Where to renew and what you need to bring
You can renew your Maryland driver's license in person at any Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, or online through the MVA website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is the most straightforward: bring your current license, proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number — but you can only use the online option if your license hasn't been suspended or revoked, you're not required to take a new photo, and you haven't had a name change since your last renewal.
The MVA office locations are spread across the state, and you don't need an appointment at most of them, though some offices do accept appointments through the MVA website. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines than Friday afternoons or the first of the month.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online if your license is valid, you haven't changed your name, and you don't need a new photo — otherwise you must go to an MVA office in person.
- Bring your current license, proof of Maryland residency dated within 60 days, and know your Social Security number for any renewal method.
- Maryland licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to six months after.
- A standard renewal costs $70 for an eight-year license; the fee is the same whether you renew online or in person.
- If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewals issue a temporary license on the spot.
When your license expires and renewal windows
Your Maryland driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew it starting one year before that date — so if your birthday is in June 2025, you can renew anytime from June 2024 onward. You can also renew up to six months after your birthday has passed, though driving with an expired license is not legal, so don't wait.
If you miss the six-month grace period and your license has been expired for more than six months, you'll need to take the written test and vision test again, not just renew. This is why renewing before or shortly after your birthday matters — it keeps you from having to retake tests.
Renewing online through the MVA website
The Maryland MVA website has an online renewal portal. To use it, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, then answer questions about whether your address, name, and other information are still correct. You'll pay the $70 renewal fee by credit or debit card. The system will tell you when ready if you're not may be able to access — for instance, if your license is suspended or if you need a new photo.
After you submit online, your new license is mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes about 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a temporary paper license by email that you can print and carry until the physical card arrives. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at an MVA office instead.
Renewing in person at an MVA office
Walk into any MVA office with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Tell the staff member you're renewing. They'll take a new photo (unless you renewed online within the last eight years and your photo is still acceptable), verify your information, and collect the $70 fee. The whole process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license that's valid for 45 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent card arrives, the temporary license is legal to carry and use.
Cost and payment methods
A standard eight-year Maryland driver's license renewal costs $70. This is the same price whether you renew online or in person. If you renew in person, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card — the MVA office will tell you which methods they accept. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only.
If you're renewing after your license has expired, the cost is still $70 for a standard renewal. However, if your license expired more than six months ago and you have to retake the written and vision tests, you'll pay an additional test fee on top of the renewal fee.
What to do if you've lost or damaged your license
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can't use the online renewal option. You must go to an MVA office in person and request a replacement. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. The replacement costs $70, the same as a renewal, and you'll receive a temporary license on the spot and a permanent one by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police for your records, though this isn't required to get a replacement from the MVA.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you've moved within Maryland, you can update your address during renewal — either online or in person. If you renew online, you'll be asked to confirm or change your address before you submit. If you renew in person, tell the MVA staff about the address change and bring proof of your new residency.
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online. You must go to an MVA office in person and bring a document proving your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff will take a new photo and issue a new license with your updated name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes, you can renew up to six months after your birthday. However, driving with an expired license is illegal. If your license expired more than six months ago, you'll have to retake the written and vision tests in addition to paying the renewal fee.
What if I don't have proof of Maryland residency?
You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Maryland address — a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance bill. If you don't have one, contact the MVA office to ask what other documents they accept, as some offices may have alternatives.
Do I need an appointment to renew at an MVA office?
Most MVA offices accept walk-ins, but some locations now offer appointments through the MVA website. Check the website for your local office to see if appointments are available. Appointments can reduce wait time, but walk-ins are still processed the same day.
How long is my new license valid?
A standard Maryland driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. Your expiration date will be printed on the card — it's always your birthday, eight years from the renewal date.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No, you must renew in person or online yourself. The MVA requires the person renewing to be present at the office or to complete the online process directly. You cannot authorize someone else to renew on your behalf.