What you need to do to renew in Maryland
Maryland renews driver's licenses by mail, online, or in person at an MVA office. Which route you can use depends on how much time is left on your current license and whether you need a new photo. If your license expires soon and you want to avoid the MVA office, the online renewal is the fastest option — you can complete it in about 10 minutes from home, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles all renewals. You cannot renew at a branch office of your bank or at the post office, the way some states allow. You must go through the MVA directly, whether online, by mail, or in person.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland offers online renewal for most drivers, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year license.
- You can renew by mail if you prefer not to go online, but the process takes three to four weeks from the time the MVA receives your form.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is necessary only if you need a new photo, have a medical condition that affects your driving, or are renewing a commercial license.
- Your current license must be valid or expired no more than one year to renew by mail or online; otherwise you must renew in person.
- The cost is $109 for an eight-year license, or $64 for a four-year license if you choose the shorter term.
Renewing online through the MVA website
Online renewal happens at mva.maryland.gov. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a payment method (debit card or credit card). The system asks you to confirm your address and answer a few security questions to verify your identity.
You cannot upload a new photo online — the MVA uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. Once you submit the form and pay, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 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, the online system will not let you proceed, and you will need to renew in person instead.
Renewing by mail with the DL-43 form
To renew by mail, you request the form DL-43 from the MVA. You can read it from mva.maryland.gov, call the MVA at 410-787-7758, or visit an MVA office to pick one up. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $109 (or $64 for a four-year license), and mail it to the address listed on the form.
The MVA processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Once they receive your form and payment, processing takes about three to four weeks. You will not receive a confirmation that they received your form, so keep a copy for your records. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you listed on the form.
Mail renewal works only if your license is valid or expired less than one year ago. If you have not renewed in more than a year, you cannot use the mail option.
Renewing in person at an MVA office
You need to renew in person if you want a new photo, if you have a medical condition that requires a statement from your doctor, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. You will also need to go in person if your license expired more than one year ago.
Find your nearest MVA office at mva.maryland.gov and check the office hours before you go. Bring your current license, proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing because of a medical condition, bring a completed Medical Evaluation Form (DL-44) signed by your doctor.
Wait times at MVA offices vary widely. Some offices have shorter waits in the early morning or on weekdays. You can check real-time wait times on the MVA website before you leave home. In-person renewal is usually completed the same day, and you receive a temporary license to use while your permanent one is mailed.
What happens if your license is expired more than one year
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to an MVA office in person. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of Maryland residency, and your Social Security number. The process is the same as a regular in-person renewal, but the MVA may ask additional questions because of the gap in your licensing.
If you have been driving without a valid license, you may face a citation from law enforcement. Renewing as soon as possible protects you from that risk. The MVA does not penalize you for the expired period — you straightforward pay the standard renewal fee.
Cost and how long your new license lasts
A standard eight-year Maryland driver's license costs $109. If you prefer a shorter term, you can choose a four-year license for $64. The choice is yours at the time of renewal — there is no requirement to take the full eight years.
Your new license will be valid for the term you choose, starting from the date you renew. The expiration date is printed on the front of the card. If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail, and you should use your old license until the new one arrives.
What to do while you wait for your new license
If you renewed online or by mail, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. You can continue to drive and use your current license for identification during the 7 to 10 business days (or three to four weeks for mail) that you are waiting.
If you renewed in person, the MVA gives you a temporary license document on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while your permanent license is being mailed. Keep the temporary document with you while driving — it serves as your proof of a valid license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I moved to a different address?
Yes. If you moved within Maryland, you can renew online or by mail and update your address at the same time. If you moved from out of state, you must renew in person at an MVA office and bring proof of your new Maryland address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
What if I want a different name on my new license?
You must renew in person and bring documents that show the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will not process a name change through online or mail renewal.
Do I need to take a new written test or driving test to renew?
No. Renewal is not the same as getting a new license. You do not take any tests for a standard renewal. Tests are required only if your license was suspended, revoked, or if you are explore for a different class of license.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew while your license is suspended or revoked. You must first contact the MVA to clear the suspension or revocation. Call 410-787-7758 or visit an MVA office to find out what steps are needed before you can renew.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
For online or mail renewal, no — you must submit the form yourself. For in-person renewal, you must go to the MVA office yourself. The MVA does not allow a family member or representative to renew on your behalf.