What you need to do in Maryland
In Maryland, you can change your address online, 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 your new license arrives in about 10 business days. If you prefer to go in person or by mail, both options work, but in-person visits are usually quicker if you need the change done right away.
You do not need to pass a test or pay a fee to change your address. Maryland treats an address change as a routine update, not a license renewal. Your license number, expiration date, and all other information stay the same — only your address gets updated on the record and on your physical card.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland's online address change takes about 10 business days and requires your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth.
- You can also change your address in person at any MVA office or by mail, though online is the fastest route.
- There is no fee to change your address, and you do not need to take any test or renew your license.
- Your new license card will show your updated address and arrive by mail; your old card becomes invalid once the new one arrives.
Changing your address online through MVA.Maryland.gov
Go to MVA.Maryland.gov and look for the "Change Address" option in the online services menu. You will need your current Maryland driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using this information before letting you proceed.
Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license. Double-check the spelling and zip code — this is what will print on your new card. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number in case you need to check on your order or contact MVA later.
Your new license card will be mailed to your new address within about 10 business days. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives. Once the new card reaches you, the old one is no longer valid for identification purposes, though you should keep it for your records.
Changing your address in person at an MVA office
Visit any MVA office in Maryland with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The MVA office staff will update your record on the spot.
In-person visits usually take 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You can check wait times on MVA.Maryland.gov before you go. Your new license card will still be mailed to you and arrive in about 10 business days, just as it would with an online change.
Changing your address by mail
read the Maryland Address Change form from MVA.Maryland.gov or pick one up at any MVA office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and proof of your new address — the same documents accepted at an office visit.
Mail the completed form, copies, and proof to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes longer than online or in-person — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time MVA receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to your new address once the change is processed.
What happens after you submit your address change
Maryland updates your address in the MVA database right away, whether you change it online, in person, or by mail. This means your new address is on file for official records when ready. However, your physical license card still shows your old address until the new card arrives in the mail.
If you are stopped by police or need to show your license before the new card arrives, your old license is still valid. Police can look up your current address in the system. Once your new card arrives, use that instead and dispose of the old one safely (shred it or cut it up).
If you moved out of state or lost your license
If you have moved to another state, you will need to get a driver's license from that state instead. Maryland cannot issue a license to someone who no longer lives in Maryland. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency to begin the process there.
If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot straightforward change the address — you will need to report it lost and request a replacement. This is a different process from an address change and may involve a fee. Contact MVA directly or visit an office to report a lost or stolen license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new license card with the updated address?
Online and in-person changes take about 10 business days for your new card to arrive by mail. Mail-in changes take longer — usually 3 to 4 weeks from when MVA receives your envelope. Your address is updated in the system right away, but the physical card takes time to print and ship.
Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?
No. Changing your address on your Maryland driver's license is free. There is no fee whether you change it online, in person, or by mail.
Can I use my old license with the wrong address while I wait for the new card?
Yes. Your old license remains valid until your new card arrives. Police and other officials can look up your current address in the MVA system, so the old address on your card will not cause problems. Once your new card arrives, start using that instead.
What counts as proof of address for an in-person change?
Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address. The document must have your name on it and show your new address clearly.
What if I made a mistake on my address change?
If you submitted your change online or by mail and realize there is an error, contact MVA as soon as possible. You can call the MVA customer service line or visit an office to request a correction. If your new card has already been printed with the wrong address, you may need to request another replacement.