Where to renew and what you'll need

In Maryland, you can renew your driver's license through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in person, by mail, or online — but not all renewal types work through every channel. If you're renewing a standard license that hasn't expired more than one year ago, you can use any of these three methods. If your license expired longer than a year ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

Before you choose your method, gather these documents: your current Maryland driver's license (or the expired one if you still have it), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of Maryland residency dated within the last 60 days (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). You'll also need to pay the renewal fee, which is $109 for a five-year license or $159 for an eight-year license as of 2024.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland lets you renew online or by mail if your license expired less than a year ago, but you must go to an MVA office if it's been expired longer than that.
  • You'll need your current or expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof you live in Maryland — all gathered before you start the process.
  • Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option and takes about 10 business days to receive your new license in the mail.
  • If you renew by mail, allow three to four weeks; in-person renewal at an MVA office can be completed the same day if you arrive early and bring all required documents.

Renewing online through the MVA website

The online renewal process happens at the Maryland MVA website. You'll create or log into your MVA account, answer questions about your current license and any address changes, upload images of your documents (your license and proof of residency), and pay the fee by credit or debit card. The system will confirm whether your renewal went through or whether you need to visit an office in person.

After you submit, the MVA mails your new license to the address on file. This typically takes about 10 business days from the time your renewal is processed. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait. If the online system rejects your renewal for any reason — usually because a document didn't scan clearly or information didn't match their records — you'll receive a notice explaining what to do next, which usually means visiting an MVA office.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, you'll need to request a renewal process from the MVA or read one from their website. Fill out the form completely, include copies (not originals) of your proof of Social Security number and proof of residency, and mail everything along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the process.

Mail renewal takes three to four weeks from the time the MVA receives your envelope. There's no way to track the status while it's in the mail, so send it early enough that you won't be without a valid license. If documents are missing or unclear, the MVA will mail you a notice asking you to resubmit them, which adds another two to three weeks to the process. For this reason, many people find online renewal faster and more reliable.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

You can walk into any MVA office in Maryland with your documents and renew the same day. Bring your current or expired license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and payment. The office will verify your information, take a new photo, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.

Wait times at MVA offices vary widely by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. You can check the MVA website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go. If you're renewing because your license is expired or expiring very soon, in-person renewal is the safest choice because you'll have a valid temporary license when ready.

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

If your Maryland driver's license has been expired for longer than 12 months, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit an MVA office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The process is the same as a regular in-person renewal, and you'll receive a temporary license the same day.

The reason for this rule is that Maryland law requires the MVA to verify your identity and current address in person if too much time has passed since your license was last valid. This is a security measure, not a penalty. If you've moved since your license expired, bring your current proof of residency to the office — the MVA will update your address at the same time.

Renewing if you've changed your name or address

If you've changed your name since your license was issued, you'll need to provide legal documentation of the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your other renewal documents. You can do this online, by mail, or in person, but the MVA will review the name-change document as part of your renewal.

If you've moved within Maryland, you can update your address during any renewal method. If you've moved out of state and then back to Maryland, you may need to take a written test and vision test in addition to renewing your license; contact the MVA directly to confirm what applies to your situation.

Paying the renewal fee

Maryland driver's license renewal costs $109 for a five-year license or $159 for an eight-year license. The fee does not vary based on your age or how long you've held a license. When you renew online, you can pay by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. When you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order — do not send cash. When you renew in person, the MVA office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

The fee is non-refundable once your renewal is processed. If you're renewing early — before your current license expires — you still pay the full fee, and your new license's expiration date will be five or eight years from the date it's issued, not from the date your old license would have expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license if I don't have my Social Security card?

Yes. You can use a W-2 form, 1099 form, or other official document that shows your Social Security number instead of the card itself. The MVA just needs to verify the number matches their records.

What if I've lost my current license and can't find it?

You can still renew using your expired license if you have it, or you can renew in person at an MVA office without it. Bring your other required documents — proof of Social Security number and proof of residency — and the MVA will look up your license information in their system.

How long is a Maryland driver's license valid after I renew it?

You choose between a five-year license ($109) or an eight-year license ($159) when you renew. The expiration date is five or eight years from the date your new license is issued, not from the date your old one expired.

Can I renew my license if I owe traffic fines or have unpaid tickets?

Maryland does not block license renewal based on unpaid traffic fines or court costs. However, if you have an outstanding warrant or your license was suspended for a specific reason (such as failing a vision test or medical disqualification), the MVA may not process your renewal until that issue is resolved. Contact the MVA directly if you're unsure whether your license has a hold on it.

What if the MVA rejects my online renewal?

The MVA will send you a notice explaining why — usually because a document didn't scan clearly, information didn't match their records, or you don't meet the requirements for online renewal. The notice will tell you what to do next, which is typically to visit an MVA office in person or resubmit documents by mail.