What the Maryland DMV handles and how to reach it
The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is the state agency that issues driver's licenses, handles vehicle registration, and manages title transfers. Unlike some states that call it the DMV, Maryland officially uses the name MVA. You'll contact them for a new or renewed license, to register a vehicle, to change your address on your license or registration, or to handle a title issue.
The main phone line for the Maryland MVA is 410-787-7758 (toll-free within Maryland: 1-800-950-1MVA, or 1-800-950-1682). This line handles general questions and can direct you to the right department. The MVA website is mva.maryland.gov, where you can find forms, check wait times at service centers, and handle some transactions online.
Maryland has service centers across the state. You can find the location nearest you, current wait times, and hours on the MVA website. Many transactions now have online options, which can save you a trip. The MVA also offers appointments at some locations, which you can schedule through their website.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland's motor vehicle agency is called the MVA, not the DMV, and you can reach them at 410-787-7758 or 1-800-950-1682.
- Many common transactions like license renewal, address changes, and vehicle registration can be completed online through mva.maryland.gov without visiting a service center.
- Service centers have published wait times on the MVA website, and you can schedule appointments at some locations to reduce your time in line.
- You will need specific documents depending on your transaction — a new license requires proof of identity and residency, while registration changes require your current registration card and proof of the change.
Driver's license renewal and replacement in Maryland
Maryland driver's licenses are valid for eight years. You can renew online through the MVA website if your license is not expired and you have not had a major change (like a new address or name). Online renewal takes about two weeks and costs $70. If you cannot renew online, you'll need to visit a service center with your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and payment.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any service center or by mail. A replacement costs $30 and requires proof of identity. If your license has expired more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a vision test.
Maryland offers REAL ID-compliant licenses, which you'll need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. A REAL ID license requires additional documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency. The fee is the same as a standard license.
Vehicle registration and title transfers
When you buy a vehicle in Maryland, you have 30 days to register it. You'll need the bill of sale, proof of ownership (the title or manufacturer's certificate of origin), proof of Maryland residency, and proof of insurance. Registration costs vary by vehicle weight and type. You can register online if you have the title number and VIN, or you can visit a service center.
If you buy a vehicle from out of state, you must transfer the title to Maryland. This requires the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, proof of insurance, and proof of residency. The MVA will issue a new Maryland title. If the out-of-state title is in someone else's name, you'll need a notarized bill of sale or power of attorney.
Renewing vehicle registration is straightforward: you'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your registration expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is fastest and costs nothing extra. If you miss the renewal important date, you can still renew, but you may face a late fee.
Address changes on your license and registration
If you move within Maryland, you must update your address on your driver's license within 60 days. You can change your address online through the MVA website for free if your license is current and you have not had other changes. Online changes take about two weeks. If you prefer to do it in person, bring your current license and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days).
Your vehicle registration address must also match your current address. You can update this online at the same time as your license, or separately. If you move out of state, you must surrender your Maryland registration and title to the MVA before registering the vehicle in your new state.
Scams and safety alerts for Maryland MVA transactions
The MVA will never call you, text you, or email you asking for payment or personal information. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the MVA and asking for money or your Social Security number, it is a scam. Hang up or delete the message when ready and do not respond.
Fake MVA websites exist that look similar to mva.maryland.gov but have slightly different URLs. Always type the address directly into your browser or search for "Maryland MVA" to find the official site. Do not click links in emails or texts claiming to be from the MVA. The real MVA website has a lock icon in the address bar and the URL begins with https://mva.maryland.gov.
Be cautious of third-party services that claim they can handle your MVA transaction faster or easier. These services charge fees on top of the MVA's fees and do not speed up the process. You can handle all standard transactions yourself for the official fee only. If you need help understanding the process, the MVA's phone line and website are free.
Never give your license number, Social Security number, or financial information to anyone who contacts you unsolicited. The MVA does not conduct business this way. If you are unsure whether a request is legitimate, call the MVA directly at 410-787-7758 to verify.
Online services and what you can do without visiting a service center
The Maryland MVA offers several online services that can save you a trip. You can renew your driver's license online if it is current and you have not changed your name or address. You can update your address on your license and registration online. You can renew your vehicle registration online. You can also order a duplicate registration card or title online.
Some transactions still require an in-person visit: getting a new license for the first time, replacing a lost or stolen license if it has been more than 30 days, taking a written or vision test, or handling a title issue that involves a lien or out-of-state ownership. For these, you'll need to visit a service center.
The MVA website has a tool to check current wait times at each service center. If you do need to visit in person, checking the wait times before you go can help you choose the best time or location. Some service centers offer appointments, which you can book through the website to reduce your wait.
Documents you'll need for common Maryland MVA transactions
| Transaction | Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| Renew driver's license (online) | Current license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease within 60 days) |
| Renew driver's license (in person) | Current license, proof of identity, proof of residency |
| New driver's license | Proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, payment |
| REAL ID license | Proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, payment |
| Register a vehicle | Bill of sale, title or manufacturer's certificate, proof of residency, proof of insurance, payment |
| Transfer out-of-state title | Out-of-state title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, proof of residency, payment |
| Change address on license | Current license, proof of new address (online or in person) |
| Change address on registration | Current registration card, proof of new address (online or in person) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maryland license if it has been expired for more than two years?
No. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. This requires an in-person visit to a service center, a written test, and a vision test. Bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.
How long does it take to get a new Maryland title after I buy a vehicle?
If you register online, the title is usually mailed to you within two to three weeks. If you register in person at a service center, you may receive a temporary registration that day and the title by mail later. Keep the temporary registration with you while you drive until the title arrives.
What if I move out of Maryland — do I need to do anything with my MVA registration?
Yes. You must surrender your Maryland registration and title to the MVA before registering your vehicle in your new state. Some states will not issue a new registration without proof that the old one has been surrendered. You can mail these documents to the MVA or drop them off at a service center.
Is there a way to skip the wait at a Maryland MVA service center?
Some service centers offer appointments, which you can book through mva.maryland.gov. You can also check wait times on the website before you visit and choose a time when the center is less busy. Many transactions can be completed online, which eliminates the wait entirely.
What should I do if I think I received a scam call or email from someone claiming to be the MVA?
Do not respond or provide any information. Hang up or delete the message. The real MVA does not contact people by phone, text, or email asking for payment or personal details. You can report the scam to the Maryland Attorney General's office or to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.