What the MVA address change process looks like

The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is the Maryland state agency that handles driver's licenses and vehicle registration. If you live in Maryland and need to update your address on your license, you'll work directly with the MVA — either in person at a local office, by mail, or online through their website.

The process itself is straightforward: you provide your new address, the MVA updates their records, and you receive a new license in the mail with the updated information. You don't need to pass any tests or prove anything beyond your identity and residency. Most people complete this in one visit or one mailed form.

The speed and method you choose depend on whether you want to do this online, by mail, or in person. Each has different wait times and document requirements, which we'll break down below.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland's MVA lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a local office, and the method you pick determines how long it takes.
  • Online changes are the fastest option and require only your license number, Social Security number, and new address — no documents to mail.
  • If you change your address in person, bring your current license and proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks; your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.
  • Updating your address with the MVA does not automatically update your vehicle registration — you must handle that separately if you own a car.

Changing your address online through the MVA website

The fastest way to update your address is through the Maryland MVA's online system. You'll need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your new address. The process takes about five minutes and requires no documents.

Visit the MVA website and look for the address change option in the online services section. You'll answer a few security questions to verify your identity, enter your new address, and confirm the change. The MVA will mail your new license to the address you provide. This method works only if your license is not expired and you have not had any recent violations or holds on your account.

Your new license typically arrives within seven to ten business days. Your current license remains valid and legal to use until the new one arrives, so you don't need to stop driving or carrying your old license.

Changing your address by mail

If you prefer not to go online or in person, you can mail a change-of-address form to the MVA. Request the form from the MVA website or call your local MVA office to have one sent to you. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with a copy of your current license and proof of your new address.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or other official document showing your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — typically the MVA's central processing office in Glen Burnie.

Processing by mail takes longer than online submission, usually two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your form. Your new license will arrive by mail after processing is complete.

Changing your address in person at an MVA office

You can walk into any Maryland MVA office and update your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

You'll fill out a form, show your documents, and pay a small fee (currently $5 for a replacement license). The MVA will take your photo and process your new license when ready. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you.

In-person visits are useful if you need proof of your new address right away, since the temporary license serves as valid identification. Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter lines.

What happens to your old license and when the new one arrives

Your old license remains valid and legal to carry and use until your new license arrives in the mail. You do not need to destroy it or turn it in. Once your new license arrives, you can keep the old one as a backup or discard it — the choice is yours.

The new license is mailed to the address you provided during the change process. If you moved and updated your address, the new license goes to your new home. Delivery typically takes one to two weeks after the MVA processes your request. If you don't receive it within three weeks, contact the MVA to check the status.

Updating your vehicle registration separately

Changing your address with the MVA updates only your driver's license. Your vehicle registration is a separate record and does not change automatically. If you own a car, you must update your registration address with the MVA as well.

You can update your vehicle registration online, by mail, or in person using the same methods available for your license. The MVA website has a separate section for vehicle registration changes. If you do both at the same time in person, you can complete them in one visit, but you may need to pay separate fees for each change.

What to do if your address change is rejected

The MVA may reject your address change if your proof of residency is outdated, doesn't match the name on your license, or doesn't meet their requirements. If this happens, you'll receive a notice explaining why. Common reasons include a utility bill dated more than 60 days ago or a document that shows a different name.

If your change is rejected, gather a different document that meets the requirements and resubmit. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement usually works if a utility bill doesn't. If you're having trouble finding acceptable proof, call your local MVA office — they can tell you exactly what documents they will accept for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address with the MVA if I'm just renting a new place?

Yes. Your driver's license must show your current address, whether you own or rent. The MVA doesn't distinguish between homeowners and renters — they just need proof that you live at the address you're claiming. A lease agreement works as proof of residency.

Can I use a PO box as my address on my driver's license?

No. The MVA requires a physical street address on your license, not a PO box. If you're homeless or living in temporary housing, contact your local MVA office to discuss your options — some offices can work with you on alternative arrangements.

What if I moved out of state — do I still update my Maryland address?

No. If you've moved to another state, you should get a driver's license from that state instead of updating your Maryland address. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency to learn their process. You can keep your Maryland license as a backup ID, but your primary license should be from your state of residence.

How much does it cost to change my address?

The fee varies depending on how you make the change. Online changes are free. In-person changes cost $5 for a replacement license. Mail-in changes may have a small fee depending on whether you're requesting a replacement license or just updating records — check the MVA website or call ahead to confirm the current fee.

Will my new license have a new expiration date?

No. Your new license will have the same expiration date as your old one. Changing your address does not extend or reset your license validity — it's just a replacement with updated information.