How to Renew Your Driver's License at the MVA

What the MVA requires to renew your license

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) requires you to bring your current driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of residency when you renew in person. If your license has expired more than one year ago, you may need to pass a vision test and written exam again, depending on how long it has been since your last renewal.

You can renew online through the MVA website if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, name changes, or medical suspensions. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. The new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you renew by mail, you must submit a completed form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit), your current license, and the renewal fee. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. The MVA does not recommend mail renewal if your license is already expired, because you cannot legally drive while waiting for the new one to arrive.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is current and you have not moved or changed your name.
In-person renewal at an MVA office requires your current license, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your current address.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you will need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written exam.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and is not recommended if your license is already expired, since you cannot drive legally during that time.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Visit the Maryland MVA website and select "Renew Your License Online." You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against MVA records.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address or legal name, and you do not have any medical restrictions or suspensions on your record. If any of these conditions explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail instead.

The renewal fee is lower for online renewal than for in-person or mail renewal. You pay by debit card or credit card at the end of the process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

Bring your current driver's license, a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The name on your proof of address must match the name on your license.

If you have moved since your last renewal, bring documents showing your new address. If you have changed your legal name, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The MVA will not process a renewal without matching documents.

Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. The MVA website shows current wait times for each office. You can also make an appointment online to reduce your wait time. In-person renewal is completed on the spot, and you receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent license is mailed to you.

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

If your license expired more than one year ago, the MVA treats the renewal as a new license process in some respects. You must pass a vision test at the MVA office. Depending on how long your license has been expired, you may also need to retake the written knowledge exam and the road test.

The MVA's policy on retesting depends on the length of the expiration. If your license expired 1 to 5 years ago, you typically need the vision test and written exam but not the road test. If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you may need all three tests. Contact your local MVA office or check the website to confirm what tests you will need before you go in.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must renew in person at an MVA office.

Renewing by mail

Request form DL-43 from the MVA website or pick one up at any MVA office. Complete the form with your current information, including your address and any name changes. Sign and date the form. Include your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to "Maryland MVA."

Mail the completed form, your license, and payment to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Keep a copy of the form and your payment receipt for your records. The MVA will mail your new license to the address you listed on the form within 2 to 3 weeks.

Mail renewal is slower than online or in-person renewal, and you cannot legally drive once your current license expires while you wait for the new one to arrive. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, renew in person instead.

Fees and what they cover

The renewal fee depends on the type of license and how long it is valid for. A standard five-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal. Online renewal costs less than in-person or mail renewal. The exact fee varies, so check the MVA website for current pricing before you renew.

The renewal fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. It does not cover any additional tests (vision, written, or road) if you need to take them. If you fail a test, you may need to pay an additional fee to retake it.

The MVA accepts payment by debit card, credit card, check, or money order, depending on which renewal method you choose. Online renewal requires a debit or credit card. In-person renewal accepts all payment methods. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my new one?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you renew online or in person, you receive a temporary license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. If you renew by mail, you have no legal driving document during the 2 to 3 week wait, so plan accordingly.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person or by mail if your address has changed. Online renewal is not available for address changes. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) when you renew in person. Include your new address on the form if you renew by mail.

Do I need to pass a test to renew my license?

Not usually. If your license is current and you have no medical suspensions, you only need to bring your documents and pay the fee. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must pass a vision test and may need to retake the written exam or road test depending on how long it has been expired.

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

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days by mail. In-person renewal is when ready—you get a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks total.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a lost license. You must report it lost to the MVA and request a replacement. A replacement is treated differently from a renewal and may require additional steps. Contact your local MVA office or visit the website to report a lost license and find out what documents you need to bring.

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.