How To Do a Maryland DMV Change of Address

If you’re planning on moving to, from, or within the state of Maryland then you’re going to want to make sure that you know exactly what’s expected of you in terms of DMV paperwork. Like all states, you’ll be required to get your Maryland DMV Change of Address forms in order before you can truly settle in as a resident—including your address on your driver’s license and your vehicle’s registration, if applicable.

It’s good practice to take care of all of your paperwork as early as possible, especially if you’re going to be driving in the state or want to start applying for jobs. And since Maryland requires that you file your change of address paperwork within just 60 days of establishing residency in the state, there really isn’t much time to waste.

Not sure where you should start? That’s where we come in. We’ve put together all of the information that you’ll need to complete your Maryland DMV change of address and vehicle registration forms, so read through the information below and then make your way to a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office to get started.

If You’re Moving to Maryland from Another State

Will you need to get a new driver’s license if moving to Maryland from another state?

How do you get one?

To get a Maryland driver’s license as a formerly out-of-state resident you’ll have to go to a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office in person, since unfortunately you can’t do a Maryland DMV change of address online or over the phone.

Per the rules in most states, expect that Maryland driver’s licenses for new residents to the state are only available to those who do not have any outstanding suspensions, revocations, or cancellations on their out of state driver’s license and who have not been previously deemed unfit or unsafe to drive by the MD DMV or an outside court.

You will need to bring along the following documentation when you visit the MD DMV:

• • Your current out-of-state license
  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of lawful presence
  • Social security card
  • Proof of Maryland residency (two documents)

  Note that if your name on your proof of identity does not match the name on your current driver’s license then you will also have to bring along proof of name change, such as your marriage license, divorce decree, or a court order for a legal name change.

  Is there a fee?

  Yes. The fee for a new driver’s license in Maryland is $9, though costs may vary in some instances. See a complete breakdown of fees here.

  Does a Maryland DMV change of address require a driving test?

  No, provided you have a current and valid out-of-state driver’s license. You will have to pass a vision test though.

  How long do you have to get a Maryland driver’s license or ID card?

  Maryland requires that you get your DMV change of address handled within 60 days of establishing residency in that state. So how do you know if you’re officially a resident? Head to the MD DMV if you plan to:

  • • Live in Maryland for at least 7 months out of the year
    • Register to vote in Maryland
    • Work in Maryland
    • Run a business out of Maryland

    How long do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?

    Maryland requires that you register your vehicle in the state withing 60 days of establishing residency.

    How do you update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of Maryland?

    There are three ways to update your vehicle registration as a new resident of Maryland.

    1. Head to a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office in person. Make sure to bring along the following required documents:

    • • Your out-of-state title or registration document
      • Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate, valid for 90 days from date of inspection
      • Application for Certificate of Title (Form VR-005)

      Other documents that may be requested include proof of vehicle value and your lease agreement. You can find out more about document requirements here.

      2. Mail your documents. To register your vehicle by mail, send the documents listed above to Maryland’s Out-of-State Title Unit, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062.

      3. Visit an MVA-licensed tag and title service office. Skip the lines at the DMV and head to a Maryland tag and title service office instead.

      What is the registration fee?

      The fees for registering a standard non-commercial vehicle in Maryland vary, so check the fee list to see what your cost will be.

      If You’re Moving Within Maryland

      Maryland requires that you update your driver’s license within 30 days with your new address when moving within the state (and no, changing your address with the post office doesn’t cut it).

      You have three primary options for updating your address on your Maryland driver’s license:

      1. Fill out a Maryland DMV change of address form online. You can do so here. Be sure to have your current Maryland driver’s license number handy, as well as the last four digits of your social security number.

      2. Go to a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office in person. Find a Maryland driver’s license office near you and fill out a Maryland DMV change of address form in person.

      3. By mail. Send your completed change of address form (VR-154) to Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Room 203, Glen Burnie, MD 21062.

      How much does a Maryland change of address cost?

      An update to your Maryland address with the DMV is free, but you’ll need to pay if you want a replacement driver’s license with your new address. You can see fees here.

      What information do you need to provide to update your address on your driver’s license?

      To change your address on your Maryland driver’s license or identification card, you will need to provide:

      • • Completed Change of Address Form
        • Date of birth
        • Driver’s license number

        What information do you need to provide to update your vehicle registration?

        You will need to provide the same change of address paperwork noted above to update your vehicle’s registration.

        Just like with your driver’s license, you can update your vehicle’s registration online or in person, or mail your information to Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Room 203, Glen Burnie, MD 21062.

        Will Maryland issue you a new driver’s license if you’re moving within the state?

        Not unless you want one.

        If You’re Moving From Maryland to Another State

        Do you need to notify the state of Maryland if you’re moving to another state without a registered car?

        Nope. When you receive a driver’s license in your new state of residency Maryland will automatically cancel your MD driver’s license.

        Do you need to notify the state of Maryland if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle?

        Do you need to return your Maryland license plates?

        Under Maryland law, you must return your state license plates when you move. Here’s how to do it.

        Have any questions?

        If you have any questions about changing your address on your driver’s license and/or vehicle’s registration when moving to, from, or within the state of Maryland, contact the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration at (410) 768-7000. You are encouraged to have your driver’s license number and license plate number (if applicable) ready when you call.

        If you’d rather reach out by email, send a message to [email protected].

        Need to hire movers for your move to, from, or within the state of Maryland?

        We can help you out with that! Use Moving.com to quickly and easily search for reputable interstate movers in your area. Because moving out of state can be costly, we recommend reaching out to at least three different interstate moving companies to get quotes so that you can ensure you are getting the best price possible. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate on how much your Maryland move will cost.