How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland driver licenses renew every five years, and you can do it in person at an MVA office, by mail, or online depending on your age and record

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) lets you renew your license through three routes: online at mva.maryland.gov, by mail using a renewal notice, or in person at an MVA branch. Which route you can use depends on your age, whether you have any suspensions or violations on your record, and whether your address has changed. Most people under 65 with a clean record can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If you are 65 or older, have medical restrictions, or have had violations, you will need to renew in person.

Your license expires on your birthday in the fifth year after you received it. The MVA typically sends a renewal notice 60 days before expiration, but do not wait for it to arrive — you can start the process as soon as you are within 180 days of expiration. Renewing early avoids the rush near your expiration date and means you will have your new license before the old one becomes invalid.

Key Takeaways

Maryland driver licenses renew every five years on your birthday, and the MVA sends a notice about 60 days before expiration.
Online renewal at mva.maryland.gov is the fastest option if you are under 65, have no suspensions or violations, and your address has not changed.
By-mail renewal requires the renewal notice the MVA sends you and takes about two weeks; you cannot use this route if you have had violations or suspensions.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if you are 65 or older, have medical restrictions, have had violations, or need to update your address or photograph.
You will need your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency for any renewal method.

Online renewal: fastest if you meet the requirements

Online renewal through mva.maryland.gov takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You will need your current Maryland driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your address, vision status, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving.

You cannot renew online if you are 65 or older, if your address has changed since your last license was issued, if you have any suspensions or violations on your record, or if you need to update your photograph. You also cannot use online renewal if your license is expired by more than 180 days. If any of these explore to you, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.

Online renewal costs $109 for a five-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card at the time you submit your process. The new license will be mailed to the address on file in the MVA system, so make sure that address is current before you begin.

By-mail renewal: slower but no office visit needed

To renew by mail, you will need the renewal notice the MVA sends you 60 days before your license expires. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, include a check or money order for $109, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope.

By-mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: you cannot use it if you are 65 or older, if your address has changed, if you have suspensions or violations, or if you need a new photograph. If you do not receive a renewal notice in the mail, you can request one by calling the MVA at 410-768-7000 or by visiting mva.maryland.gov.

Mail your renewal notice to the address printed on it, not to a general MVA office. Include your check or money order made payable to "Maryland MVA." Keep a copy of the notice for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so if you have moved since your last renewal, you must renew in person instead.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

You must renew in person if you are 65 or older, if you have had any traffic violations or suspensions, if your address has changed, if you need to update your photograph, or if you have medical restrictions that affect your driving. In-person renewal also takes about 10 minutes at the counter, though wait times at busy locations can be longer.

Bring your current Maryland driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current Maryland address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. If you are renewing because of a medical condition, bring documentation from your doctor.

In-person renewal costs $109 for a five-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license is printed on the spot, and you can use it when ready for identification purposes, though it is not valid for driving until the expiration date on your old license passes. The MVA will mail you a replacement card within 7 to 10 business days if there is an error on the printed license.

What documents you need for any renewal method

All three renewal methods require you to provide proof of your Social Security number and proof of your Maryland residency. For Social Security, the MVA accepts a Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current Maryland address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), you will need to renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your address has changed, you must renew in person; online and by-mail renewal are not available if your address on file does not match your current residence.

If you are renewing a license that has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot use online or by-mail renewal. You must go to an MVA office in person and report the lost or damaged license. The MVA will issue a replacement license on the spot.

Finding an MVA office and checking wait times

Maryland has 26 MVA branch offices across the state. You can find the location nearest you, hours of operation, and current wait times at mva.maryland.gov. Some offices are busier than others; the Baltimore and Annapolis locations typically have longer waits during weekday mornings and afternoons. If you can visit on a weekday morning before 10 a.m. or on a Thursday or Friday afternoon, you may encounter shorter lines.

You do not need an appointment for license renewal at most MVA offices, but some locations offer appointment scheduling through the website. If your local office offers appointments, booking one can save you time, especially during peak renewal periods near the end of the month or near expiration dates. Walk-ins are still accepted at all locations.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally if you have proof that you submitted a renewal process. Print a copy of your online renewal confirmation or bring your by-mail renewal notice to show law enforcement if you are stopped. If you renewed in person, your temporary license receipt serves as proof.

Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation, so do not let your license lapse. If your renewal is delayed or lost in the mail, contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to request a replacement or to confirm your process status. The MVA can reissue your license if there was an error in processing or if the original was lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must contact the MVA or the court that issued the suspension to resolve the underlying issue first. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license through any of the three methods.

What if I moved out of Maryland but still have a Maryland license?

You cannot renew a Maryland license if you no longer live in Maryland. You must obtain a license from your new state. If you are moving soon but your Maryland license has not expired yet, you can renew it before you move, but once you establish residency elsewhere, you should transfer to that state's license.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Online and by-mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for delivery after the MVA processes your process. By-mail renewal takes an additional 2 to 3 weeks for the MVA to receive and process your envelope, so total time is about 3 to 4 weeks. In-person renewal gives you a license on the spot.

Can I renew my license if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes. You will be asked about your vision correction during renewal. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during any in-person visit or vision test. Your license will note that you must wear correction while driving. If your vision has changed significantly, the MVA may require an updated vision test.

What if the MVA sends me a renewal notice but I want to renew online instead?

You can ignore the renewal notice and renew online at mva.maryland.gov if you meet the online renewal requirements (under 65, no violations, address has not changed). You do not have to use the by-mail method just because you received a notice. Online renewal is faster and you can do it anytime within 180 days of expiration.

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.