Maryland driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

A standard Maryland driver's license costs $70 for an eight-year license, or $35 for a four-year license. If you are under 21, a four-year license costs $30. These are the fees you pay to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) when you get or renew your license. The price does not change based on where you live in Maryland or which MVA office you visit.

The eight-year license is the most common choice for adults because it costs less per year than renewing every four years. However, some people choose the four-year option if they expect their address or appearance to change significantly, or if they want to renew sooner for other reasons.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Maryland driver's license costs $70; a four-year license costs $35 for adults and $30 for people under 21.
  • You pay the fee directly to the Motor Vehicle Administration when you renew or get a new license in person or by mail.
  • The MVA accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at office locations; mail renewals require a check or money order.
  • If you renew by mail, you must send payment with your process and cannot use a credit or debit card.

How to pay when you renew in person

When you go to an MVA office to renew your license, you pay the fee at the counter after your process is processed. The MVA accepts cash, personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards at all office locations. You do not need to bring exact change or call ahead to reserve a payment method.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. The staff will tell you which payment method they prefer, but all four options are available. If you are renewing an expired license, the fee is the same.

How to pay when you renew by mail

Maryland allows you to renew your driver's license by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. When you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order with your process. The MVA does not accept credit cards or debit cards for mail renewals.

Write the check or money order for the correct amount ($70 for eight years or $35 for four years) and make it payable to "Motor Vehicle Administration." Mail your process, payment, and required documents to the address listed on the renewal form. Processing takes about two to three weeks after the MVA receives your envelope.

Additional fees you might encounter

The base license fee covers a standard license. However, you may pay extra for certain options. A REAL ID-compliant license costs an additional $25 on top of the base fee. REAL ID is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025, so many people choose this option.

If you need a replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, the replacement fee is $10 in addition to any renewal fees. If you are changing your name or address, there may be additional documentation requirements, but no extra fee beyond the standard license cost.

What happens if you let your license expire

If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it by mail or in person at the regular renewal fee. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license in person at an MVA office. A new license costs the same as a renewal ($70 for eight years or $35 for four years), but you will need to pass a vision test and provide original documents proving your identity and residency.

The longer your license has been expired, the more documents you may need to bring. Call your local MVA office or check the Maryland MVA website before you go, because document requirements can vary based on how long your license has been expired.

Where to find your nearest MVA office and hours

Maryland has MVA offices in most counties and in Baltimore. You can find the office nearest you, current hours, and wait times on the official Maryland MVA website. Some offices are busier than others, and hours change seasonally, so check before you go.

If you cannot visit an office in person and your license is not expired, renewing by mail is usually faster than waiting for an appointment. The MVA also offers online services for certain transactions, though license renewal by internet is not yet available in Maryland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the license fee online?

No. You must pay in person at an MVA office or by check or money order if you renew by mail. The MVA does not accept online payments for driver's license fees at this time.

Do I have to pay the full fee if I renew early?

Yes. Whether you renew one month before your license expires or one year before, you pay the full fee for the license term you choose. There is no discount for early renewal.

What if I cannot afford the license fee right now?

The MVA does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for driver's licenses. However, if your license is expired and you need to drive, you can renew it as soon as you have the funds. There is no penalty for renewing late beyond the standard fee.

Is the REAL ID fee worth paying?

REAL ID is required for domestic air travel and federal building entry starting May 2025. If you fly or visit federal offices, the $25 extra fee is necessary. If you do not travel by air or visit federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient.

Can I get a refund if I paid the wrong amount?

Contact the MVA office where you paid or the central MVA office if you paid by mail. Overpayments are usually refunded by check within four to six weeks. Underpayments will delay your license until you pay the difference.