How to Change Your Address at the DMV in Maryland

Moving within Maryland means you need to update your address with the state’s motor vehicle agency so your license, registration, and official notices stay current. This guide walks through how a Maryland DMV change of address works, what you’ll need, and how to handle special situations.

Maryland’s DMV Agency: Who Handles Address Changes?

In Maryland, the “DMV” is called the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

In Maryland, this is typically handled by one agency:

• Driver’s licenses and ID cards – handled by the Maryland MVA
• Vehicle registration and titles – also handled by the Maryland MVA
• Address changes – managed by the Maryland MVA for both your driver license/ID and your vehicle records

That means you do not need to figure out separate offices for licensing versus registration. However, your driver’s license address and vehicle registration address are separate records, so:

• Updating one does not always automatically update the other
• You may need to complete two address changes (one for your license/ID, one for your vehicle registration), even though they’re both with the Maryland MVA

Many drivers in Maryland find that checking both their license and registration information during one session helps them avoid missing an update.

To find the most accurate instructions for your situation, you can go to the official Maryland MVA website (commonly found at a .gov address) and search for “change of address” or “online services.”

Why Updating Your Address Matters in Maryland

In Maryland, keeping your address up to date with the MVA affects more than just what’s printed on your license.

Driver’s license or ID card

When you move within Maryland, updating your driver’s license address helps ensure:

• Law enforcement records match your current address
• Identity verification checks (for banking, jobs, etc.) do not fail due to an old address
• If Maryland or another entity mails you notices tied to your license status, they reach you

Depending on your county in Maryland, local law enforcement and courts rely heavily on the address listed in MVA records for certain notices.

Vehicle registration and title

For your vehicle, the address on file is used for:

• Registration renewal notices
• Emissions inspection reminders (where required)
• Title documents, if they’re mailed or reissued
• Any insurance or registration compliance notices

If you don’t update your vehicle registration address, you risk missing an important renewal reminder, which can lead to driving with an expired registration or lapses in proof-of-insurance compliance.

Official notices and legal correspondence

Courts, tolling authorities, and other state agencies sometimes rely on MVA address records. If your address is wrong:

• You might miss traffic or toll notices
• You could miss hearing dates or other time-sensitive information
• You might not receive updates if your Maryland license or registration status changes

In Maryland, this is typically handled by automated systems that assume the address in your MVA record is accurate, so keeping it current helps protect you from problems caused by missed mail.

What You’ll Need to Change Your Address

Most Maryland MVA change of address requests require basic personal and vehicle details. Exact requirements can vary, but you should be ready with:

Common information for all address changes

Have this information handy:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Maryland driver’s license or ID number
• Last four digits of your Social Security number (often used for identity verification)
• Old address currently on file with the MVA
• New Maryland residential address
• Mailing address, if different from where you live (for PO boxes or rural routes)

In Maryland, many online MVA services use a combination of your license number and partial SSN to verify your identity, so have your card nearby.

For vehicle registration and title address changes

If you’re also updating your vehicle records, you may need:

• License plate number
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – usually on your registration card or visible on your dashboard
• Vehicle make, model, and year

If you have multiple vehicles registered in Maryland, you’ll typically need to update each one individually to ensure every registration shows your new address.

Possible proof of address

Maryland MVA may require or request proof of your new Maryland address, especially for in-person visits or if your information cannot be verified online. Examples (subject to MVA rules) can include:

• Utility bill, bank statement, or lease with your name and new address
• Official mail from a government agency sent to your new address
• Mortgage documents or property tax statements

Because requirements can change, it’s best to check the Maryland MVA website or call ahead to confirm acceptable documents before visiting an office.

Why address change requests get rejected

Maryland driver address changes may be rejected if:

• Information doesn’t match MVA records (name, date of birth, SSN digits, or license number)
• The new address is incomplete or formatted incorrectly (missing apartment number, incorrect ZIP code, etc.)
• The address is outside Maryland, and you’re trying to use an in-state change-of-address process
• You’re using the wrong service (for example, updating just your registration when you meant to update your license)
• There is a hold or flag on your record that requires in-person verification

Taking a few minutes to double-check spelling, apartment numbers, and license numbers can prevent a Maryland DMV change of address request from failing.

Step-by-Step Options to Change Your Address in Maryland

Depending on your eligibility, you may be able to complete your DMV change of address Maryland online, by mail, or in person. Not all methods are always available, so confirm with the Maryland MVA before you proceed.

In Maryland, this is typically handled through online services first, with mail and in-person visits as alternatives.

1. Online Address Change (If Eligible)

Online is often the fastest way to complete a Maryland DMV change of address for your license and, in many cases, your vehicle records.

How to start online

1. Go to the official Maryland MVA website.

   • Look for a web address ending in .gov.
   • Use the “Online Services” or “eServices” section.
   • Search for “change of address” or “address change”.

2. Choose the correct service type:

   • Driver’s license / ID change of address
   • Vehicle registration change of address

   Depending on how Maryland has set up the system, you may be able to update both in a single session or may need to complete two related transactions.

3. Enter your identification details:

   • Driver’s license or ID number
   • Name and date of birth
   • Any requested digits of your SSN
   • Current address (to verify your record)

4. Enter your new Maryland address:

   • Include apartment or unit numbers
   • Clarify separate mailing address if you receive mail at a PO box or different address

5. Review and submit:

   • Confirm the new address is correct
   • Verify whether both license address and vehicle address are being updated

Maryland DMV change of address form online

If the Maryland MVA uses an online Maryland DMV change of address form, it will typically appear as a guided web form. You’ll be asked step-by-step for:

• Your identity information
• Your current address
• Your new address
• Which records you want to update

Depending on your county in Maryland, you may see slightly different options or notes related to vehicle taxes or emissions requirements, but the core process is similar statewide.

2. In-Person Address Change

In-person is often required or preferred if:

• You have complex changes (such as a name and address change together)
• Your online Maryland DMV change of address attempt was rejected
• You have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• You need a replacement license or ID card immediately with your new address printed on it

Where to go

In Maryland, this is typically handled at MVA branch offices and sometimes at self-service kiosks inside or at partner locations. To find an office:

• Visit the Maryland MVA official site and use the office or branch locator
• Check hours, appointment requirements, and services offered at that specific location

What to bring

At a minimum, bring:

• Your current Maryland driver’s license or ID card
• Your current vehicle registration card(s) if updating vehicle records
• Proof of new Maryland address, if requested by MVA
• Any supporting documents if you are also changing your name or renewing your license

Many drivers in Maryland find that bringing two forms of address documentation (for example, a lease and a utility bill) can help if there are any questions at the counter.

Typical in-person steps

1. Check in at the information desk or kiosk.
2. Request an address change for your driver’s license/ID, registration, and any titles if needed.
3. Fill out any required paper form the office provides.
4. Show your documentation and confirm the new address.
5. Pay any applicable fee if you request a new physical card or updated registration document.
6. Receive a receipt or temporary document, if provided, showing your updated address information or pending change.

3. Mail-In Address Change (If Available)

Maryland has at times allowed address changes by mail, often using a printed change of address form. Availability and form names can change, so confirm on the official MVA website.

If a mail method is offered, it typically looks like this:

1. Find the correct Maryland DMV change of address form:

   • Go to the Maryland MVA site
   • Search for “change of address form” or “address change by mail”
   • Download and print the current version

2. Complete the form carefully:

   • Fill in all personal information
   • Provide your current and new addresses
   • Indicate whether you’re changing address for your license, registration, or both

3. Include any required copies:

   • Photocopies of documents the form lists, if any
   • Never mail original critical identity documents unless the form specifically instructs you to do so and you’re comfortable with the process

4. Mail the form:

   • Use the mailing address provided on the form or on the MVA website
   • Consider using a method with tracking if you want proof of delivery

5. Watch for confirmation:

   • You may receive updated registration documents or confirmation by mail
   • For license address changes, you might be required to obtain a new card separately

License vs. Registration: Do They Update Together?

In Maryland, driver’s license and vehicle registration records are separate, even though they are both controlled by the MVA.

• Updating your driver’s license address does not always update your vehicle registration address, and vice versa.
• Some online systems will ask whether you want to apply the new address to all vehicles in your name—if you’re given this choice, review it carefully.

To avoid mismatched records, after completing your Maryland DMV change of address, many drivers in Maryland log back into the MVA online services to confirm:

• The license/ID address is correct
• The registration address for each vehicle is updated

After You Submit Your Address Change

Once you’ve submitted your address change request to the Maryland MVA, here’s what to expect.

Confirmation

Depending on the method:

• Online: You may see an on-screen confirmation page. You may be able to print or save a confirmation number or summary.
• In-person: You may receive a receipt, appointment printout, or updated temporary document.
• Mail: You may not get immediate confirmation; instead, you’ll see the update when you receive your next registration, or if you check your record online.

In Maryland, this is typically handled by updating your electronic record first; the printed card or registration document may follow later.

New license or ID card

An address change does not always automatically produce a new physical license or ID card. Depending on current Maryland rules, you might:

• Have your record updated but still show the old address on your existing card
• Need to request a replacement card if you want the address physically updated
• Pay a replacement fee if applicable (check MVA guidance)

If you rely on your license as proof of current address in Maryland (for work, school, or housing), consider whether you need a new card printed.

Updated registration, title, or stickers

After your address change for vehicle records:

• An updated registration card may be mailed to your new address
• Some vehicles may receive new stickers, depending on Maryland’s current registration practices
• The title may not be reissued unless you request a new one, but the new address would be updated in the electronic record

Avoid specifying any exact timeframes unless Maryland MVA guidance clearly does; mail delivery and processing can vary across the state.

Special Situations in Maryland

Some groups face additional requirements or options when changing their address.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders

For CDL drivers in Maryland:

• Federal and state rules may require in-person updates for certain changes
• You may need to show additional documents, especially if your address affects your employment base or endorsements
• Some online systems may not allow a Maryland CDL address change at all

CDL holders should check the Maryland MVA CDL-specific guidance and, if needed, call ahead to their local MVA branch for instructions.

Active-duty military and families

If you’re active-duty military stationed in or out of Maryland:

• You may still need to maintain a current mailing address on your Maryland MVA records
• If you’re stationed out of state but keep a Maryland license, your address options may be more limited or may rely on a Maryland permanent address or mailing address

Depending on your county in Maryland and whether you own a vehicle garaged in the state, you may also need to coordinate with local property tax or emissions requirements when you update your address. Check the Maryland MVA website for any dedicated military sections.

College students

Maryland college students often have:

• A permanent home address (for example, parents’ address)
• A temporary campus address

If you use your campus address as your primary residence:

• Consider whether you want to list the campus address or a permanent Maryland address as your MVA mailing address
• Make sure you’ll reliably receive MVA mail at whichever address you choose, especially for renewals or notices

If you move between counties in Maryland for school and work (for example, from Montgomery County to Baltimore City), check whether your new address affects local vehicle taxes or parking rules, even though your state-level MVA process remains the same.

New residents moving into Maryland (MD)

If you’ve just moved from another state to Maryland:

• The process described here (Maryland DMV change of address) is for in-state address updates
• As a new resident, you typically need to:
  • Obtain a Maryland driver’s license
  • Title and register your vehicle in Maryland
• This is more than a simple address change and may require additional documents (proof of identity, legal presence, Social Security, Maryland residency, and vehicle inspections)

New residents should look for “new to Maryland” or “new resident” sections on the Maryland MVA official site.

PO boxes and rural routes

If you live in an area where mail delivery is different from your physical address:

• Maryland MVA generally needs a physical residential address for your driver record
• You may be allowed a separate mailing address (like a PO box or rural route) for receiving mail

Be sure to clearly distinguish:

• Residential address: where you actually live in Maryland
• Mailing address: where you receive mail (if different)

This helps ensure law enforcement, courts, and other agencies recognize your correct Maryland residence, while your mail still reaches you reliably.

Name and address change together

If you’ve changed your name and address at the same time (for example, after marriage):

• Many Maryland residents find that they must update their name first with Social Security and then with the MVA
• The MVA may require in-person service and original supporting documents (marriage certificate, court order, etc.)
• You can often update your address during the same transaction, but it may not be possible online

If you’re in this situation, search the Maryland MVA website for “name change” and confirm which documents and steps are required before visiting.

Simple Overview: Methods to Change Your Address in Maryland

Here’s a quick comparison of the main options to help you plan:

In Maryland, this is typically handled by starting with online services, then moving to in-person if the system says you’re not eligible or flags your record.

Troubleshooting: If Your Address Change Doesn’t Go Through

Sometimes a DMV change of address Maryland request doesn’t complete as expected. Here’s how to respond to common issues.

Online address change rejected

If the online system won’t accept your Maryland DMV change of address:

1. Recheck your entries

   • License number (look carefully at 0 vs. O, 1 vs. I)
   • Date of birth format
   • Last four digits of SSN
   • Old address exactly as it appears on your license or registration

2. Confirm eligibility

   • Some types of licenses or records (such as CDL) may not be eligible for online changes.
   • Your record may have a suspension, flag, or non-compliance issue requiring an in-person visit.

3. Try a different browser or device

   • Occasionally, technical issues on older browsers can prevent form submission.

If you still can’t complete the change, the safest next step is to visit an MVA branch in person or call the Maryland MVA using the official number listed on the .gov site.

Submitted but not updated

If you submitted your change (online, mail, or in-person) but your address still looks wrong:

• Wait a short period and check again, especially for online changes
• Log in to the MVA online services and verify both your license and vehicle registration records
• If mail was used, consider mail transit time plus MVA processing

If it still hasn’t updated:

• Contact the Maryland MVA using the official contact information on their website
• Provide any confirmation number or receipt you received

Rejected request or returned mail

If your address change is rejected, or MVA mail is returned as undeliverable:

• Double-check that your new address is a valid, recognized USPS address
• Make sure apartment, suite, or unit numbers are included
• If needed, visit an MVA office with proof of address (e.g., utility bill, lease, government mail)

Some Maryland communities, especially in rural areas, may have addressing quirks; in those cases, verifying the exact USPS format can help.

License updated but registration didn’t (or vice versa)

This is a common issue because the systems can be separate:

• Log into the MVA’s online services and review both records
• If one is still incorrect, submit another address change specifically for that record type (license vs. registration)
• Keep a note of the date and method for each change in case you need to show that you attempted to correct your address

In Maryland, this is typically handled by letting you select which vehicles or records to apply your new address to; if you skipped a vehicle, you may need to update that registration separately.

Moved out of Maryland (to another state)

If you’ve moved out of Maryland to a new state:

• You generally need to obtain a new driver’s license in your new state
• You may need to surrender or cancel your Maryland vehicle registration and possibly return license plates to Maryland
• Updating a Maryland address after leaving the state is usually not the main step—transitioning your license and vehicles to your new state is

Check your new state’s DMV site for new resident steps and the Maryland MVA site for how to close out or return Maryland plates and registration if required.

Keeping your address current with the Maryland MVA protects you from missed notices and helps keep your records accurate across the state. The most efficient next step is to visit the official Maryland MVA website, look for “Online Services” or “change of address”, and decide whether you can complete your update online or if you should schedule an in-person visit. Having your license, registration, and a list of your vehicles ready will make the process smoother, no matter which method you use.