerned, you can request a replacement card by phone or online.

Address changes for commercial driver's licenses and ID cards

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the process is the same: you can change your address online, by mail, or in person. Use the same form DL 43 if you are mailing, and bring the same proof of address if you are visiting an office. The online system at mva.maryland.gov handles CDL address changes the same way it handles regular licenses.

If you hold a Real ID card or a standard Maryland ID card (not a driver's license), you can also change your address using the same three methods. The only difference is that Real ID cards have a star in the corner — this does not affect how you change your address. All address changes are free regardless of the type of card you hold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address before I move or after?

You can change your address before or after you move. Many people change it after they have moved and have proof of the new address in hand. If you change it before you move, make sure you have a document (like a lease) that shows your new address and is dated before your move-in date. The MVA will mail your new card to the address you provide, so make sure someone will be there to receive it.

What if I move out of state?

If you move out of Maryland, you should get a driver's license or ID card from your new state. You do not need to formally close your Maryland license with the MVA. If you plan to keep your Maryland license active, you can update your address to your new state address through the same online system or by mail. However, most states require you to get a license there within a certain period after moving.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?

Yes, you can change your address even if your license is suspended or expired. The address change is separate from the status of your license. However, if your license is suspended, you cannot drive legally. If it is expired, you should renew it at the same time you change your address to avoid having to update twice.

How much does it cost to change my address?

Changing your address with the MVA is free. There is no fee whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. You only pay if you also renew your license or ID card at the same time.

What if the MVA has my old address and I do not remember what it was?

You can log into your account at mva.maryland.gov to see what address the MVA has on file. If you cannot access your account, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 and they can tell you what address they have. Once you know it, you can change it online or by mail.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.