Where the Annapolis DMV is located and what it handles

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in Annapolis is located at 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061. This is the main office serving Anne Arundel County residents and handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, title transfers, and most standard DMV transactions. Glen Burnie is about 15 minutes south of downtown Annapolis.

If you live in or near Annapolis, this is typically where you'll go for in-person services. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Hours can change seasonally or for holidays, so checking the Maryland MVA website before you visit is worth your time.

The Annapolis area also has a smaller express office at 2 Dock Street in downtown Annapolis, which handles limited services like license renewals and address changes. This location is more convenient if you only need a quick transaction and don't want to drive to Glen Burnie.

Key Takeaways

  • The main Annapolis-area MVA office is in Glen Burnie at 6601 Ritchie Highway, about 15 minutes south of downtown.
  • A smaller express office at 2 Dock Street in downtown Annapolis handles renewals and address changes only.
  • You can make an appointment online through the Maryland MVA website, which usually cuts your wait time significantly.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction before you go.
  • The Glen Burnie office is open weekdays 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

How to make an appointment and reduce wait times

The Maryland MVA allows you to schedule appointments online at mva.maryland.gov. You select your office, the type of transaction you need, and your preferred date and time. Appointments typically reduce your wait from hours to 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is that day.

Walk-ins are accepted at both the Glen Burnie and downtown Annapolis offices, but you may wait 1 to 3 hours during peak times, especially mid-morning and mid-week. If you cannot get an appointment that works for you, going early on a Saturday morning or right when the office opens on a weekday tends to be faster than mid-day visits.

Some transactions, like renewing a license online or by mail, don't require a visit at all. Check the Maryland MVA website to see if your specific need can be handled without going in person.

What documents to bring for common transactions

For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license, proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address.

For a vehicle registration or title transfer, bring the vehicle's title, proof of insurance, proof of residency, and your ID. If you're buying a used car, you'll also need the bill of sale and the seller's signature on the title. The exact documents vary depending on whether the vehicle is new, used, or being transferred from out of state.

For an address change, bring your current ID and proof of your new address. This can be done at the downtown Annapolis express office and usually takes less than 15 minutes.

If you're unsure what documents you need for your specific transaction, call the Glen Burnie office at 410-768-7000 before you go. Having everything ready the first time means you won't have to make a second trip.

Parking and getting to the Glen Burnie office

The Glen Burnie MVA office has a large parking lot with free parking. If you're using public transportation, the MARC Brunswick Line stops near the office, though the walk from the station is about 10 to 15 minutes. Local Anne Arundel County bus routes also serve the area — check the county transit website for current routes and schedules.

The downtown Annapolis express office at 2 Dock Street is walking distance from the Annapolis City Dock and has street parking and nearby parking garages. This location is much easier to reach if you're already downtown or using public transit.

Scams and safety information for DMV visits

Be cautious of websites that claim to offer "expedited" or "may provide" service for a fee. The official Maryland MVA website is mva.maryland.gov. Any site charging you extra to renew your license or register your vehicle is not affiliated with the state and is likely a scam.

Never give your Social Security number, driver's license number, or payment information to anyone who contacts you by phone or email claiming to be from the MVA. The Maryland MVA will not call you asking for personal information. If someone claims your license is suspended or your registration is invalid and demands payment, hang up and call the Glen Burnie office directly at 410-768-7000 to verify.

When you visit in person, bring only the documents you need for your transaction. Do not carry your Social Security card unless specifically told to do so. Keep your documents in a find place while you wait.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

Many transactions can be completed online or by mail without visiting an office. License renewals for drivers who are not required to take a new photo can be renewed online at mva.maryland.gov. Address changes can also be done online.

If you need to register a vehicle or transfer a title and cannot visit Glen Burnie, you may be able to use a licensed MVA agent — private businesses authorized by the state to handle certain transactions. These agents charge a fee on top of the state fee, but they can save you a trip. Search "MVA agent near me" or check the Maryland MVA website for agents in Anne Arundel County.

If you have a disability or medical condition that makes visiting difficult, call the Glen Burnie office at 410-768-7000 to ask about accommodations or alternative options for your specific transaction.

Contact information and resources

Glen Burnie MVA Office (main): 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 | Phone: 410-768-7000 | Hours: Monday–Friday 8:15 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Saturday 8:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Downtown Annapolis Express Office: 2 Dock Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 | Limited services (renewals, address changes) | Hours vary — check mva.maryland.gov for current times.

Maryland MVA Website: mva.maryland.gov — Schedule appointments, renew licenses online, check registration status, and find answers to common questions.

General MVA Phone Line: 410-768-7000 (Glen Burnie office) — Call to ask about documents needed, check on transaction status, or report a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new driver's license at the Annapolis office?

With an appointment, you're usually done in 15 to 30 minutes. Walk-ins can wait 1 to 3 hours depending on how busy the office is. You receive your temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Can I renew my vehicle registration online instead of going to the office?

Yes, if your vehicle is registered in Maryland and your license is valid. Go to mva.maryland.gov and follow the online renewal process. You'll pay the fee online and receive your new registration by mail. You cannot renew online if your vehicle failed inspection or if there are violations on your account.

What if I need to transfer a title from another state?

You must visit the Glen Burnie office in person. Bring the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, proof of insurance, proof of residency, your ID, and your Social Security number. The office will inspect the vehicle's VIN and process the Maryland title. This usually takes one visit, but call ahead at 410-768-7000 to confirm all documents are correct.

Is there a way to skip the line at the MVA office?

Making an appointment online is the fastest way to reduce wait time. Using an MVA agent (a private business licensed by the state) is another option, but you'll pay an extra fee. Some transactions, like license renewal, can be done entirely online or by mail, which avoids the office altogether.

What should I do if I lost my driver's license?

Visit the Glen Burnie office or the downtown Annapolis express office with your ID (passport, birth certificate, or other government ID), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You'll get a temporary license on the spot and your permanent replacement by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Make an appointment to avoid a long wait.