How to report a change of address to the Maryland MVA

You can report a change of address to 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 fastest — it takes about five minutes and costs nothing. You'll need your driver's license or ID card number, your Social Security number, and your new address. The MVA will update your records within one business day if you go online, but mail takes one to two weeks.

You don't have to renew your license or ID to change your address. The MVA separates your address from your license itself, so you can update one without touching the other. However, your physical card will still show your old address until you renew it — that's normal and doesn't cause problems with police or other agencies, since they can see your current address in the system.

Key Takeaways

  • The online change-of-address form at mva.maryland.gov takes five minutes and updates your record within one business day at no cost.
  • You can also mail a completed form to the MVA or visit an office in person, though both take longer than the online option.
  • Changing your address does not renew your license or ID card — your physical card will still show your old address until you renew it.
  • You need your driver's license or ID number, Social Security number, and new address to complete the change.
  • If you move out of state, you should get a new license in your new state rather than updating your Maryland address.

Updating your address online

Go to mva.maryland.gov and look for the "Change of Address" option in the online services section. You'll enter your driver's license or ID number, your Social Security number, and your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. The form also asks for your date of birth to verify your identity. Once you submit, you'll get a confirmation number on screen — save or print this in case you need to follow up.

The online system updates your address in the MVA database within one business day. This means your new address is active for things like vehicle registration, insurance records, and police records — even though your physical ID card still shows the old one. If you need proof of your new address for any reason, you can print a copy of your confirmation page or visit an MVA office to request a document.

Changing your address by mail

read the "Change of Address" form from mva.maryland.gov or pick one up at any MVA office. Fill in your current license or ID number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form — typically the MVA's central processing office in Glen Burnie. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

Processing by mail takes one to two weeks from the date the MVA receives your form. You won't get a confirmation letter — the MVA straightforward updates your record. If you want to verify the change went through, you can call the MVA customer service line or check online after two weeks have passed.

Changing your address in person at an MVA office

Visit any Maryland MVA office with your driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. Proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They'll update your record on the spot, and you'll leave with confirmation that the change is complete.

In-person visits are useful if you want when ready confirmation or if you're already at an MVA office for another reason. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the MVA website before you go. Bring your Social Security number as well, since the clerk may ask for it to verify your identity.

What happens to your physical ID card

Your driver's license or ID card will continue to show your old address until you renew it. This is not a problem — police, insurance companies, and government agencies all access the MVA database, which shows your current address. Your card is just a physical document; the real record lives in the system.

When you renew your license or ID, you can request that the new card be mailed to your new address. The MVA will automatically print your current address on the renewed card. If you want a new card with your new address before your renewal date, you can pay for an early replacement, though this costs extra and is usually not necessary.

Changing your address if you're moving out of state

If you're moving to another state, you don't need to update your Maryland address with the MVA. Instead, you should get a driver's license or ID in your new state within the timeframe that state requires — usually 30 to 60 days after you move. Your new state will issue you a new license, and you can surrender your Maryland license at that time.

Keeping a Maryland license after you've moved out of state can cause problems with insurance, vehicle registration, and law enforcement. It's cleaner to switch to your new state's license. If you're keeping a vehicle registered in Maryland for some reason, you can update the address on that registration separately through the MVA's vehicle services.

If you need to change your address on your vehicle registration

Your vehicle registration is separate from your driver's license. If you've moved and want to update the address on your car's registration, you can do that online at mva.maryland.gov under vehicle services, or by mail using the vehicle registration form. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and registration number.

Updating your vehicle registration address is not required by law, but it's useful so that registration renewal notices and other documents reach you at your new home. The process is similar to updating your driver's license address and takes about the same amount of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I just moved within Maryland?

Yes, you should update your address with the MVA even if you moved within the state. This keeps your driver's license, vehicle registration, and other MVA records current. The online change takes five minutes and costs nothing.

What if I don't have proof of my new address?

If you're changing your address online, you don't need to provide proof — just enter your new address. If you're changing by mail or in person, the MVA asks for a document dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease. If you don't have one yet, wait until you do, or visit an MVA office and explain your situation — they may have other options.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or points?

No. Changing your address only updates where the MVA sends mail and where your record is filed. It does not change your driving history, points, or license status. Your record follows you to your new address automatically.

How long does it take for my new address to show up in the system?

Online changes update within one business day. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person changes are when ready. Once updated, your new address is visible to police, insurance companies, and other agencies that access the MVA database, even though your physical card still shows the old one.

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

Yes. Changing your address is separate from your license status. You can update your address even if your license is suspended, expired, or revoked. However, if your license is expired, you should renew it at the same time or shortly after.