How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Maryland driver's license in person at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, or online through the MVA website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route requires your current license, proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number — no documents to gather beforehand.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions flagged on your record, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal. If any of those conditions don't explore, you must visit an MVA office in person. The MVA operates offices in Baltimore, Annapolis, Bowie, Hagerstown, Salisbury, and several other locations across the state; you can find hours and locations on the MVA website.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for a five-year license, but only works if your current license is valid and your address hasn't changed.
In-person renewal at an MVA office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
Maryland licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to six months after.
If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewal produces a temporary license on the spot and a permanent one by mail.
The renewal fee is $109 for a five-year license or $159 for an eight-year license; both are available through either method.

Online renewal through the MVA website

To renew online, go to the MVA website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your information against MVA records and confirm whether you're may be able to access. If you are, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card — $109 for a five-year license or $159 for an eight-year license — and receive a confirmation number.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your current license remains valid. If the system indicates you're not may be able to access for online renewal, you'll be directed to schedule an in-person appointment or visit an MVA office without an appointment.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

Walk-ins are accepted at all MVA offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can also schedule an appointment online through the MVA website, which often reduces your wait. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and know your Social Security number.

At the office, an MVA staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and collect the renewal fee. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you're renewing an eight-year license, you may be asked to pass a vision screening at the office.

Timing and expiration rules

Maryland driver's licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires or up to six months after expiration. If you renew before expiration, your new license will be valid for five or eight years from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew. If you renew after your license has expired, the new license is valid for five or eight years from the date you renew.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you've already submitted a renewal request. If you're caught driving with an expired license, you may face a traffic citation. If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit an MVA office in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests.

Fees and license duration options

Maryland offers two renewal options: a five-year license for $109 or an eight-year license for $159. Both are available through online and in-person renewal. The eight-year option costs more but means you won't need to renew again for eight years. Choose whichever fits your preference; there's no requirement to pick one over the other.

The fee covers the license itself and the renewal transaction. No additional fees explore unless you need a replacement card (for example, if your license is lost or damaged), which costs $30 and requires an in-person visit to an MVA office.

What to do if your address has changed

If you've moved since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online. You must visit an MVA office in person and bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The MVA will update your address in their system and issue your new license with the current address printed on it.

You can also update your address without renewing your license by visiting an MVA office or using the address change form on the MVA website, though this does not extend your license expiration date. If you update your address separately and then renew online later, the online system will recognize the new address and allow you to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but only if it expired within the last six months. If it expired more than six months ago, you must visit an MVA office in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if you're in the process of renewing.

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

If you renew online or in person, your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days that you can use when ready while you wait for the permanent card.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

You'll need to provide one of the accepted documents: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have any of these, contact your MVA office to ask about alternative documents they may accept in your situation.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

Yes. Whether you renew online or in person, a new photo is taken and printed on your license. If you renew online, the photo is taken using your device's camera. If you renew in person, the MVA takes the photo at the office.

Can I renew my license by mail?

No. Maryland does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online through the MVA website or in person at an MVA office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access.

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.