How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need before you start

You can renew your Maryland driver's license in person at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the MVA website for a limited renewal. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address.

Before you go anywhere or submit anything, gather these documents: your current Maryland driver's 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've changed your name since your last license, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. If you're renewing online or by mail, you'll also need a valid credit or debit card to pay the fee.

The renewal fee is $70 for a standard five-year license or $100 for an eight-year license. The MVA accepts cash, check, or card in person; online and mail renewals require a card. If you're over 65, the fee is $40 for five years or $60 for eight years.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works only if your license is not expired, you haven't changed your address, and you don't need a new photo.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires your current valid license, proof of residency, and a check or money order.
In-person renewal at an MVA office takes 30 minutes to an hour and is the only option if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you've moved.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
Maryland's online system will tell you when ready whether you're may be able to access to renew that way, so you can switch to mail or in-person if needed.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will check whether you're may be able to access for online renewal — it will reject you if your license is expired, if you've moved to a new address, or if your photo is more than eight years old.

If the system approves you, you'll review your current information, confirm it's correct, and pay the $70 or $100 fee with a debit or credit card. The MVA will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal works best if you're renewing early, haven't moved, and don't need a new photo. If the system rejects you, it will tell you why and direct you to mail or in-person options.

Renewing by mail

read the "process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit" form (DL 43) from mva.maryland.gov or pick one up at any MVA office. Fill in your information, sign it, and mail it with your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail your packet to: Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you listed on the form.

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you haven't moved. If your license is expired or you need a new photo, you must renew in person. If you've changed your address, you can update it by mail, but the MVA will mail your new license to your old address unless you call 410-768-7000 to update it before they process your renewal.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

Find your nearest MVA office at mva.maryland.gov and check its hours — some offices close on certain days or have limited hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can reserve a time slot online to skip the walk-in line. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

When you arrive, take a number at the front desk or check in at the kiosk if the office has one. An MVA employee will call your number, review your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal at the counter. The whole visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You'll pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you've moved and need to update your address, or if your photo is too old. It's also the fastest way to get a temporary license you can use when ready while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.

What happens if your license is expired

If your Maryland license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it by mail or in person using the standard renewal process, but not online.

If your license expired while you were deployed overseas or serving in the military, you may be able to renew it without the one-year limit. Contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to explain your situation.

Updating your address during renewal

If you've moved to a new Maryland address, you must update it during renewal. Online renewal will reject you if your address has changed. By mail, fill out the DL 43 form with your new address, but call 410-768-7000 before mailing to confirm the MVA has received your change — otherwise your new license may go to your old address.

In-person renewal is the safest way to change your address because the MVA employee will verify it on the spot and print it on your temporary license. If you're moving out of Maryland, you'll need to renew in person and update your address to your new state address, though your Maryland license will still be valid until it expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're traveling or want to avoid a last-minute rush. The new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, not when your old one was set to expire.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license. You must go to an MVA office in person and report it lost. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. The MVA will issue a replacement license with the same expiration date as your lost one, or you can pay for a renewal at the same time.

How long is my temporary paper license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it in person at the MVA office. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the paper license is a backup in case the permanent one is delayed.

Do I need to take a new photo if I renew by mail?

No. Mail renewal uses your current photo from your existing license. If your photo is more than eight years old, the MVA will reject your online or mail renewal and require you to renew in person for a new photo.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your name change. If you're renewing in person, the MVA employee will update your name and take a new photo. By mail, include a copy of the name-change document with your process. Online renewal will not work if your name has changed.

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.