How to Renew Your Driver License in Maryland

Maryland driver licenses renew every five years, and you can do it in person at an MVA office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Maryland MVA website

Your Maryland driver license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the front. You can renew it up to one year before that date. The fastest route for most people is the online renewal at mva.maryland.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for a five-year license. If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or visit a Motor Vehicle Administration office in person.

The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether your address has changed, and whether you need a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025. If your current license is not marked "REAL ID" in the upper right corner, you will need to renew in person or by mail to get one.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through mva.maryland.gov is the fastest option if your license is still valid, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license has expired, your address has changed, or you need to upgrade to a REAL ID license.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is still valid and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade; the process takes two to three weeks.
You will need your current license, proof of Maryland residency, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or check for mail renewal).
The renewal fee is $109 for a five-year license, and you can renew up to one year before your expiration date.

Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website

Online renewal is the quickest option if your license is still valid, your address has not changed, and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade. Go to mva.maryland.gov, select "Renew a Driver License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the $109 fee.

The system will ask you to confirm your address and personal information. If everything matches the MVA's records, you can complete the renewal in one session. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you have moved to a new address since your last renewal, or if you need to add a REAL ID designation. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

Visit an MVA office if your license has expired, your address has changed, or you need a REAL ID upgrade. Bring your current license (or an expired license if your current one is not available), proof of Maryland residency, and a payment method. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

You will also need to pass a vision test at the MVA office. The test is straightforward and takes less than a minute. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. You can find your nearest MVA office and check wait times at mva.maryland.gov. Many offices allow you to reserve a time slot online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

If you are upgrading to a REAL ID, bring one additional document that proves your identity and citizenship. This can be a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. The fee for a REAL ID license is the same as a standard renewal: $109 for five years.

Mail renewal for valid licenses

You can renew by mail only if your license is still valid and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade. read the renewal form from mva.maryland.gov (form DL-43) or request one by calling the MVA at 410-768-7000. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $109 made payable to "Maryland MVA," and mail it to the address shown on the form.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your form. Your new license will arrive by mail after that. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. Keep a copy of your mailed form for your records in case you need to follow up.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license, which requires an in-person visit to an MVA office, a vision test, and a new photo. The process is similar to a first-time process. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form).

If your license expired within the last year, you can still renew it. You must do this in person at an MVA office or by mail. You cannot renew an expired license online.

REAL ID requirements and what you need to know

Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Check your current license: if it has a gold or black star in the upper right corner, it is already REAL ID-compliant. If it does not, you can upgrade during your renewal.

To upgrade to a REAL ID, you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and one document that proves your identity and citizenship (U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card). The fee is $109 for five years, the same as a standard renewal. If you do not upgrade now, you can do so at any time before May 7, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must explore for a new license rather than renew it. This requires an in-person visit to an MVA office, a vision test, and a new photo. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at an MVA office or by mail. Online renewal is not available if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.

Do I need a REAL ID to renew my license?

You do not need a REAL ID to renew your license, but you will need one to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025. If your current license does not have a star in the upper right corner, you can upgrade to a REAL ID during your renewal by visiting an MVA office in person.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland and can result in a traffic citation and fine. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so plan ahead to avoid this situation.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.