How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland driver's license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal

Maryland offers three paths to renew: the online system (fastest, available to most drivers), mail-in renewal (takes longer but requires no trip), and in-person at an MVA office (necessary if you need a new photo or have certain restrictions). Your age and the type of license you hold determine which routes are open to you. Most people under 60 with a standard license can renew online in under 10 minutes; others must visit an office or use mail.

Your current license must not be expired by more than two years for any renewal method to work. If it is expired beyond that, you will need to explore for a new license in person, which involves a written test and vision screening. Check your license expiration date before you start — it is printed on the front in the bottom right corner.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website takes 10 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year license, but is only open to drivers under 60 with a standard license and no address change.
Mail-in renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and a check to the MVA, and takes four to six weeks from the date they receive it.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if you are 60 or older, need a new photo, have a commercial license, or your license expired more than two years ago.
You will need proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) if you changed your address since your last renewal.
The MVA charges $109 for an eight-year standard license renewal; commercial and motorcycle licenses cost more.

Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers

The Maryland MVA online system is the quickest route if you meet the requirements. You must be under 60, hold a standard (non-commercial) driver's license, have no address change since your last renewal, and your license must not be expired by more than two years. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).

Go to mva.maryland.gov, select "Renew Your License Online," and follow the prompts. The system will verify your identity using information from your existing record. You will not receive a new physical license when ready — the MVA will mail it to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can drive legally during that time.

The fee is $109 for an eight-year license. If you are renewing a motorcycle endorsement or commercial license, you cannot use the online system and must renew by mail or in person.

Mail-in renewal: no office visit required

Mail renewal works for most drivers and requires no trip to an MVA office. You will need to complete Form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License Renewal), which you can read from mva.maryland.gov or request by calling 410-768-7000. Include your current license, a check or money order for $109 (made payable to "Maryland MVA"), and the completed form in an envelope addressed to the MVA.

Mail your packet to: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope, not from the date you mail it. Send it early enough that it arrives before your license expires; the MVA cannot process a renewal for an expired license by mail. If your address has changed since your last renewal, include proof of your new Maryland address (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

You will not receive a new photo on a mail renewal — your existing photo will be carried forward to your new license. If you need a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

You must renew in person if you are 60 or older, need a new photo, hold a commercial or motorcycle license, your address has changed, or your license expired more than two years ago. Bring your current license, proof of Maryland residency if your address changed (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $109 (cash, check, debit card, or credit card accepted).

Find your nearest MVA office at mva.maryland.gov and check its hours before you go — many offices have reduced hours or are closed certain days. You can reserve an appointment online to avoid waiting in line, though walk-ins are also accepted. The appointment system shows real-time availability and lets you pick a date and time that works for you.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number if the MVA asks for it. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. You can drive when ready with the temporary paper license they give you; the plastic card will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

Address changes and proof of residency

If you moved since your last renewal, you must report your new address. Online renewal will not let you proceed if your address differs from what the MVA has on file — the system will direct you to mail or visit an office instead. For mail or in-person renewal, bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new Maryland address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (tax return, court document, or benefit notice).

A cell phone bill or credit card statement will not work as proof of residency. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in a household member's name plus a notarized letter from that person confirming you live there, though this is slower and less common. Call the MVA at 410-768-7000 if you are unsure whether your document will be accepted.

Fees and payment methods

A standard driver's license renewal costs $109 for an eight-year license. Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals cost $109 for the license plus $20 for each endorsement (hazmat, passenger, tanker, doubles/triples). Motorcycle endorsement renewals cost $20 if added to a standard license renewal, or $109 if renewed alone.

Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders made payable to "Maryland MVA." In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you pay by check and it bounces, the MVA will contact you and may charge a returned-check fee.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally if you have proof that you submitted a renewal before the expiration date. Keep your receipt from online renewal, the tracking number from your mailed packet, or your temporary paper license from an in-person visit. Police will accept these as proof of a pending renewal.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must explore for a new license in person. This requires a written knowledge test, vision screening, and a new photo. You will also need to bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of Social Security number in addition to proof of residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I moved out of state?

No. Maryland renewal is only for people who live in Maryland. If you moved to another state, you must obtain a driver's license from that state. If you moved temporarily but still live in Maryland (for work, school, or military service), you can renew by mail or online if you have not changed your address on your license.

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

Online and in-person renewals result in a new license mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date the MVA receives your packet, not from the date you mail it. Your current license remains valid to drive until the new one arrives.

Do I need a new photo if I renew online or by mail?

No. Online and mail renewals carry forward your existing photo. Only in-person renewal gives you a new photo. If you want a new photo but do not need to renew yet, you can visit an MVA office and pay $20 for a photo update.

What if I lost my license before I could renew it?

You must report the loss to the MVA and obtain a replacement. Call 410-768-7000 or visit an MVA office with proof of identity and residency. You can renew at the same time if your license was close to expiration. The replacement license costs $20, plus $109 if you are also renewing.

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

Yes. Maryland does not suspend renewal for unpaid traffic fines or tickets. However, if your license is suspended for a separate reason (unpaid child support, unpaid criminal fines, or a DUI suspension), you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the MVA to check your suspension status before you attempt to renew.

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.