How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

In Maryland, you can renew your driver's license at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, online through the MVA website, or by mail. The fastest route is usually online if you're renewing a standard license that hasn't expired more than a year ago and you don't need to change your address or other information. If you're renewing in person, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (like a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current Maryland address (like a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days).

The MVA office locations are listed on the official Maryland MVA website, and you can check wait times before you go. Many offices now use an online reservation system where you can book a time slot instead of waiting in line. If you renew by mail, you'll send your current license along with the renewal form and payment to the address provided by the MVA.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes if your license hasn't expired more than a year ago and you don't need to update your address or other information.
In-person renewal at an MVA office requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Maryland address dated within the last 60 days.
You can book a time slot online at most MVA offices to avoid waiting in line, and you can check current wait times on the MVA website before you go.
Mail renewal is an option, but it takes longer than online or in-person renewal and requires you to send your physical license through the mail.

Online renewal: the fastest option

To renew online, go to the Maryland MVA website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file. If everything is correct, you can pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card.

Online renewal works only if your license expired less than a year ago, you don't need to change your address, and you don't need a new photo. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license expired more than a year ago or you need to update your information, you'll have to renew in person at an MVA office.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

Walk into any MVA office with your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license that's valid when ready while your plastic card is being made. Your permanent license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

If you want to avoid waiting, book a time slot online through the MVA website before you go. This reserves a spot for you and usually cuts your wait time significantly. Even with a reservation, bring all your documents — the MVA staff will ask to see them before they process your renewal.

Renewing by mail

You can renew by mail if your license hasn't expired more than a year ago and you don't need to change your photo, address, or other information. Request a renewal form from the MVA website or call the MVA at 410-768-7000. Fill out the form, include your current license, and mail everything along with the renewal fee to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person — expect 3 to 4 weeks for processing plus mailing time. Your new license will arrive by mail. This option works best if you have time and prefer not to visit an office, but it's slower than the other methods.

What the renewal fee costs

The renewal fee for a standard five-year driver's license in Maryland is $70. If you're renewing a license that's already expired, the fee is the same. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or cash (cash only at MVA offices, not online or by mail). Some MVA offices accept checks, but call ahead to confirm.

If you're renewing online or by mail, you'll pay by debit or credit card. At an MVA office, you can use cash, card, or check depending on the location.

If your license is expired or will expire soon

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the expiration date. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it as long as it expired less than a year ago — the process is the same, and the fee doesn't change. If your license expired more than a year ago, you'll need to explore for a new license instead of renewing, which requires more documents and a written test.

Check your license now to see your expiration date. If it's within the next few months, you can renew online right away and have your new license before the old one expires.

Changing your address or other information during renewal

If you're moving or need to update your name, address, or other information on your license, you must renew in person at an MVA office — you can't make these changes online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (if you're moving), and any documents that show your name change (like a marriage certificate). The MVA staff will update your information and take a new photo.

If you're moving out of state, you'll need to get a new license in your new state instead of renewing your Maryland license. Check with your new state's DMV or equivalent agency for their requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, as long as it expired less than a year ago. The renewal process is the same, and the fee doesn't change. If it expired more than a year ago, you'll need to explore for a new license instead, which requires a written test and more documents.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready if you renew in person at an MVA office. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Online and mail renewals don't give you a temporary license, so your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your old photo stays on your license. If you renew in person at an MVA office, the staff will take a new photo. You can't renew online or by mail if you want a new photo — you have to go to an office.

What if I lost my current license?

You can't renew a license you don't have. You'll need to explore for a replacement license at an MVA office with proof of your identity and Social Security number. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it normally.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes, you can renew up to one year before your expiration date. This is useful if you're traveling or want to make sure you have a valid license well in advance. Your new expiration date will be five years from the date you renew, not five years from your old expiration date.

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.