Where to Change Your Maryland Address

You can change your address on a Maryland driver's license at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in the state. You do not need an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The MVA also lets you change your address online through their website if your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or suspensions in the past year.

If you moved recently and want to update before your license expires, the MVA recommends doing it sooner rather than later. Your address on file affects where traffic tickets and renewal notices are sent, so an outdated address can cause mail to reach you late or not at all.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online through the MVA website if your license is current and you have no recent violations or suspensions.
  • At an MVA office, bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and proof of Maryland residency if you moved from out of state.
  • An address change does not cost money and does not require a new photo or written test.
  • The MVA will issue you a replacement license with your new address, which arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Changing Your Address Online

The MVA's online address change tool is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, enter your new address, and pay a $5 fee by credit or debit card. The system confirms your change when ready, and your replacement license ships within five to seven business days.

You cannot use the online tool if your license is expired, if you have had a suspension or revocation in the past year, or if you have unpaid traffic violations. You also cannot change your address online if you moved from outside Maryland and need to prove residency. In those cases, you must visit an MVA office in person.

What to Bring to an MVA Office

Bring your current Maryland driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count.

If you moved to Maryland from another state, you also need to show proof of Maryland residency. This can be the same document you use to prove your new address — a utility bill or lease in your name at your Maryland address works for both. You do not need to bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport unless you are renewing your license at the same time.

How Long the Process Takes

At an MVA office, the address change itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the counter. Your replacement license is mailed to you and typically arrives within one to two weeks. During that time, your old license remains valid for driving, but the address on file with the MVA is updated when ready after you complete the transaction.

If you need your new license faster, some MVA offices offer a rush service for an additional fee, though this is not available at all locations. Call your local MVA office ahead of time to ask whether rush processing is an option and what the cost is.

What Happens to Your Old License

You do not have to turn in your old license when you change your address. The MVA will mail you a replacement license with your new address printed on it, and you can throw away or shred the old one once the new one arrives. Your old license is no longer valid for identification purposes once the replacement is issued, but you do not need to do anything with it.

If your old license is lost or stolen before your replacement arrives, contact the MVA right away. They can cancel the old license and reissue your replacement faster if needed.

Address Changes and License Renewal

If your license is expiring soon, you can renew and change your address at the same time. This costs the full renewal fee (which varies based on your license type and how many years you are renewing for) plus the $5 address change fee if you do it online. At an MVA office, the renewal and address change are handled together with no extra charge beyond the renewal fee.

Renewing and changing your address together takes longer than an address change alone because you will need to pass a vision test and may need to provide updated documents. If you only need to change your address and your license is not expiring for a while, it is faster to do the address change separately.

If You Move Again Before Your New License Arrives

If you move a second time before your replacement license reaches you, contact the MVA to update your mailing address. You can call the MVA customer service line or visit an office in person. Give them your driver's license number and your new mailing address, and they can redirect your replacement license to the correct address.

Once your replacement license arrives at the correct address, you can then change your driver's license address again if you want the address on the license itself to match your current residence. There is no penalty for moving multiple times — you just need to keep the MVA informed of where to send your mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address on my driver's license when I move?

Maryland law requires you to notify the MVA of a change of address within 60 days of moving. You do not face a fine for being late, but an outdated address can cause important mail to be delayed or lost. It is best to update as soon as you can after moving.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot change your address online if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit an MVA office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and be prepared to discuss the suspension or revocation status with the MVA staff.

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

You can use a bank statement, mortgage statement, or any government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you have none of these, ask the MVA office what other documents they will accept. Some offices may work with you if you bring multiple documents together, such as a cell phone bill plus a letter from your employer showing your address.

Will I get a new photo on my replacement license when I change my address?

No. An address change does not include a new photo. Your replacement license will have the same photo as your current license, just with the new address printed on it. If you want a new photo, you must renew your license.

How much does it cost to change my address?

Changing your address at an MVA office costs nothing. If you change your address online, the fee is $5, paid by credit or debit card at the time of the transaction. There are no other fees or charges.