Where to renew and what you need to bring
You can renew your Maryland 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 your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, address change, or medical condition that affects your driving. If any of those explore, you will need to visit an MVA office in person.
Before you go or log on, gather your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after your license has expired, the MVA may require you to retake the vision test or written exam, depending on how long it has been expired.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year license if your current license is valid and you have not changed your name or address.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
- Mail renewal is available but slower — allow four to six weeks from the time the MVA receives your process.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days of approval if you renew online or in person.
- You must renew before your license expires to avoid retaking the written or vision test.
Renewing online through the MVA website
Go to the Maryland MVA website and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need 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 ask you to confirm your address and other information.
Review your information carefully — if anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online and will need to visit an MVA office instead. Once you confirm everything is correct, you will pay the renewal fee by debit card or credit card. The fee is $109 for an eight-year license. After payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days.
Online renewal is only open to drivers whose licenses are currently valid. If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online and must visit an MVA office.
Renewing in person at an MVA office
Find the MVA office nearest you on the MVA website and check their hours. You can walk in without an appointment, but the MVA also offers a reservation system on their website that lets you book a specific time slot. Booking a slot usually cuts your wait time in half.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you have changed your name, bring the legal document proving the change. Tell the staff member at the counter that you are renewing. They will verify your information, take a new photo, and may ask you to read an eye chart to confirm your vision is still acceptable. The fee is $109 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the MVA staff for a temporary paper license — they will print one on the spot at no extra cost.
Renewing by mail
read the "process for Renewal of Driver's License" form from the MVA website (form DL-43). Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for $109 made out to "Maryland MVA."
Mail the packet to the address listed on the form. The MVA processes mail renewals in the order they are received, and the process usually takes four to six weeks from the date they receive your process. Your new license will then be mailed to you, adding another week or two. Mail renewal is the slowest option and is best used only if you cannot visit an office or renew online.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. However, you may be asked to retake the vision test or the written knowledge test, depending on how long it has been expired and your age.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online. You must visit an MVA office in person. Bring all the documents listed above, plus be prepared to retake the written exam and the vision test. You will also need to pay the renewal fee of $109.
Fees and payment methods
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $109 in Maryland. If you are 65 or older, you can renew for a five-year license instead, which costs $68.50. The MVA accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at offices. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.
There are no additional fees for a replacement photo, vision test, or temporary paper license issued on the spot. If you need to change your address or name, there is no extra charge — it is included in the renewal fee.
Timeline and what to expect after you renew
If you renew online or in person, your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days. If you renew by mail, allow four to six weeks for processing, then another week or two for delivery. During this time, your old license remains valid for driving, even after it expires, as long as you have proof that you have renewed (your confirmation number from online renewal, or your receipt from the MVA office).
If you need to drive before your new license arrives and you renewed in person, ask for a temporary paper license at the counter. If you renewed online or by mail, you can print your confirmation and carry it with your expired license as proof of renewal, though a police officer may still ask you to show your new license within a certain timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes, but it depends on how long ago it expired. If it expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. If it expired more than one year ago, you must visit an MVA office and retake the written and vision tests. You cannot drive with an expired license, even if you have started the renewal process.
What if I have moved and my address is wrong?
If you are renewing in person or by mail, you can update your address at the same time at no extra cost. If you are renewing online, the system will only let you confirm the address already on file. If your address is wrong, you must visit an MVA office to renew instead.
Do I need an appointment to renew at an MVA office?
No, you can walk in without an appointment. However, the MVA website offers a reservation system where you can book a specific time slot, which usually reduces your wait time. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day, but typically range from 30 minutes to an hour.
What if my license was lost or stolen?
If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must replace it instead. Replacement is a different process than renewal and requires you to visit an MVA office in person. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency, and you will pay a replacement fee.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No, you must renew your own license. You cannot authorize someone else to renew it on your behalf, even a family member. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, but the process must come from you.