How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Maryland driver's license through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in person, by mail, or online — but not all three routes work for everyone. The route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address.

If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an MVA office. If it expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew in person. If you need a new photo or your address has changed, you also need to go in person, even if your license is still valid.

For any renewal route, you'll need to bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Maryland residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days works), and your current or expired license. If you're renewing in person, bring your original documents — not copies.

Key Takeaways

Online and mail renewal work only if your license expired within the last 12 months and you don't need a new photo or address change.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license expired more than 12 months ago, or if you need a photo update or address change.
You'll need proof of your Social Security number, proof of Maryland residency dated within 60 days, and your current or expired license.
Maryland driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.

Renewing online through the MVA website

The Maryland MVA website lets you renew online if your license expired within the last 12 months, you don't need a new photo, and your address hasn't changed. Go to mva.maryland.gov, select "Renew a Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You'll need your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start.

The online system will ask you to confirm your address and vision requirements. You'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card — the fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal follows the same rules as online renewal: your license must have expired within the last 12 months, you don't need a new photo, and your address must be current. read the DL-43 form from the MVA website or call 410-768-7000 to request one by mail.

Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency. Mail processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the MVA receives your envelope, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date. You can drive on your expired license while you wait.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than 12 months ago, if you need a new photo, or if your address has changed. Visit any MVA office with your original documents: proof of Social Security number, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your current or expired license.

Bring your documents in their original form — the MVA will not accept copies. You'll fill out a DL-43 form at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. Most offices do not require an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the MVA website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year

If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to an MVA office in person and bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and your expired license.

The process is the same as renewing in person — you'll fill out a form, have a new photo taken, and pay the fee. The MVA does not penalize you for the gap in time; you straightforward cannot use the faster routes. If you've moved since your license expired, bring proof of your new address.

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

Maryland driver's licenses are valid for eight years. The renewal fee depends on how long your new license will be valid. If you renew before your current license expires, your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew. If you renew after expiration, your new license will be valid for eight years from the expiration date of your old license.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not change how long your license lasts — it will still expire eight years from the renewal date. Check the MVA website or call 410-768-7000 for the current renewal fee, as it may change.

Changing your address or getting a new photo

If you've moved since your license was issued, you can update your address online through the MVA website without renewing your license — but only if your license is still valid. Go to mva.maryland.gov, select "Change Address," and follow the prompts. You'll need your license number and date of birth. There is no fee for an address change.

If you want a new photo on your current license before it expires, you must visit an MVA office in person. You cannot get a new photo by mail or online. Bring your current license and proof of residency, fill out a DL-43 form, and pay the photo update fee. Your new license with the updated photo will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes. If you renew online or by mail, you can drive on your expired license until your new one arrives. If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use when ready while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must replace it. Go to an MVA office in person with proof of Social Security number and proof of residency. The replacement process is different from renewal and may have different fees. Call 410-768-7000 or check the MVA website for replacement details.

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

Most MVA offices do not require an appointment for renewal. However, you can schedule one online at mva.maryland.gov to reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first. Check wait times for your local office before you go.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

If you've changed your name, you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your current or expired license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, court order, or other legal document), proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The MVA will issue a new license with your updated name.

How do I know if I'm may be able to access to renew online or by mail?

You can renew online or by mail only if all three of these are true: your license expired within the last 12 months, you don't need a new photo, and your address hasn't changed. If any of these don't explore to you, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

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.