How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Where and how to renew in Maryland

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at mva.maryland.gov, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your photo or address.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You log into your MVA account, pay the renewal fee (currently $109 for a five-year license or $161 for an eight-year license), and receive a temporary digital license when ready. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.

Mail renewal works if your license expired within the last two years and you do not need a photo update. You send your current license, a completed Form DL-43, and a check or money order to the MVA. Processing takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at an MVA office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you need a new photo.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through mva.maryland.gov is available only if your license expired within two years, you are not changing your address or name, and you do not need a new photo.
Mail renewal requires Form DL-43, your current license, and payment by check or money order, and takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is necessary if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you need a new photo.
The renewal fee is $109 for a five-year license or $161 for an eight-year license, and you can pay online, by mail, or in person.
You will need proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and proof of Social Security number if you renew in person.

Online renewal step by step

Start at mva.maryland.gov and click the "Online Services" link. Select "Renew Your License" and log in with your email address and password. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one using your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Review your personal information on the screen. If your address or name has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online and must visit an MVA office or mail in your renewal. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. Maryland accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. After you pay, the system generates a temporary digital license that you can screenshot or save to your phone. This temporary license is valid for 30 days while you wait for your physical card.

Mail renewal: documents and timeline

read or request Form DL-43 from mva.maryland.gov. Fill it out completely, including your current license number, renewal fee amount, and signature. Enclose your current driver's license, a check or money order made out to "Maryland MVA," and the completed form in an envelope.

Mail the packet to: Motor Vehicle Administration, Licensing Division, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062. Do not use certified mail or require a signature — standard mail is fine. The MVA processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. You should receive your new license within two to three weeks of the MVA receiving your packet. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to check the status.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

Visit any MVA office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The MVA website shows current wait times at each office.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you are renewing after your license has been expired for more than two years, you will also need to pass a vision test. The MVA will take a new photo during your visit. Payment is accepted in cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

What happens if your license is expired

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have already started the renewal process. However, the MVA recognizes that mail and in-person processing take time. If you are in the middle of renewing and need to drive, you can print a temporary license from mva.maryland.gov after you complete an online renewal, or ask for a temporary paper license when you visit an MVA office in person.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit an MVA office, pass a vision test, and have a new photo taken. This is treated as a new license process rather than a renewal, and the process takes longer.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you are moving or have changed your name, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and if you changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The MVA will update your information, take a new photo, and issue your renewed license on the spot. The fee is the same as a standard renewal. If you are changing your name, the process may take slightly longer because the MVA verifies the name change document.

Fees and payment methods

A five-year Maryland driver's license renewal costs $109. An eight-year renewal costs $161. These are the standard fees as of now, though fees can change. If you renew online or in person, you can pay with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. If you renew by mail, you must pay by check or money order.

The MVA does not offer refunds if you change your mind after paying. If your payment is declined online, you will see an error message and can try again with a different payment method. If you mail a check and it bounces, the MVA will contact you to request payment again before processing your renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No, not through online or mail renewal. You must visit an MVA office in person, pass a vision test, and have a new photo taken. This is treated as a new license process, not a renewal, and may take longer to process.

How long does a temporary digital license last?

A temporary digital license from online renewal is valid for 30 days. Your physical card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but the temporary license covers you during that wait time.

What if I move before my renewed license arrives?

Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 with your new address. They can update your mailing address in the system so your license is sent to the correct location. Do not wait until after your card arrives to report the move.

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

No. Mail renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

What if my name or address changed since I got my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if either has changed. You must visit an MVA office and bring proof of the change — a utility bill for address changes, or a marriage certificate or court order for name changes.

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.