Renew online, by mail, or in person depending on how long it has been expired

Maryland lets you renew an expired driver's license through three routes: online at mva.maryland.gov, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at an MVA office. Which route you can use depends on how long your license has been expired. If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office and bring original documents to prove your identity and Maryland residency.

The online route is fastest — you can complete it in 10 minutes and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The mail route takes longer overall but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at an MVA office takes about 30 minutes once you arrive, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • If your license expired within the last 12 months, you can renew online at mva.maryland.gov or by mail without visiting an MVA office.
  • If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew in person and bring an original birth certificate or passport, proof of Maryland residency, and your expired license.
  • Online renewal costs $109 for an eight-year license and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
  • Mail renewal requires form DL-43 (available on the MVA website), a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks total.
  • In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year.

Renewing online if your license expired within 12 months

Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Maryland driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.

Once you pass the identity check, you will review your current information and make any updates — address, name change, or emergency contact. You then pay $109 by debit card or credit card for an eight-year license. Maryland does not offer shorter renewal periods online. After payment, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive at your mailing address within 7 to 10 business days.

If the online system cannot verify your identity — which happens occasionally if you have not had a recent traffic interaction or your records are incomplete — you will be directed to renew by mail or in person instead. This is not a rejection; it straightforward means the automated system needs more information.

Renewing by mail if your license expired within 12 months

read form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit) from mva.maryland.gov or request it by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, date of birth, and signature. You do not need to provide new documents if you are renewing by mail — your expired license serves as proof of identity.

Mail the completed form DL-43, your expired driver's license, and a check or money order for $109 (made payable to "Maryland MVA") to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your expired license returned to you; otherwise, the MVA will destroy it. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your packet.

Keep a copy of the form and your payment confirmation for your records. If your packet does not arrive within the expected timeframe, call the MVA to confirm they received it.

Renewing in person if your license expired more than 12 months ago

You must visit an MVA office in person. Bring your expired driver's license, an original or certified birth certificate or U.S. passport, and one document proving your current Maryland address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

Find your nearest MVA office at mva.maryland.gov and check the office hours before you go. Many offices operate by appointment only; if yours does, schedule online or call ahead. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations but may face longer waits. Bring all documents in originals — photocopies are not accepted for identity verification.

At the office, you will complete form DL-43 with an MVA representative, have your photo taken, and pay $109 for an eight-year license. The process takes about 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if you drive with an expired license

Driving with an expired license in Maryland is a traffic violation. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation. The penalty is typically a fine of $70 to $110, though the officer may issue a warning if your license expired recently and you can show proof of renewal in progress. If your license has been expired for more than one year, the violation is more serious and may result in a higher fine or points on your driving record.

If you are stopped, having a confirmation email from online renewal or a copy of your mailed renewal form can help demonstrate that you have taken steps to renew. Keep these documents in your vehicle while you wait for your new license to arrive.

Renewing a license that was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked — not straightforward expired — you cannot renew through the standard process. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. Contact the MVA or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take before you can renew.

Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew using the standard process based on how long your license has been expired. The MVA website has a tool to check your license status; enter your license number and date of birth to see if any holds are on your record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I moved out of Maryland?

No. Maryland driver's licenses are only issued to Maryland residents. If you have moved to another state, you must obtain a license from that state. If you moved temporarily but still consider Maryland your home, you can renew by mail or online if your license expired within 12 months, as long as you provide a Maryland address.

What if I lost my expired license and do not have it?

If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still renew online or by mail without the physical license — the MVA has your record. If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew in person, but you do not need the expired license itself. Bring your birth certificate or passport and proof of residency instead.

How much does it cost to renew?

A standard eight-year Maryland driver's license costs $109. This is the only renewal period available online or by mail. If you renew in person at an MVA office, you can request a four-year license for $54.50 if you prefer a shorter renewal period, though this option is not available through online or mail renewal.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew yourself, either online, by mail, or in person. If you renew by mail, you sign the form yourself. If you renew in person, you must be present for the photo and signature. Online renewal requires you to answer security questions that only you can answer.

What if I need to renew before my new license arrives?

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the MVA office for a temporary paper license when you renew in person — they issue one when ready. If you renewed online or by mail, you can visit an MVA office and request a temporary license while you wait for the permanent one.