What you need to renew your Maryland license

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, by mail, or online through the MVA website — but not all renewal types work for all three methods. If your license is not expired yet or expired less than one year ago, you can renew by mail or online. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

Before you start, gather these documents: your current Maryland driver's license (or the notice the MVA sent you), proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

The fee for a five-year renewal is $70, and a eight-year renewal is $105. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on which method you choose. If you renew online, you will pay by credit or debit card only.

Key Takeaways

  • Online and mail renewal work only if your license expired less than one year ago; older expirations require an in-person visit to an MVA office.
  • You will need your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
  • A five-year renewal costs $70 and an eight-year renewal costs $105, payable by check, money order, or card depending on your method.
  • Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, taking about one week for your new license to arrive by mail.

Renewing online through the MVA website

The Maryland MVA website has an online renewal tool that works if your license is current or expired less than one year. Go to the MVA homepage, select "Renew Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will ask whether you want a five-year or eight-year renewal and confirm your address.

Once you submit your information and pay the fee by credit or debit card, the MVA will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery usually takes five to seven business days. You do not need to visit an office, and you can renew at any time of day. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal also works if your license is current or expired less than one year. Request a renewal form from the MVA by calling 410-787-7758 (in Baltimore) or 1-888-769-0396 (toll-free), or read the form from the MVA website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to "Maryland MVA."

Mail your completed form, fee, proof of address, and proof of Social Security number to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the MVA to return your old license with your new one. Your old license stays valid during processing.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

If your license expired more than one year ago, or if you prefer to renew in person, visit any MVA office in Maryland. Bring your current license (or the renewal notice), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. You will fill out a renewal form at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The MVA accepts cash, check, money order, and card.

Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the MVA website before you go. Your new license is printed on-site, and you receive it before you leave the office. Bring your old license with you — the MVA will keep it when they issue your new one.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through any method until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the MVA directly to find out the reason and what steps you need to take. Some suspensions are lifted automatically after a set period; others require you to pay a reinstatement fee or complete a course.

Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 (Baltimore) or 1-888-769-0396 (toll-free) to check your license status. The MVA can tell you whether your license is clear to renew and what you need to do if it is not.

Renewing a license with a different name or address

If your name has changed since your last license, you must bring proof of the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal will not process if your name differs from what the MVA has on file, so you will need to renew in person at an MVA office.

If you have moved and your address has changed, online renewal will update your address automatically. Mail and in-person renewal also update your address. Make sure the address you provide matches a recent utility bill or other proof of residency dated within the last 60 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

No, not by mail or online. You must visit an MVA office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The MVA will process your renewal the same day.

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

The MVA mails your new license within one to two business days of approval. Delivery by mail takes about five to seven business days, so plan for one to two weeks total. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives.

What if I do not have my current license with me?

For online or mail renewal, you can use the renewal notice the MVA sent you instead. For in-person renewal, bring a photo ID and your Social Security card or other proof of your Social Security number. The MVA can look up your license information in their system.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

If you renew online or by mail, the MVA uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the MVA takes a new photo at the office. You cannot bring your own photo.

What if my address on file is not current?

All three renewal methods — online, mail, and in-person — let you update your address. Make sure you provide a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days as proof of your new address.