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 their website, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. The online option is the fastest and requires only your driver's license number, Social Security number, and the new address. If you go in person, bring your current license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.

The MVA has about 25 branch offices across Maryland. You do not need an appointment for an address change, though wait times vary by location and time of day. If you mail in your change, send your current license and a signed letter with your old and new addresses to the MVA's mailing address in Glen Burnie. Processing by mail takes about two to three weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland's MVA lets you change your address online, by mail, or at any branch office without an appointment.
  • Online changes are processed when ready and require only your license number, Social Security number, and new address.
  • In-person changes need proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Mail-in changes take two to three weeks and require you to send your current license with a signed letter stating both addresses.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you; you do not receive it the same day at any location.

Online address changes through the MVA website

The Maryland MVA website has a dedicated online change-of-address tool that is the quickest option. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system verifies your identity using these details and processes the change in real time.

After you submit the form, your new license is printed and mailed to your new address within five to seven business days. You will receive a confirmation number on screen. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue using it for identification and driving. The online tool is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on the MVA's official website.

In-person address changes at MVA offices

If you prefer to change your address in person, visit any Maryland MVA office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at the new location. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

The MVA staff will update your address on the spot, but your new license will still be mailed to you — you will not receive it when ready. Processing takes about five to seven business days from the date you visit. Bring your old license with you; you will need to surrender it when you receive the new one in the mail. If you have moved out of state or lost your license, bring an alternative form of ID such as a passport or state ID card.

Mailing in your address change

To change your address by mail, send your current driver's license and a signed letter to the MVA. The letter should include your full name, old address, new address, and driver's license number. Mail it to the MVA's Glen Burnie office — the exact mailing address is on the MVA website.

Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the MVA to return your old license to you; otherwise, they will destroy it. Processing takes two to three weeks. Your new license will be mailed to your new address. This method is slower than online or in-person changes, but it works if you cannot visit an office or access the online system.

What happens if you move and do not update your address

Maryland law does not require you to update your driver's license address within a specific timeframe, but there are practical reasons to do it. If you are pulled over and your license shows an old address, police may question whether you still live in Maryland or have moved out of state. This can complicate traffic stops and may raise questions about your residency status.

An outdated address also affects mail from the MVA, such as renewal notices or notices about points on your driving record. If you miss a renewal notice because it went to an old address, you could accidentally let your license expire. Insurance companies may also flag a mismatch between your license address and the address on your policy, which could affect your coverage or rates.

Address changes for commercial driver's licenses

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the process is the same as for a regular license — you can change your address online, by mail, or in person. However, CDL holders must notify the MVA of any address change within 30 days of moving. This is a federal requirement under the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Failure to update a CDL address within 30 days can result in a citation and fine. The online system and in-person offices handle CDL address changes the same way as standard licenses, so use whichever method is most convenient for you. Your new CDL will be mailed to your new address within five to seven business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old license while I wait for the new one to arrive?

Yes. Your old license remains valid for driving and identification until your new license arrives in the mail. You do not need to carry any confirmation paperwork. Once the new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid.

What if I move before my new license arrives?

Contact the MVA when ready with your updated address. You can do this online or by calling the MVA customer service line. Provide your license number and the new address so your license can be redirected. If it has already been mailed, the post office may be able to forward it, but contacting the MVA first is the safest option.

Do I need an appointment to change my address at an MVA office?

No. Address changes do not require an appointment at any Maryland MVA branch. Walk-in service is available during regular business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so visiting early in the morning or on weekdays may mean shorter waits.

What counts as proof of my new address?

The MVA accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail addressed to you at your new location. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A printed utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works; screenshots or digital copies are not accepted in person.

How long does it take to get my new license after changing my address online?

Your new license is mailed within five to seven business days of submitting your online change. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after submission. Standard mail delivery typically takes an additional three to five business days, so plan for up to two weeks total.