Where to renew and what you need to bring
You can renew your Maryland driver's license at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, online through the MVA website, or by mail. The fastest route is online if you meet the requirements — you must be renewing a standard license (not a commercial license), your license cannot be expired for more than one year, and you cannot have any medical conditions flagged on your record that require an in-person review.
If you go in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring a new photo — the MVA will use your existing photo unless you request a new one, which costs extra. If you are renewing by mail, the MVA will send you a form when your license is within six months of expiration; fill it out, include a check or money order, and mail it back with a copy of your proof of residency.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail within two weeks if you meet the basic requirements.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on wait times, but you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.
- You must bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and know your Social Security number for any renewal method.
- If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail and must visit an MVA office in person.
- The renewal fee is the same regardless of method — currently $109 for an eight-year license — and you can pay by check, money order, debit card, or credit card.
Online renewal: fastest if you are may be able to access
Go to the MVA website (mva.maryland.gov) and select "Renew Your License Online." You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and ask whether you want to keep your current photo or upload a new one. If you keep your photo, the process takes about 10 minutes.
You will pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 to 14 business days. You do not receive a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need to drive before it arrives. If the system rejects you during online renewal, it will tell you why — usually because your license is too old or a medical flag exists — and you will need to visit an MVA office instead.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
Find your nearest MVA office on the website and check the current wait times before you go — the MVA publishes live wait estimates for each location. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and be ready to pay the renewal fee. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
When you finish, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your new plastic card is mailed. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your regular license for driving purposes. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks. If you need a new photo, tell the staff when you arrive — they will take one on the spot, and it will appear on your new license.
Mail renewal: slowest but no waiting
The MVA will mail you a renewal form automatically when your license is within six months of expiration. Fill out the form, write a check or money order for the renewal fee, and include a photocopy of your proof of residency. Mail everything back to the address on the form.
Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail after that. This method works only if your license is not yet expired or expired for less than one year. If you do not receive the form in the mail, you can request one by calling the MVA at 410-768-7000 or visiting an office in person.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew online, by mail, or in person using the standard process. If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must visit an MVA office in person. Bring the same documents (current license, proof of residency, Social Security number), but be prepared for the staff to ask additional questions about why the license lapsed.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Do not drive until your new license arrives or you receive a temporary license at an MVA office.
Renewal fees and what affects the cost
The standard renewal fee for an eight-year license is $109. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you want a new photo added to your license during renewal, there is an additional fee of $13. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and you must renew in person at an MVA office — you cannot use online or mail renewal for a CDL.
Payment methods vary by renewal route. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Keep your receipt or confirmation number in case you need to track your renewal status.
Tracking your new license and what to do if it does not arrive
If you renewed online or by mail, you will receive a confirmation number. You can use this number on the MVA website to check the status of your license. If you renewed in person, you received a temporary license with an expiration date — your permanent license should arrive before that date expires.
If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, call the MVA at 410-768-7000 with your confirmation number or license number. They can tell you whether it is still in processing or if there was a delivery problem. If the MVA confirms it was mailed but you never received it, you may need to visit an office to report it lost and request a replacement, which carries an additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. The MVA recommends renewing within six months of expiration to avoid the rush near the important date. Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date you renew.
What if my address changed since my last license?
If you are renewing in person, bring proof of residency at your new address and tell the MVA staff. They will update your address during the renewal. If you are renewing online or by mail, the system will use the address on file — you may need to update your address separately on the MVA website before renewing, or do it in person at an office.
Do I need a new photo if my license photo is old?
No. The MVA will use your existing photo unless you request a new one. If you want a new photo, you can request it during online renewal (upload a new one) or tell the staff when you arrive at an office in person. There is a $13 fee for a new photo.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You must visit an MVA office in person. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. The staff will treat this as a replacement plus renewal, and you will pay both fees. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within two weeks.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your own license. If you are renewing by mail, you sign the form yourself and mail it. If you are renewing online, you log in with your own information. If you are renewing in person, you must be present at the MVA office. A family member or representative cannot do it on your behalf.