What you need to do to renew in Maryland
Maryland lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office — and which method works depends on how much time you have and whether your license is still valid. If your license hasn't expired yet, online renewal is the fastest route and takes about 10 minutes. If it has already expired, you'll need to renew in person or by mail, because Maryland won't let you renew online once you've passed the expiration date.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. You can start the renewal process up to one year before it expires. The MVA sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your expiration date, but you don't have to wait for that notice — you can start whenever you want during that one-year window.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes 10 minutes and costs $109 if your license hasn't expired yet; you'll receive your new card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license has already expired, you must renew by mail or in person — the MVA won't process online renewals for expired licenses.
- Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is the only option if you need your new license the same day or if you have a Real ID and want to upgrade during renewal.
- You'll need to pass a vision test for any in-person renewal, and bring proof of residency and your Social Security number.
Renewing online before your license expires
Online renewal is available only if your current Maryland license hasn't expired yet. Go to the Maryland MVA website and select "Renew Your License Online." You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using information from your MVA record.
The fee is $109, paid by debit or credit card. Once you complete the transaction, you're done — your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives. This method works only for standard renewals; if you need to change your address, add a Real ID designation, or update your name, you'll need to renew in person instead.
Renewing by mail if your license has expired
Mail renewal is an option if your license expired less than two years ago. You'll need to complete Form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit), which you can read from the MVA website or pick up at any MVA office. Include your current license, a check or money order for $109 made payable to "Maryland MVA," and the completed form.
Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — it's the MVA's Central Processing Unit in Glen Burnie. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive it. Your new license will arrive by mail after that. If your license expired more than two years ago, mail renewal is not an option; you'll need to renew in person.
Renewing in person at an MVA office
In-person renewal is necessary if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you want to add or upgrade to a Real ID, or if you need your new license when ready. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Maryland address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office. The fee is $109. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Once you pass the vision test and complete the paperwork, you'll receive your new license on the spot — you can drive home with it that day. The physical card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, but the temporary license is valid when ready.
Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times on the MVA website before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online. Check your local office's policy before you arrive.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You'll need to resolve the suspension or revocation first — this might mean paying outstanding fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Contact the MVA directly to find out what's required in your case.
You can check your license status on the MVA website by entering your license number and date of birth. If there's a hold on your record, the website will tell you what you need to do before you can renew.
Renewing a Real ID or upgrading to one during renewal
If your current license is a standard Maryland license and you want to upgrade to a Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal identification purposes, like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
To upgrade, bring everything required for a standard in-person renewal, plus original or certified copies of documents proving your identity, date of birth, and Social Security number. The MVA website lists which documents are acceptable — a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers work for identity. The fee is the same: $109.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved out of state?
No. You must have a current Maryland address to renew a Maryland license. If you've moved, you'll need to get a license in your new state instead. You can surrender your Maryland license to the MVA by mail or at an office.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
You'll need to replace it first before you can renew. Go to an MVA office with proof of identity and pay the replacement fee. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it using any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person.
How long does my renewed license take to arrive if I renew online?
Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives. If you need it faster, you'll have to renew in person at an MVA office to get a temporary license the same day.
Do I have to renew in person if I wear glasses or contacts?
No. You can renew online or by mail without a vision test. The vision test is only required for in-person renewals. If you renew online or by mail, you're confirming that you can see well enough to drive safely with your current correction.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The fee is still $109, and you'll receive your new license with your updated name on the same day.