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, or online through the Maryland MVA website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes once you're called, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The online route, if available to you, takes about 10 minutes from your computer and your new license arrives by mail in roughly two weeks.

Before you go or log in, gather your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing more than five years after your license expired, you'll need to take the written test again, so the online route won't work for you.

Key Takeaways

Maryland lets you renew online if your license is current or expired less than one year, but you'll need to go in person if it's been expired longer than that.
In-person renewal at an MVA office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
Online renewal costs $109 for an eight-year license and takes about two weeks for delivery; in-person renewal costs the same and you can get a temporary license the same day.
If you renew in person, arrive early or use the MVA's online reservation system to reduce wait time, which can stretch past an hour during peak times.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal, and you can renew up to one year before it expires.

Renewing online through the Maryland MVA website

Go to the Maryland MVA website and select "Renew Your License" from the main menu. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and confirm your current address. If your address has changed, update it before you proceed.

Review the vision and medical questions — you're confirming that your vision is still adequate and that you have no new medical conditions that would affect your ability to drive. Answer honestly; if you've had a significant change in health, you may need to renew in person instead. Once you've answered the questions and reviewed your information, you'll pay the $109 fee by credit or debit card. You'll receive a confirmation number by email, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 to 14 business days.

Online renewal is available only if your license is currently valid or expired less than one year ago. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person and will need to retake the written test.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

Find your nearest MVA office on the Maryland MVA website and check their hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can reserve a time slot online through the MVA website, which significantly reduces wait time — without a reservation, you may wait 45 minutes to over an hour during busy periods.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and know your Social Security number. If your name has changed, bring the legal document proving the change. When you arrive, check in at the front desk, take a number, and wait to be called. You'll have your photo taken, answer vision and medical questions, and pay the $109 fee. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, which typically arrives within two weeks.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online. You must go to an MVA office in person, and you'll need to retake the written knowledge test. This test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Maryland MVA's free online manual or the printed version available at any MVA office.

Schedule your in-person visit the same way — through the MVA website or by calling your local office. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal: current or expired license, proof of residency, and proof of name change if applicable. Plan for the visit to take 45 minutes to an hour, since you'll need time for the written test in addition to the standard renewal steps. You'll still receive a temporary license the same day and your permanent license by mail within two weeks.

Using the MVA's online reservation system

The Maryland MVA website has a reservation tool that lets you pick a specific date and time at your chosen office. Go to the MVA homepage, select "Make a Reservation," and enter your zip code or the office you prefer. You'll see available time slots for the next several weeks. Pick one that works for your schedule and confirm. You'll receive a confirmation email with your reservation number.

Arrive about 10 minutes before your reserved time. Even with a reservation, you may wait a few minutes, but the wait is usually much shorter than walk-in times. If you need to cancel or reschedule, you can do so through the same online tool up to 24 hours before your appointment. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may be asked to make a new reservation rather than being seen as a walk-in.

Costs and what your new license covers

A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $109, whether you renew online or in person. This is the cost for a regular (non-commercial) license. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the renewal cost is higher — check the MVA website for current CDL rates, as they vary. Payment is by credit card, debit card, or cash (in-person only).

Your renewed license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute. If you renew early, your new expiration date will be eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from your old expiration date.

If you need a REAL ID-compliant license

Maryland's standard driver's license is REAL ID-compliant, meaning it meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You don't need to do anything special to get a REAL ID license — your renewed license will be compliant automatically. The only time you'd need to take extra steps is if you're renewing after a name change or if you've moved and need to update your address; in those cases, bring the supporting documents (marriage certificate, lease, etc.) to prove the change.

If you're unsure whether your current license is REAL ID-compliant, check the Maryland MVA website or look at your license — compliant licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner. If your license doesn't have the star and you need one for federal purposes, you can request it during your renewal, though the standard renewal process will give you one anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been expired for several years?

Yes, but you'll need to renew in person at an MVA office and retake the written test if it's been expired for more than one year. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and be prepared to spend about an hour at the office. You'll still pay the standard $109 renewal fee.

What if I've moved since my last license and my proof of residency is in someone else's name?

Proof of residency must show your name and current address. If you have a lease or mortgage in your name, use that. If you're living with someone else, ask if you can use a utility bill in your name, or bring a letter from your landlord on official letterhead confirming your residency, along with a piece of mail showing your name and address.

How long does it take to get my license in the mail after I renew in person?

Your permanent license typically arrives within two weeks of your in-person renewal. You'll receive a temporary paper license the same day that's valid for 30 days. If your license doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact the MVA office where you renewed to check the status.

Do I have to take the vision test if I renew online?

No, online renewal doesn't include a vision test. You'll answer questions about your vision and confirm it's adequate for driving. If you've had significant vision changes or eye surgery, you may need to renew in person instead, where you'll take a formal vision screening.

What if my address changed but I don't have a proof of residency document yet?

You'll need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address. If you've just moved and don't have a utility bill or lease yet, ask your landlord for a signed letter on official letterhead confirming your residency, or wait until you receive a piece of mail at your new address. You can't renew until you have this document.

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.