You can change your Maryland driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) lets you update your address without renewing your license early. The fastest route is the online system if you have a valid email and your current license number. By mail takes about two weeks. In person is when ready but requires a trip to an MVA office during business hours.

You do not need to pay a fee to change your address alone. If you also want to renew your license, change your name, or update other information, different rules explore — but a straightforward address change costs nothing.

Maryland requires you to notify the MVA of an address change within 60 days of moving. This is a legal requirement, not a suggestion. If you are stopped by police and your license shows an old address, you can be cited, though officers often use discretion if the move is recent.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address-change system at mva.maryland.gov is the fastest option and takes about five minutes if your email is current.
  • You must change your address within 60 days of moving, or you risk a citation if stopped by law enforcement.
  • Changing your address alone costs nothing; you pay only if you renew your license or add other changes at the same time.
  • If you cannot go online or by mail, walk into any MVA office with your current license and proof of your new address to change it when ready.
  • The address on your license must match your voter registration and vehicle registration within a reasonable time, or you may face complications with vehicle renewals.

Change your address online through the MVA website

Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Change Address" from the main menu. You will need your current Maryland driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid email address on file with the MVA. The system will send a confirmation email to that address — if you do not receive it within a few minutes, check your spam folder or try again.

Enter your new address exactly as it appears on mail you receive or on a utility bill. Include the apartment or unit number if you have one. The system will not accept a P.O. box as a residential address, though you can add a P.O. box as a mailing address if you prefer mail sent there instead.

After you submit, the MVA processes the change within one business day. Your license itself does not change — the address update happens in the MVA database only. When you renew your license later, the new address will print on the physical card. Until then, your old address remains on the card itself, but the MVA's records show the new one.

Mail in a change-of-address form with proof of your new address

read the DL-43 form (Change of Address) from mva.maryland.gov or pick one up at any MVA office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign and date the form. Do not use correction fluid or cross out mistakes — start over if you make an error.

Include one document that proves your new address. The MVA accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count. Make a copy of your proof document and mail both the form and the copy to:

Motor Vehicle Administration 6601 Ritchie Highway, NE Glen Burnie, MD 21062

Processing takes 10 to 14 business days from the date the MVA receives your mail. There is no tracking number, so if you need confirmation, call the MVA at 410-768-7000 after two weeks. Keep a copy of the form and proof document for your records in case there is a delay.

Change your address in person at an MVA office

Bring your current Maryland driver's license and one document that proves your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government letter dated within 60 days). Walk into any MVA office during business hours — no appointment is needed for an address change.

Tell the clerk you are changing your address only. They will scan your license, verify your new address against your proof document, and update the MVA database on the spot. The change takes effect when ready. Your physical license card still shows the old address until you renew, but the MVA's records are updated right away.

MVA offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Check mva.maryland.gov for the office nearest you and confirm Saturday hours before you go. Busy locations can have wait times of 30 minutes to an hour, especially on Friday afternoons.

What happens if you do not change your address on time

Maryland law requires the address change within 60 days. If you are pulled over and your license shows an old address, a police officer can cite you for failing to report a change of address. The fine is typically $70 to $100, though officers often overlook it if the move is very recent or if you can show proof you have already notified the MVA.

Beyond the citation risk, an outdated address can cause problems with vehicle registration renewal. When your vehicle registration comes due, the MVA mails the renewal notice to the address on your license. If that address is old, you may not receive the notice and could accidentally let your registration lapse. Renewing a lapsed registration costs more and requires a trip to the MVA office.

Your voter registration and vehicle registration should match your driver's license address within a reasonable time. If they do not, you may face questions when renewing your vehicle or when voting. Changing your address at the MVA does not automatically update your voter registration — you must do that separately through your local board of elections or online at elections.maryland.gov.

Address changes when you also want to renew or make other updates

If you want to change your address and renew your license at the same time, you cannot do both online. Instead, go to an MVA office in person or mail in a renewal process with your new address. A renewal costs $109 for a standard eight-year license (or $159 for a REAL ID-compliant license). The address change itself is free, but the renewal fee applies.

If you need to change your name, gender marker, or other information on your license along with your address, you must visit an MVA office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and any documents required for the other change (such as a marriage certificate for a name change). The MVA can process all changes in one visit.

Common mistakes and what to avoid

Do not use a P.O. box as your residential address. The MVA will reject it online and by mail. If you use a P.O. box for mail delivery, enter your actual street address as your residential address and note the P.O. box separately in the mailing address field if the system offers one.

Do not assume your address is already updated just because you changed it with the post office. The USPS and the MVA are separate systems. Changing your address with USPS does not notify the MVA. You must contact the MVA directly.

Do not send original documents by mail — always send copies. The MVA does not return mailed documents, so if you send an original lease or utility bill, you will not get it back.

Do not wait until the last day of the 60-day window. Mail can be delayed, and if the MVA receives your form after 60 days, you are technically in violation. Send it within the first two weeks of your move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move within Maryland?

Yes. Maryland law requires you to notify the MVA within 60 days of any address change, whether you move across town or across the state. The requirement applies to all driver's license holders.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Maryland license?

If you move out of Maryland and keep your Maryland license, you should update your address to your new out-of-state address. However, most states expect you to get a license in your new state within 30 to 60 days. Contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to discuss your situation if you plan to keep a Maryland license while living elsewhere.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is expired. In person, you will need a valid form of ID (such as a passport) along with your expired license. If your license has been expired for more than a few years, the MVA may ask you to renew instead of just updating the address.

How long does it take for the address change to show up in the MVA system?

Online changes take effect within one business day. Mail takes 10 to 14 business days. In-person changes are when ready. If you need proof of the change right away, ask for a receipt when you visit an office in person.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?

Changing your address does not affect your driving record. Your insurance company may want to know about a move, especially if you are moving to a different county or city, because insurance rates can vary by location. Contact your insurance agent separately to update your address with them.