Where to change your Maryland driver's license address

You can change your address with 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 — you can update your address in minutes without leaving home, and the change takes effect when ready. By mail takes about two weeks. In person is useful if you need to handle other MVA business at the same time.

The MVA does not charge a fee to change your address on an existing license. You keep your current license; the address straightforward updates in their system. You do not need to renew your license or get a new card printed unless your license is expiring soon anyway.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the MVA website are free and take effect when ready, with no mail delays.
  • You can change your address by mail or in person at any MVA office if you prefer not to use the online system.
  • The MVA will not issue a new physical license card just for an address change unless your current license is expiring within 60 days.
  • You must have your current Maryland driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to change your address online.
  • If you move out of state or your license is suspended, you cannot use the online method and must visit an MVA office in person.

Changing your address online through the MVA website

Go to mva.maryland.gov and look for the "Change Address" option under the driver's license section. You will need your current Maryland driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your MVA records.

Once you submit the change, it is recorded in the MVA database right away. You do not receive a confirmation letter or a new physical card — your old license remains valid with the updated address in the system. If you need proof of your new address for other purposes (like updating your car insurance or voter registration), you can print a confirmation page from the MVA website after you complete the change.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you run into trouble during the process, the MVA website has a contact form, though response times vary.

Changing your address by mail

Print and fill out Form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit), which is available on the MVA website. You only need to complete the address section — you do not need to fill out the entire form. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Mail the form and your proof of address to the address listed on the MVA website. Include your current driver's license number in a cover letter so the MVA knows which record to update. The change typically takes two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your mail. You will not receive a new license card unless your current one is expiring soon.

Changing your address in person at an MVA office

Visit any MVA office with your current driver's license and a document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days). Tell the clerk you want to change your address. The process takes a few minutes, and the change is recorded when ready.

You can find MVA office locations and hours on the MVA website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead or checking wait times online can help you plan your visit. Bring your license and address proof — you do not need to bring anything else unless you are handling other business at the same time.

When you will receive a new physical license card

The MVA will print and mail you a new license card with your updated address only if your current license expires within 60 days of your address change. Otherwise, your old card stays valid, and the address change exists only in the MVA system. When your license expires and you renew it, you will receive a new card with the current address printed on it.

If you need a new card sooner for personal reasons, you can request a replacement license, but the MVA will charge you a fee (typically around $70). This is optional — your old card with the old address printed on it remains a valid form of identification while your address is updated in the system.

Address changes if you move out of state or your license is suspended

If you have moved out of Maryland, you cannot change your address with the Maryland MVA. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact that state's motor vehicle agency for their process.

If your Maryland license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot change your address online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office in person with proof of your new address. The clerk will update your address in the system, though your license remains suspended until you resolve the underlying issue (unpaid fines, failed to appear in court, or other violations).

What to do if your address change does not go through

If you changed your address online and the system rejected your request, the most common reason is a mismatch between the information you entered and what the MVA has on file. Double-check your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If those are correct and the system still rejects the change, try again later — the MVA system occasionally has brief outages.

If the online system continues to reject your change, use the mail or in-person method instead. Both are reliable backups. You can also contact the MVA directly through their website to ask why the online change failed, though response times vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to notify my insurance company when I change my address with the MVA?

Yes, but separately. Changing your address with the MVA does not automatically update your car insurance. Contact your insurance company directly and provide your new address. Some insurers update it online; others require a phone call or form. Your insurance rates may change depending on your new location.

What if my new address is not yet in the system when I try to change it online?

New addresses sometimes take a few days to appear in the MVA database, especially in newly developed areas. If the online form will not accept your address, try again in a day or two. If it still does not work, use the mail or in-person method with a utility bill or lease showing your address.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No. You must renew your license first, then change your address. You cannot change the address on an expired license through any method. Visit an MVA office with your expired license, proof of your new address, and the required documents to renew and update your address at the same time.

How long does it take for my new address to show up in police records if I get pulled over?

If you changed your address online, it is in the MVA system when ready, and a police officer's computer will show your new address within hours. If you changed it by mail, allow two to three weeks for the MVA to process it before the address appears in police records.

Do I need to change my voter registration address separately?

Yes. Changing your address with the MVA does not automatically update your voter registration. Contact your local board of elections or use your state's voter registration website to update your voting address. Some states allow you to update both at once through the DMV, but Maryland requires separate updates.