You can change your address with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office

The Maryland MVA handles address changes for your driver's license, ID card, vehicle registration, and title. You do not need to renew your license or ID to update your address — it is a separate transaction. The fastest route is the online system if you have a valid Maryland driver's license or ID, because the change takes effect when ready and you receive confirmation right away.

If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a form to the MVA or visit a local office. Each method has different requirements and timelines, so your situation determines which works best.

Key Takeaways

  • The MVA online portal lets you change your address in minutes if you have a valid Maryland driver's license or ID card and a debit or credit card.
  • Mailing a form takes one to two weeks and requires a completed process, proof of your new address, and your current license or ID card.
  • In-person visits at an MVA office are processed the same day, but you must bring original documents proving your identity and new address.
  • Your vehicle registration and title address change through the same system as your driver's license, so one update covers both.
  • If you move out of state, you must surrender your Maryland license and obtain a license in your new state within a set timeframe.

Changing your address online through the MVA portal

The Maryland MVA website allows you to update your address without visiting an office. Go to mva.maryland.gov, select "Online Services," and log in or create an account. You will need your driver's license or ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and let you enter your new address.

You must have a valid, unexpired Maryland driver's license or ID card to use this method. The change is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number. Your updated address takes effect right away, though you will not receive a new physical card in the mail unless you request one (which costs a fee). Your vehicle registration and title address update automatically through the same transaction.

If your license or ID is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot use the online system. You will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mailing your address change to the MVA

You can submit an address change by mail using Form DL 43 (process for Maryland Driver's License or Identification Card). read the form from mva.maryland.gov or request it by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include proof of your new address.

Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the document. Include your current driver's license or ID card (a copy is acceptable) and mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. Mail can be delayed, so send your form at least two weeks before you need the address change to take effect. You will not receive a new physical card unless you request one and pay the replacement fee. Your vehicle registration and title address update automatically.

Updating your address in person at an MVA office

Visit any Maryland MVA office with your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. Bring an original document — not a copy — showing your name and new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. If your name does not appear on the document, bring a second document that proves your identity, such as a birth certificate or passport.

The MVA office will process your address change the same day. You will receive a confirmation, and your updated address takes effect when ready. You do not receive a new physical card unless you request one and pay the fee. Your vehicle registration and title address update at the same time.

MVA offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the MVA website before you visit.

What happens to your vehicle registration and title when you move

Your vehicle registration and title address change automatically when you update your driver's license or ID address through any of the three methods above. You do not need to file a separate form or visit the MVA again. The registration renewal notice will be mailed to your new address on your next renewal date.

If you need to update only your vehicle registration address without changing your driver's license address, you can do that separately by mailing Form VR-005 (process for Vehicle Registration) or visiting an MVA office. This is uncommon but necessary if someone else owns the vehicle or if you are updating a commercial registration.

Moving out of state and surrendering your Maryland license

If you move to another state, you must obtain a driver's license in your new state within the timeframe that state requires — usually 30 to 60 days. You should surrender your Maryland license to the MVA or to your new state's licensing agency. You do not have to mail it back; you can turn it in at any MVA office or destroy it yourself.

Your vehicle registration and title can remain registered in Maryland even if you move out of state, but many states require you to re-register vehicles within a certain period. Check your new state's requirements before you move. If you keep a Maryland registration, renewal notices will be mailed to your out-of-state address if you update it with the MVA before you leave.

Fees and replacement cards

Changing your address with the MVA is free. You are not charged for updating your driver's license, ID card, vehicle registration, or title address. However, if you want a replacement physical card with your new address printed on it, the MVA charges a fee. A replacement driver's license costs $70, and a replacement ID card costs $30. These fees vary and may change, so check mva.maryland.gov for current amounts.

You do not need a replacement card to have a valid address on file. The MVA's records are updated when ready, and law enforcement can verify your current address in their system. A replacement card is optional and useful only if you want the new address printed on the card itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a new driver's license card when I change my address?

No. Your address updates in the MVA system right away, and that is all you need. A new physical card is optional and costs a fee. Police can look up your current address in their system even if your card shows an old one.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process takes about five to ten minutes, and your address is updated when ready. You receive a confirmation number right away. No waiting period is required.

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

The MVA accepts government mail, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance documents, and tax returns dated within the last 60 days. If none of those work, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, not online. You must use the mail or in-person method. If you visit an office, bring your expired license plus proof of your new address. The MVA will update your address and may ask whether you want to renew your license at the same time.

Does my vehicle registration address change automatically when I update my driver's license?

Yes. All three methods — online, mail, and in person — update your driver's license, ID card, vehicle registration, and title address in one transaction. You do not file a separate form for your vehicle.