What You Need to Do in Maryland

To change the address on your Maryland driver's license, you must visit a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person. Maryland does not allow address changes by mail, phone, or online. You will need to bring your current license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity. The MVA will update your record and issue a new license with your new address printed on it.

The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the MVA office. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices now use a reservation system. Check the MVA website before you go to see whether your local office requires one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to an MVA office in person; Maryland does not process address changes by mail, phone, or online.
  • Bring your current license, one proof of identity, and one document showing your new address.
  • The fee for a replacement license with a new address is $70 for a standard five-year license or $100 for an eight-year license.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can use your old license until it arrives.
  • If you move out of state, you must get a new license in your new state within a set timeframe, usually 30 to 60 days.

Documents You Must Bring to the MVA

Bring your current Maryland driver's license. This is your primary identification and proof that you already hold a valid license.

Bring one document that proves your identity. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a state ID card, or a certified birth certificate. A Social Security card alone is not enough.

Bring one document that shows your new address. The MVA accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, bank statements, insurance policies, or official mail from a government agency. The document must show your name and your new address. A utility bill dated within the last 60 days is the fastest option. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease agreement or a signed letter from your landlord stating your new address and move-in date will work.

The Fee and What You Will Receive

The fee depends on the type of license you hold. A replacement standard license (valid for five years) costs $70. A replacement enhanced license (valid for eight years) costs $100. The enhanced license allows you to enter federal facilities and board domestic flights without a passport.

You will pay the fee at the MVA office when you submit your documents. The MVA will not mail you a temporary license. You can continue to use your old license with the old address until your new license arrives. Your new license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days.

If you need the new license faster, some MVA offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though this is not standard at all locations. Call your local MVA office to ask whether expedited processing is available.

Which MVA Office to Visit

Maryland has MVA offices in every county. You can visit any MVA office in the state; you do not have to go to the office in the county where you live or where you moved. However, some offices are busier than others. Offices in smaller towns and rural areas often have shorter wait times than those in Baltimore, Annapolis, or suburban areas around Washington, D.C.

Check the MVA website to find the office nearest you, see its hours, and determine whether it uses a reservation system. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others are open on Saturday mornings. A few offices are open on weekday evenings. If you work during the day, an evening or Saturday office may be easier to reach.

What Happens If You Move Out of State

If you move to another state, you must get a driver's license in your new state within 30 to 60 days, depending on that state's rules. You cannot keep your Maryland license and straightforward change the address to an out-of-state address. Most states require you to surrender your old license when you get a new one.

Contact the motor vehicle agency in your new state to learn what documents you will need. Most states require proof of residency (similar to Maryland), proof of identity, and your Social Security number. Some states also require proof that you passed a vision test or a written driving test, though many waive the test if you hold a valid license from another state.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume you can change your address online or by phone. Maryland's MVA does not offer these options, and you will waste time trying. You must go to an office in person.

Do not bring documents that do not show your name and address together. A utility bill with only your name, or a lease with only an address, will not work. Both pieces of information must appear on the same document.

Do not delay if you have moved. While there is no strict important date to update your address on your license, driving with an outdated address can cause problems if you are stopped by police. Some states treat an address mismatch as a minor violation. More importantly, if you are in an accident or receive a ticket, the officer's record will show your old address, which can complicate insurance claims or court proceedings.

Do not assume your old license is invalid after you request a new one. You can use it until your new license arrives. If your new license is lost or damaged in the mail, contact the MVA and they can reissue it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address without going to an MVA office?

No. Maryland requires you to visit an MVA office in person. You cannot change your address by mail, phone, online, or through any third-party service. Only the MVA itself can update your license record.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days of your visit to the MVA office. The MVA mails it to your new address. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

You can use a mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, insurance policy, or official mail from a government agency. A signed letter from your landlord on their letterhead, stating your name, new address, and move-in date, also works if you do not yet have documents in your name.

Do I need an appointment at the MVA?

Some MVA offices require reservations, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the MVA website for your local office to see its reservation policy. If appointments are required and none are available, you may be able to visit a different office without one.

What if my new license arrives with an error?

Contact the MVA when ready. Bring your new license and the document that shows your correct address. The MVA will issue a corrected license at no additional charge if the error was made by the agency.