What you need to do to renew in Maryland
Maryland renews driver's licenses by mail, online, or in person at an MVA office. Most people can renew by mail or online without visiting a location — you'll get a new card in the mail within two weeks. You're may be able to access for mail or online renewal if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical suspensions, and your address on file is current.
If your license expired more than a year ago, you have a medical suspension, or you need to change your address, name, or other information, you must renew in person at an MVA office. The process takes about 30 minutes once you're called, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland offers online and mail renewal for most people, and both take about two weeks from submission to receiving your new card.
- You can renew online through the MVA website if your license is current or expired less than one year, with no medical holds or address changes needed.
- Mail renewal requires the same documents as online but takes slightly longer because of postal delivery time.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is required only if your license expired over a year ago, you have a medical suspension, or you need to update your address or name.
- Your new license will have a different number if you renew in person, but the same number if you renew by mail or online.
Renewing online through the MVA website
Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will verify your information against MVA records and confirm whether you're may be able to access for online renewal.
If you're may be able to access, you'll be asked to review your address and other information on file. Correct anything that's wrong — if your address is incorrect, you cannot complete online renewal and must go in person instead. Once you confirm your information is correct, you'll pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. Maryland charges $70 for a five-year license or $140 for an eight-year license. Your new card will be mailed to the address on file within 10 to 14 business days.
Keep your confirmation number from the online transaction. If your card doesn't arrive within three weeks, use that number to contact the MVA at 410-787-7758.
Renewing by mail
Request a renewal form by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758 or visiting an MVA office in person. You can also read the form from mva.maryland.gov — look for "DL-43" under the forms section. Fill out the form completely, including your signature. Do not use a pen that bleeds through the paper.
Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee (made payable to "Maryland MVA") to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Mail renewal takes about three to four weeks total because of postal delivery time on both ends.
Do not mail your current license unless the form specifically asks for it. If you need to prove you've renewed while waiting for your new card, your confirmation letter serves as a temporary license.
Renewing in person at an MVA office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than one year ago, you have a medical suspension on your record, or you need to change your address, name, or other personal information. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
Visit mva.maryland.gov and use the office locator to find the nearest MVA office. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online. Booking ahead is faster — walk-in wait times can exceed two hours during peak times. Appointments are usually available within one to three days.
When you arrive, check in at the front desk. You'll be called to a window where an MVA employee will review your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The new license is printed on-site and you'll receive it before you leave. Your new license will have a different number than your current one.
What happens if your license is suspended or expired over a year
If your license has a medical suspension — meaning the MVA has flagged a health condition that affects your ability to drive — you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit an MVA office in person. The MVA will review your medical status and may require a letter from your doctor stating you're safe to drive. Call 410-787-7758 to ask what documentation your specific condition requires before you visit.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you also must renew in person. The MVA treats this as a new license rather than a renewal, so you'll need the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Bring your expired license as well — it helps speed up the process.
Understanding renewal fees and license validity periods
Maryland offers two renewal options: a five-year license for $70 or an eight-year license for $140. The eight-year option costs more but means you won't need to renew again for eight years. Both fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Your new license will be valid for the period you choose, starting from the date you renew. If you renew before your current license expires, your new expiration date will be five or eight years from the renewal date, not from your old expiration date. Check your new card when it arrives to confirm the expiration date is correct.
What to do if you need your license before the new card arrives
If you renewed online or by mail and need proof of a valid license before your new card arrives, your confirmation email or letter serves as a temporary license. Print it and carry it with you — police will accept it as proof of a valid license. This temporary document is valid for 30 days from the date you renewed.
If you need a license for travel or identification purposes before your new card arrives, you can visit an MVA office and request a temporary license. Bring your confirmation from your online or mail renewal. The MVA will issue a paper temporary license on the spot, valid for 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maryland license if I moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Maryland, you cannot renew a Maryland license. You must obtain a license from your new state. If you're moving soon but still live in Maryland, renew now before you move. Your Maryland license remains valid in other states until it expires.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You cannot change your name through online or mail renewal. You must visit an MVA office in person and bring a document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will update your record and issue a new license with your current name.
Do I need a new photo for license renewal?
For online and mail renewal, the MVA uses your existing photo from your current license. You do not get a new photo. If you renew in person at an MVA office, they will take a new photo and it will appear on your new license.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You must visit an MVA office in person. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. The MVA will issue a replacement license with a new number. You cannot renew by mail or online if you don't have your current license in hand.
How long is my license valid while I wait for the new card?
Your current license remains valid until its printed expiration date. Once you've renewed online or by mail, your old license is still legal to use until it expires. Your confirmation email or letter is proof that renewal is in progress if you're stopped by police before your new card arrives.