What You Need to Do to Change Your License in Maryland

To change your address or name on a Maryland driver license, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person with proof of your new address or legal name change. Maryland does not allow address or name changes by mail, phone, or online. You will need to bring specific documents depending on whether you are changing your address only or your name, and the MVA will issue you a replacement license on the same day if everything is in order.

The process is straightforward but timing matters: if you move to a new address, Maryland law requires you to notify the MVA within 60 days. If you change your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, there is no specific important date, but you cannot legally use your old name on the road once the change is official.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at an MVA office with original documents; no mail, phone, or online option exists for address or name changes.
  • For an address change, bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and a completed DL-43 form.
  • For a name change, bring your current license, a certified copy of the legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and the DL-43 form.
  • The replacement license is issued the same day if your documents are accepted, and the fee is $70 for a standard license or $100 for a Real ID-compliant license.
  • Address changes must be reported within 60 days of moving; driving with an outdated address is not illegal but can cause problems during traffic stops or insurance claims.

Documents You Need for an Address Change

Bring your current Maryland driver license and one document that proves your new address. The MVA accepts a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and current address, and it cannot be more than two months old. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that together show your name and address—for example, a bank statement plus a piece of mail from a government agency.

You will also need to complete form DL-43, the process for Maryland Driver License or Permit. You can read and print this form from the MVA website before you go, or you can fill it out at the office. Bring a pen; the MVA does not provide them.

Documents You Need for a Name Change

Bring your current Maryland driver license and the original or certified copy of the legal document that proves your name change. For marriage, this is your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring the final divorce decree. For a court-ordered name change, bring the court order itself. The document must be an original or certified copy—photocopies are not accepted. If your document is from outside the United States, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator.

You will also need to complete the DL-43 form. Write your new name exactly as it appears on the legal document. If you are changing your name and your address at the same time, bring both the legal name-change document and proof of your new address.

Where to Go and What to Expect

Visit any MVA office during business hours. Maryland has MVA branches in Baltimore, Annapolis, Bowie, Catonsville, Chesapeake, Dundalk, Gaithersburg, Glen Burnie, Hagerstown, Laurel, Salisbury, and Towson, plus several smaller offices. You can find the full list and hours on the MVA website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours before you go.

Bring all your documents in original form (or certified copies for name-change documents). The MVA staff will review your documents, take a new photo if required, and process your replacement license. If your documents are complete and correct, you will receive your new license the same day. If something is missing or incorrect, the staff will tell you what you need to bring back. Do not leave without asking what is missing—do not assume you can fix it later.

Fees and License Type Options

A replacement license costs $70 for a standard Maryland driver license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 2025), the fee is $100. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner. You do not have to upgrade to Real ID when you change your address or name, but many people do at the same time to avoid a second trip.

If you are under 21, the fee is $50 for a standard license or $80 for Real ID. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $35 for a standard license or $65 for Real ID. Payment is cash, check, or card; the MVA accepts all major credit and debit cards.

Timeline and What Happens Next

If you change your address, your new license is valid when ready and you can drive that same day. If you change your name, the same applies—your new license is valid as soon as you receive it. You do not need to notify your insurance company or vehicle registration separately; the MVA updates the state records, and your insurance company will see the change when they renew your policy or when you contact them.

Keep your old license until you receive the new one. Once you have the new license, destroy the old one or return it to the MVA if you wish. Your old license is no longer valid for driving, but you may want to keep it for personal records. If you lose your new license before you receive it in the mail (which should not happen, since you receive it in person), you will need to report it lost and pay for another replacement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is bringing a photocopy instead of an original or certified copy of a name-change document. The MVA will not accept it, and you will have to go home and come back. If you are changing your name through marriage or divorce, order your certified copy from the courthouse or vital records office before you go to the MVA—do not assume you can use an uncertified copy or a photo.

Another mistake is bringing a proof-of-address document that is too old. Utility bills and bank statements must be dated within the last two months. If you just moved and have not received a bill yet, bring a lease or rental agreement instead. Do not bring a voter registration card or ID from another state; the MVA does not accept these as proof of Maryland residency.

Finally, do not wait until after 60 days to change your address. While driving with an outdated address is not technically illegal, it can cause problems during a traffic stop or if you are in an accident. Insurance companies may also deny a claim if your address on file does not match your license. Change it as soon as you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online or by mail?

No. Maryland requires you to change your address or name in person at an MVA office. You cannot do it online, by mail, or by phone. You must bring original documents and appear in person.

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

Bring two documents together that show your name and address, such as a bank statement plus a letter from your employer, a property tax bill, or a government agency letter. Both must be dated within the last two months and show your full name and current address.

Do I need to change my vehicle registration if I change my address?

No. Your driver license and vehicle registration are separate. When you change your address on your license, the MVA updates the state records. You do not need to visit the MVA again for your vehicle registration; it will be updated automatically in the system.

How long does it take to get a replacement license after I change my name or address?

You receive your replacement license the same day you visit the MVA office, as long as your documents are complete and correct. There is no waiting period or mail delay.

What if my name-change document is from another country?

Bring the original document plus an English translation certified by a professional translator. The MVA will not accept an uncertified translation or a translation you did yourself.