You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) lets you change your address without getting a new license or ID card. The fastest way is online through the MVA website if you have a valid email address and your current license number. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a form or visit an MVA office in person. Your address must be updated within 60 days of moving to a new Maryland residence — waiting longer doesn't invalidate your license, but it does mean you're driving with outdated information that could cause problems if you're stopped or need to prove your address.

All three methods are free. The online option takes about 10 minutes and updates your record when ready. The mail option takes 7 to 10 business days but requires no trip to an office. The in-person option is when ready and works even if you don't have email or prefer to handle it face-to-face. Which route you choose depends on how quickly you need the change recorded and whether you want a replacement card printed with your new address.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing if you use the MVA website.
  • By mail, you send Form DL 43 (Change of Address) with proof of your new address; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • In-person changes at an MVA office are when ready and require your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
  • You must update your address within 60 days of moving to stay compliant with Maryland law.
  • If you move out of state, you do not need to notify Maryland — your license remains valid until expiration.

Changing your address online through the MVA website

Go to mva.maryland.gov and look for the "Change of Address" option under the driver's license or ID card section. You will need your current license or ID number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to verify your email address — Maryland will send a confirmation to that email, so use one you check regularly.

Enter your new Maryland address exactly as it appears on your proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement). The change is processed when ready, and you should receive a confirmation email within a few minutes. Your physical card does not change; the address update is recorded in the MVA database. If you need a replacement card with the new address printed on it, you can order one for a fee, but it is not required.

Mailing a change of address form to the MVA

read or request Form DL 43 (Change of Address) from the MVA website or pick one up at any MVA office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Attach a copy of one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail with your name and address.

Mail the form and proof of address to the address listed on the form (typically the MVA headquarters in Glen Burnie). Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the MVA receives it. Keep a copy for your records. If you are moving out of state, you do not need to file this form with Maryland — your license remains valid, but you should get a new license in your new state within the timeframe that state requires.

Updating your address in person at an MVA office

Visit any MVA office with your current driver's license or ID card, one document showing your new address, and one document proving your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or tax return). The staff will verify your information and update your address on the spot. There is no fee for an address change.

Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings are typically less crowded than afternoons or weekends. You can check current wait times on the MVA website before you go. If you want a replacement card printed with your new address, you can request one at the same visit for a fee, but again, it is not required — the address change takes effect when ready.

What counts as proof of your new address

Maryland accepts these documents as proof of residency: a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government-issued document with your name and address, or a letter from a government agency. The document must show your name and your new address, and it should be dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.

If you are moving into a home with someone else and the utility bill or lease is in their name only, bring a signed letter from that person stating you live there, along with the bill or lease in their name. If you are moving to a new address but the paperwork is not ready yet, wait until you have at least one document in your name at that address before you file the change.

What happens if you do not update your address on time

Maryland law requires you to notify the MVA within 60 days of moving. If you do not, your license is still valid and you can still drive, but you are technically in violation of the law. More practically, if you are pulled over, an officer will see your old address on your license, which can raise questions. If you need to prove your address for a job, a loan, or other official purpose, your license will not match your current residence.

There is no penalty or fine for updating your address late — the 60-day rule is a requirement, not a important date with consequences. However, the longer you wait, the more likely you are to encounter problems if you need to use your license as proof of address. Update it as soon as you have proof of your new address.

Changing your address if you move out of state

If you move to another state, you do not need to notify Maryland. Your Maryland license remains valid until it expires, and you can continue to use it as identification. However, most states require you to get a new driver's license within a certain timeframe — typically 30 to 60 days. Check your new state's DMV or equivalent agency for their requirements.

When you explore for a license in your new state, you will usually need your Maryland license, proof of residency in the new state, and proof of Social Security number. Your new state will issue you a new license, and your Maryland license becomes inactive for driving purposes (though you can keep it as an ID). You do not need to formally surrender it to Maryland unless your new state requires it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if I do not have an email address?

No, the online system requires a valid email address because Maryland sends a confirmation to that address. Use the mail or in-person options instead. If you do not have email access, an MVA office can help you update your address in person.

Do I get a new card with my new address on it?

No, the address change does not automatically print a new card. Your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the MVA database shows your new address. If you want a card printed with your new address, you can order a replacement for a fee.

What if my proof of address is not in my name yet?

Bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill or lease, stating that you live at that address, along with that document. The letter should include the address and be signed by the account holder. This combination counts as proof of residency.

How long does it take to update my address by mail?

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the MVA receives your form and proof of address. Mail delivery time is not included, so allow extra time for your envelope to reach the MVA office. Keep a copy of what you send in case you need to follow up.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes, you can update your address on an expired license. However, if your license is expired, you should also renew it at the same time. Bring the same documents you would for an address change, plus any documents required for renewal (proof of citizenship or legal presence, for example).