How to change your address with the Maryland MVA

You can change your address with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration 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 10 minutes and you receive confirmation when ready. You will need your driver's license or ID card number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start an online change.

Your new address becomes official once the MVA processes your request. If you change online, the system updates your record right away, though your physical card will not change until it expires or you renew it. If you mail or visit in person, processing takes about two weeks. You do not need to pay a fee to change your address — the MVA handles this as a record update, not a new issuance.

Key Takeaways

  • The Maryland MVA website lets you change your address online in about 10 minutes using your license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • Online changes take effect when ready, but your physical card keeps your old address until you renew or replace it.
  • If you prefer to mail or visit an office, the change takes about two weeks to process and costs nothing.
  • You must change your address within 60 days of moving to a new Maryland residence, or you risk a citation.

Changing your address online through the MVA website

Go to mva.maryland.gov and look for the "Change Address" option in the online services section. You will be asked to enter your driver's license or ID card number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current record and ask you to confirm your identity by answering a security question based on your MVA file.

Once you pass the security check, type in your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your record. Double-check the spelling and zip code — the system will not let you change it again for 30 days. After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your address is now updated in the MVA system when ready, and you can use this confirmation number if you ever need to prove you made the change.

Mailing a change-of-address form to the MVA

read the DL 43 form (Change of Address) from the MVA website, or call the MVA at 410-787-7758 and ask them to mail you one. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Do not print your name — your signature is what the MVA needs to verify the request is from you.

Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form itself, which is the MVA's processing center in Glen Burnie. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Processing takes about two weeks from the day the MVA receives your envelope. There is no fee for this change.

Changing your address in person at an MVA office

Visit any MVA office with your current driver's license or ID card and a document showing your new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days — utility bills, leases, mortgage statements, and bank statements all count. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your full Social Security number on it, though the MVA will accept your word if you do not have it with you.

Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will update your record on the spot, and you will walk out with your address changed in the system. Your physical card will still show your old address until you renew it, but your MVA record is current. There is no wait fee or processing fee. If you are renewing your license at the same time, you can request a new card with your new address printed on it, though that costs the standard renewal fee.

What happens to your physical card after you change your address

Your driver's license or ID card does not automatically update when you change your address. The card you have in your wallet will still show your old address until you renew your license or replace the card. The MVA's computer system, however, shows your new address right away — police officers, banks, and other agencies that look up your record will see the current address.

If you want a new card with your new address printed on it before your renewal date, you can request a replacement card at any MVA office. This costs $10 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. Most people skip this step and just wait until their regular renewal, since the old card is still valid for driving and identification — only the address printed on it is outdated.

The 60-day important date and what happens if you miss it

Maryland law requires you to notify the MVA of a change of address within 60 days of moving. If you do not change your address within that window, you can receive a citation for failing to report a change of address, which carries a fine of up to $100. Police can issue this citation during a traffic stop if your license shows an address you no longer live at.

The 60-day clock starts the day you move into your new home, not the day you sign a lease or close on a house. If you are unsure of your move date, use the date you first slept there or the date the utilities were turned on in your name. Changing your address online takes 10 minutes, so most people do it right away to avoid any risk of a citation.

Changing your address if you moved out of state

If you moved to another state, you should notify the Maryland MVA that you no longer live in Maryland. You can do this online through the same change-of-address tool — just enter your new out-of-state address. The MVA will keep your Maryland license active, but your record will show you no longer reside in the state.

You do not have to surrender your Maryland license or change it when ready. However, most states require you to get a license in your new state within a certain number of days — usually 30 to 60 days. Check your new state's DMV website for their rules. Once you get a license in your new state, you can let your Maryland license expire or keep it as a second ID, depending on your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if my license is expired?

Yes. The online system does not check whether your license is current — it only verifies your identity using your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. You can change your address even if your license expired years ago. However, you should renew your license soon after, since driving with an expired license is illegal.

What if I do not have my Social Security number memorized?

For an online change, you need the last four digits. If you do not know them, use the mail or in-person method instead. For a mail change, you do not need your Social Security number at all — just your license number and signature. For an in-person change, bring a document with your full number on it, or the clerk will accept your word.

How long does it take to get a new card if I request a replacement with my new address?

A replacement card with your new address takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. You will receive a temporary paper license you can use for driving while you wait. The replacement costs $10. If you just change your address without replacing the card, there is no fee and no wait — your record updates when ready.

Do I need to change my address with my car registration too?

Yes. Your vehicle registration is separate from your driver's license. You can change your registration address online at mva.maryland.gov, by mail using the same process, or in person at an MVA office. You should do both changes around the same time to keep your records aligned.

What if I moved and do not have a document showing my new address yet?

If you just moved and have not received a utility bill or lease at your new address, use a document from your old address and explain the situation to the MVA clerk in person. Many people in this situation bring a signed lease or a closing statement from their move. The MVA has some flexibility for people in transition, but bringing something dated within 60 days of your move is your safest bet.