Maryland driver's license renewal: what you need to do and where to go
Maryland renews driver's licenses every five years for most adults. You can renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through Maryland's website — but not all renewal types work through every channel. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and what type of ID you hold.
Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which renewal path is available to you. If you miss the important date, you can still renew, but you may face a late fee and will need to renew in person rather than by mail or online.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration; check the notice to see whether you can renew by mail, online, or must visit an MVA office.
- Online renewal through mva.maryland.gov works only if your license is valid, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice, a check or money order, and takes about two weeks; you cannot mail-renew if your license is expired or if you need a new photo.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office takes a few hours and requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment; walk-ins are accepted but appointments are faster.
- If your license is expired by more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You go to mva.maryland.gov, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal form. The fee is charged to a debit or credit card. Your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
You can only renew online if all of these are true: your current license is not expired, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, you do not need a new photo, and you are renewing a standard driver's license (not a commercial license or ID card). If your renewal notice says you are may be able to access for online renewal, that means the MVA has already confirmed these conditions.
If you try to renew online and the system rejects you, the reason will appear on the screen. Common reasons include an address change, an expired license, or a need for a new photo. In those cases, you will need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Mail renewal using your renewal notice
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You mail your renewal notice, your current license, and a check or money order to the address printed on the notice. The fee varies but is typically around $70 for a five-year renewal; the exact amount is listed on your notice.
Processing takes about two weeks from the time the MVA receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail. Do not mail your license if you need it for identification before the new one arrives — you will not have it during the processing period.
If your renewal notice does not say you are may be able to access for mail renewal, you cannot use this method. The notice will direct you to renew online or in person instead. If you have lost your renewal notice, you can request a duplicate by calling the MVA at 410-768-7000 or visiting an office in person.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your address, or if you hold a commercial license. You can walk into any MVA office, but wait times vary. Booking an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov usually takes 15 to 30 minutes off your visit.
Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. The fee is typically around $70 for a five-year renewal. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may be asked to retake the written test; the MVA will tell you when you arrive whether this applies to you.
Your new license is printed on site and you leave with it the same day. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. If you need your license urgently and cannot get an appointment, arriving early in the morning on a weekday usually means shorter waits.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew using the standard process — mail, online, or in person — depending on your circumstances. The MVA will not charge you a late fee if you renew within one year of expiration.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office. You may be required to retake the written knowledge test. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and payment. The MVA staff will let you know at check-in whether you need to take the test.
If you have been driving with an expired license, you are driving without a valid license under Maryland law. Renewing as soon as possible protects you from traffic stops and citations.
Fees and payment methods
Maryland driver's license renewal fees are set by the state and do not vary by MVA office. A standard five-year renewal costs approximately $70, though the exact amount may change. Your renewal notice lists the current fee.
At an MVA office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. By mail, you must send a check or money order — the MVA does not accept credit cards through the mail. Online, you pay with a debit or credit card. Do not send cash by mail.
If you are renewing a commercial driver's license or a Real ID, the fee is higher. Your renewal notice will specify the correct fee for your license type.
Real ID and standard license renewal differences
Maryland offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not.
If your current license is a standard license and you want to renew it as a Real ID, you must renew in person and bring additional documents: a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. The Real ID fee is higher than a standard renewal.
If your current license is already a Real ID, you can renew it by mail or online (if you are otherwise may be able to access) without bringing extra documents. The MVA will issue you a new Real ID automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Maryland allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. You can renew early by mail, online, or in person using the same methods as a standard renewal. Your new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date you renew.
What if I have moved to a different address since my last renewal?
You cannot renew by mail or online if you have changed your address. You must renew in person at an MVA office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. The MVA will update your address in their system when you renew.
How long does it take to get my renewed license by mail?
Processing takes about two weeks from the time the MVA receives your packet. Mailing time adds a few days on each end, so plan for three to four weeks total from when you mail it to when you receive your new license. If you need your license sooner, renew in person instead.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Not always. If your current photo is acceptable and you have not changed your address, you can renew by mail or online without a new photo. If the MVA requires a new photo (usually after 16 years or if your appearance has changed significantly), your renewal notice will tell you. In that case, you must renew in person.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Call the MVA at 410-768-7000 or visit an office in person to request a duplicate notice. You can also renew without the notice if you go in person — bring your current license, proof of address, and payment. Online and mail renewal both require the renewal notice.