Where to renew and what you need before you start

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 online if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, address change, or medical condition that needs updating. If any of those explore, you will need to visit an MVA office in person.

Before you start, gather your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing by mail, you will also need a new photo, which the MVA will take for you at an office — you cannot mail in a photo yourself. Have your renewal notice handy if you received one; it contains your customer service number and makes the process faster.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year license if your current license is valid and nothing has changed.
  • In-person renewal at an MVA office usually takes 30 to 60 minutes during off-peak hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
  • Mail renewal is available but slower — you send in your current license and a form, the MVA takes your photo at an office visit, and the new license arrives by mail.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days if you renew online or by mail; in-person renewal produces a temporary license on the spot.
  • Maryland licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Maryland MVA website, select "Renew Your License," and 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 show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online.

You will be asked to confirm your address and provide a valid email address and phone number. Review the vision and medical questions — if you answer yes to any medical condition, you will be directed to complete your renewal in person at an MVA office instead. Pay the renewal fee ($109 for an eight-year license) with a debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number by email, and your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

Visit any MVA office with your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security number. Bring your renewal notice if you have one. You can check wait times for specific offices on the MVA website before you go — this helps you pick a less busy time or location.

At the office, you will complete an process form (DL-43), have your photo taken, and answer vision and medical questions. The staff will verify your documents and process your payment ($109 for an eight-year license). You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, which typically arrives within 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is sufficient.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is an option if you cannot visit an office, but it requires an extra step. Request a renewal process (form DL-43) from the MVA by calling 410-787-7758 or visiting an MVA office. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it back to the address on the form along with your current license and payment ($109).

The MVA will receive your process and send you a notice to visit an office for a photo and medical screening. You will have 30 days to complete this visit. Once you do, your new license will be mailed to you. This process takes longer overall — typically four to six weeks — because of the back-and-forth mailing and the required office visit for your photo.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to an MVA office, a new photo, and proof of identity and residency. The process is more involved than renewal and costs more.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. However, you cannot renew online if your license is expired; you must go in person or by mail. Check your license expiration date before you start.

Fees and what your new license covers

A standard eight-year renewal license costs $109. If you are 65 or older, a five-year license costs $39. Payment is due at the time of renewal, whether you renew online, in person, or by mail. The MVA accepts debit cards, credit cards, and checks (by mail only).

Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date it is issued. It is valid for driving, identification, and voting. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license for air travel or federal building access, your current renewal will be REAL ID-compliant if you provided proof of citizenship or legal residency at your last renewal or in-person visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

No. The MVA will not process your renewal if you have an unpaid traffic violation or court fine. You must pay or resolve the ticket first. Contact the District Court or the traffic violations bureau in the county where you received the ticket to find out what you owe and how to pay.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

You must update your address in person at an MVA office. You cannot change your address online or by mail during renewal. Bring your current license, proof of your new residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. The office will update your record and issue a new license with your current address.

How long does a temporary license last?

A temporary paper license issued at an MVA office is valid for 30 days. It allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. If your permanent license does not arrive within 30 days, contact the MVA to request a replacement temporary license.

Do I need an appointment to renew at an MVA office?

Appointments are not required, but the MVA recommends checking wait times on its website before you visit. Some offices are consistently busier than others. You can also call ahead to ask about the current wait time at your preferred location.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need your renewal notice to renew your license. It is helpful because it contains your customer service number, but you can renew without it. Just bring your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security number to an MVA office, or start the online process with your license number and date of birth.