Where to Change Your Address with the Maryland MVA

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles address changes for driver's licenses and ID cards. You can update your address in three ways: online through the MVA website, in person at an MVA office, or by mail. The online method is the fastest if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name.

The MVA processes address changes within one to two business days when you use the online system. In-person visits at an MVA office typically take 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Mail-in requests take longer — usually two to three weeks — because the MVA must verify your identity before updating records.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland's online address change system works only if your current license is valid and you have not changed your name since it was issued.
  • You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and the new address to change your address online.
  • If your license is expired or you changed your name, you must visit an MVA office in person with proof of residency and a valid ID.
  • The MVA mails a new license with your updated address; you do not receive a temporary document, so plan for mail delivery time.
  • Address changes are free; the MVA does not charge a fee for updating your address alone.

Changing Your Address Online

The online address change system is available 24 hours a day on the MVA website. To use it, go to mva.maryland.gov, select "Change Address Online," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will display your current information and ask you to confirm or correct it.

After you submit your new address, the MVA sends a confirmation email to the address on file with your account. A new license card with your updated address will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office, and there is no fee. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

The online system has limits. It does not work if your license has expired, if you changed your name since the license was issued, or if you are under 18 years old. If any of these explore, you must visit an MVA office in person.

Changing Your Address at an MVA Office

Maryland has MVA offices in Baltimore, Annapolis, Bowie, Towson, Glen Burnie, Hagerstown, and several other locations. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the MVA website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.

Bring your current driver's license or ID card, a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID), 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 name on the proof must match the name on your ID.

The MVA staff will verify your information, take a new photo if required, and process your address change on the spot. A new license card will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for an address change alone. If you also renew your license at the same visit, you will pay the renewal fee.

Changing Your Address by Mail

You can mail a request to the MVA if you prefer not to visit an office or use the online system. Send a letter to the Maryland MVA with your current driver's license number, full name, date of birth, current address, and new address. Include a copy of your driver's license (front and back) and proof of your new address.

Mail your request to: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062. Include a note stating that you are requesting an address change. The MVA will process your request and mail a new license to your new address. This method takes two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your letter, plus mail delivery time.

Keep a copy of everything you send. The MVA does not acknowledge receipt of mail requests, so you will not know the request arrived until your new license appears in your mailbox. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the MVA to confirm the request was processed.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your driver's license has expired, you cannot use the online address change system. You must visit an MVA office in person. Bring your expired license, a valid form of ID, and proof of your new address. The MVA will process both the address change and a renewal at the same visit.

You will pay the renewal fee (which varies depending on the type of license and how many years you are renewing for) but not an additional fee for the address change. A new license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the office, though this is not automatic.

Proof of Residency Documents the MVA Accepts

The MVA requires proof that you live at your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government document (such as a tax return or court order) showing your name and new address.

The document must show your full name and the new address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, a signed letter from your landlord or a copy of your lease with a move-in date can work. Ask the MVA office staff what they will accept before you visit, especially if your situation is unusual.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume your address has been updated just because you told the MVA. The MVA mails a new license to your new address; you do not receive confirmation that the change was processed until the card arrives. If you move again before the new license arrives, contact the MVA when ready to update your address a second time, or the card will go to the wrong address.

Do not use the online system if your license is expired or if you changed your name. The system will reject your request, and you will have to visit an office anyway. Check your license expiration date and your name before you start the online process.

Do not forget to bring proof of residency if you visit an office. Without it, the MVA cannot process your request and you will have to return another day. A utility bill or lease is the easiest proof to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new license card after I change my address?

The MVA mails a new license within 7 to 10 business days after processing your request. Mail delivery adds another 3 to 5 days, so expect to receive it within two to three weeks total. Your old license is still valid until the new one arrives.

Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?

No. Changing your address alone is free. You only pay a fee if you are also renewing your license at the same time. An address change does not trigger a renewal.

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

Yes. A suspension or revocation does not prevent you from updating your address. However, you must visit an MVA office in person; you cannot use the online system. Bring your license, a valid ID, and proof of residency.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Maryland license?

You can update your address to an out-of-state address using the online system or by visiting an MVA office. However, Maryland law requires you to get a driver's license from your new state within a certain time frame. Contact the MVA or your new state's licensing agency for details about when you must switch.

Will my old license still work after I request an address change?

Yes. Your old license remains valid for driving and identification until your new license arrives. You do not need to surrender it or stop using it. Once the new license arrives, you can destroy the old one or keep it as a record.