What You Need to Do to Change Your Address in Maryland
To change the address on your Maryland driver's license, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person with proof of your new address. Maryland does not allow address changes by mail, phone, or online. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency at your new address, and proof of Social Security number. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and there is no fee for an address-only change.
The MVA will issue you a new physical license card with your updated address printed on it. Your license number, expiration date, and all other information remain the same — only the address line changes. You can use your old license until the new one arrives in the mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to an MVA office in person; there is no online, mail, or phone option for address changes in Maryland.
- Bring your current license, one document proving your new address, and proof of your Social Security number.
- Address-only changes cost nothing and take about 15 minutes at the counter.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; your old license remains valid until then.
- If you are renewing your license at the same time, you will pay the standard renewal fee instead of the address-change fee.
Documents You Must Bring to the MVA
Bring your current Maryland driver's license or ID card. If you have lost it, bring a state ID or passport instead. The MVA will not process an address change without a current photo ID.
You need one document that proves you live at your new address. The MVA accepts utility bills (electric, gas, water, or telephone), a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement showing your new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a benefit statement from Social Security. A birth certificate alone is not enough.
Where to Go and How to Find an MVA Office
Maryland has 26 full-service MVA offices across the state. You can visit any of them — you do not have to go to the office closest to your old address or your new address. The main office is located at 6601 Ritchie Highway in Glen Burnie, but most people find it faster to use a smaller regional office.
Find the office nearest you and check its hours on the MVA website at mva.maryland.gov. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some have extended hours on certain days. A few offices are open on Saturday mornings. Call ahead if you are unsure about hours, because some offices close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days.
You do not need an appointment for an address change. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Mornings on weekdays are usually less crowded than afternoons.
What Happens at the MVA Counter
Tell the MVA staff member that you need to change your address. Hand over your current license, your proof of residency, and your proof of Social Security number. The staff member will scan your documents, update your address in the system, and take a new photo of you (unless your current photo is less than two years old, in which case they may reuse it).
You will sign a form confirming the new address. The staff member will give you a receipt showing your new address and a temporary paper license that you can use when ready. This receipt is not a valid ID for driving — you must carry your old license or another photo ID until your new card arrives.
The new license is printed at a central facility and mailed to your new address. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need the license faster, you can request expedited mail delivery for an additional fee, though this is rarely necessary for an address-only change.
If You Are Moving Out of State or to a Military Address
If you are moving out of Maryland, you do not need to change your Maryland license address. You can keep your Maryland license until it expires and then get a license in your new state. However, if you plan to stay in Maryland, you must update your address within 60 days of moving.
If you are moving to a military address — either overseas or at a U.S. military base — bring a copy of your military orders along with your other documents. The MVA will update your address to the military address you provide. If you are moving to a temporary duty station and plan to return to a Maryland address, ask the MVA staff whether to list your home address or your duty address on the license.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not bring a post office change-of-address form as your only proof of residency. The MVA does not accept it because it does not prove you actually live at the new address — only that you asked the post office to forward your mail. Bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement instead.
Do not assume your old license is invalid once you request the change. You can and should continue using it until your new license arrives. Carrying only the receipt is not legal; you need a photo ID.
Do not go to an MVA office without your Social Security proof. The MVA will not process your request without it, and you will have wasted a trip. Check the list of acceptable documents before you go.
Do not expect to keep your old address on your license if you have moved. Maryland law requires you to update your address within 60 days of moving. Driving with an outdated address can result in a citation, though enforcement varies.
If Your Address Change Is Denied or Delayed
Address changes are rarely denied if you bring the correct documents. However, if the MVA staff member says your proof of residency is not acceptable, ask what document they need instead. Utility bills and lease agreements are almost always accepted; if you do not have either, a bank statement or insurance policy usually works.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 or visit the website to check the status. Provide your license number and the date you made the change. The MVA can reissue the license if it was lost in the mail, though this is uncommon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online or by mail in Maryland?
No. Maryland requires you to change your address in person at an MVA office. You cannot do it online, by mail, or by phone. You must bring your current license and proof of your new address to a full-service MVA location.
Do I have to go to the MVA office in my county?
No. You can visit any of the 26 full-service MVA offices in Maryland, regardless of which county you live in. Choose the office that is most convenient for you. You do not need an appointment for an address change.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my address?
The MVA accepts several documents as proof of residency: a mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement. All must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address. If you have none of these, ask the MVA staff what alternatives they can accept.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can request expedited mail for a fee if you need it sooner, though this is uncommon for address-only changes. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue driving without interruption.
What if I move again before my new license arrives?
You will need to make another address change at the MVA. Bring your old license (with the original address), proof of your newest address, and your Social Security proof. The MVA will update your address again, and you will receive another new license in the mail. You cannot change your address twice in one visit.