What you need to do to renew your Maryland license
Maryland lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. Online renewal is the fastest route if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes or name changes since it was issued. If you cannot renew online, you will mail documents to the MVA or visit a branch in person.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. The MVA will send you a notice in the mail about 60 days before your expiration date, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the MVA website takes about 10 minutes if your address and name have not changed since your last license was issued.
- If you cannot renew online, you can mail your documents to the MVA or visit an MVA office in person, and processing takes two to four weeks by mail.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but you cannot drive legally until the new license arrives.
Renewing online through the MVA website
Go to the Maryland MVA website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your address and name as they appear on your current license.
You can pay the renewal fee with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The fee for an eight-year renewal is $109. Once you submit your payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and it usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is only available if your license is not expired, your address has not changed, your name has not changed, and you do not need to update your vision correction status. If any of these explore to you, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, you will need to send the MVA a completed process for a Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 43), your current license, and payment. You can read Form DL 43 from the Maryland MVA website or request it by phone at 410-787-7758.
Mail your documents to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21061. Include a check or money order for $109 made payable to the Maryland MVA. Do not send cash. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope.
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, include a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If your name has changed, include a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Renewing in person at an MVA office
You can walk into any MVA branch and renew your license on the spot. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and payment. If your address or name has changed, bring the same supporting documents you would mail in.
Processing in person takes about 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Your new license will be printed before you leave. You can check wait times at specific MVA offices on the Maryland MVA website before you go.
If you are renewing in person and your vision has changed, you may be asked to take a vision test at the office. You will also have your photo taken for the new license.
What happens if your license has already expired
You can still renew an expired license by mail or in person using the same process described above. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your renewal is processed, you may want to visit an MVA office in person so you can leave with your new license the same day.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written test and vision test. Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to confirm what is required in your situation.
The renewal fee and payment methods
The standard renewal fee for an eight-year Maryland driver's license is $109. This fee applies whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order — the MVA does not accept cash by mail. Online and in-person renewals accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.
Some people may be charged a different fee based on their age or license type. If you hold a commercial driver's license or a license with special restrictions, contact the MVA to confirm your fee before you submit payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
The MVA will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or court-ordered suspension. You must resolve the ticket or fine first. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out how to pay or dispute it.
What if my address changed but I do not have a document to prove it?
You will need a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail will work. If you do not have one, you can visit an MVA office and they may be able to help you find an acceptable alternative.
How long does it take to get my new license if I renew online?
Your new license is usually mailed within 7 to 10 business days after you submit your online renewal. It may take longer during busy periods. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after you pay, which you can use to track your order on the MVA website.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
Yes. You can renew by mail from anywhere, or you can renew online if you meet the requirements. You do not need to be in Maryland to renew. If you have moved out of state and want to change your address, you will need to renew in person or by mail and provide proof of your new address.