Maryland driver's license renewal: in-person, online, or by mail
You can renew your Maryland driver's license through three routes: online at mva.maryland.gov if you meet certain conditions, in person at any Motor Vehicle Administration office, or by mail if you hold a Real ID-compliant license. The online path is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home — but only works if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had certain violations. If you do not meet those conditions, you must go in person or use the mail option.
Maryland requires you to renew before your license expires. You can start the process up to one year before the expiration date printed on your card. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for that notice to begin.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at mva.maryland.gov takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year license, but only works if your current license is valid and you have no medical flags or recent violations.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; appointments are strongly recommended and can be booked online.
- Mail renewal is available only if you hold a Real ID-compliant license and your license is not expired; send your completed form, current license, and payment to the address on the form.
- Processing times vary: online renewals are when ready, in-person appointments typically take 15 to 30 minutes, and mail renewals take two to four weeks after the MVA receives your packet.
- If your license is already expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal and must appear in person with the same documents required for a new applicant.
Online renewal: fastest option with strict limits
Online renewal through mva.maryland.gov is the quickest path if you are may be able to access. You will need your current Maryland driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $109 for an eight-year license. You receive your renewed license by mail within 10 business days.
You cannot use online renewal if any of these explore: your license is expired, you have medical restrictions or conditions listed on your license, you have had a suspension or revocation in the past three years, you have unpaid traffic violations or child support obligations, or you have changed your name since your last license was issued. If any of these conditions match your situation, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
Visiting an MVA office works for anyone, regardless of medical flags, violations, or expiration status. You will need to bring your current driver's license (or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Maryland address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
The MVA operates 26 offices across Maryland. You can find the nearest location and book an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are often longer — appointments typically take 15 to 30 minutes, while walk-in waits can stretch to an hour or more during peak times. The renewal fee is $109 for an eight-year license. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card arrives by mail within 10 business days.
Mail renewal for Real ID-compliant licenses
If your current license displays a gold star in the upper right corner, it is Real ID-compliant and you can renew by mail. You will need to complete Form DL-43 (available at mva.maryland.gov or by calling 410-787-7758), include your current license, and send both with a check or money order for $109 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal takes two to four weeks after the MVA receives your packet. There is no tracking system, so you cannot check status online. If your license expires before your renewed one arrives, you will not be able to drive legally. For this reason, mail renewal works best if you start at least six weeks before your expiration date. If your license does not have the gold star, or if it is already expired, you cannot use the mail option.
What to do if your license is already expired
Once your license expires, online and mail renewal are no longer available. You must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring the same documents as for a standard in-person renewal: expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address. The process is the same and the fee remains $109 for an eight-year license.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have submitted a renewal process. The temporary paper license you receive at the MVA office is valid when ready, so you can drive legally while waiting for your plastic card to arrive by mail.
Fees and payment methods
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $109 in Maryland. If you are 65 or older, you can renew for five years instead at a lower cost — contact your local MVA office for the exact fee, as it varies slightly. Payment methods depend on your renewal route: online renewal accepts debit and credit cards; in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card; mail renewal requires check or money order only.
If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the process is different and more complex. CDL renewals require a medical examination and cannot be done online or by mail — you must visit an MVA office in person. Contact the MVA for CDL-specific requirements.
Timeline and what to expect after renewal
Plan to start your renewal at least 30 days before your license expires. If you renew online, your new license arrives within 10 business days. If you renew in person, you walk out with a temporary paper license valid when ready and receive your plastic card within 10 business days. If you renew by mail, allow two to four weeks for processing and delivery.
Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date of renewal (or five years if you are 65 or older). The MVA does not send a second notice when your new license is about to expire — you will need to track the expiration date yourself or set a reminder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
No. Outstanding violations and unpaid fines block online renewal and may prevent in-person renewal as well. You must resolve the ticket or fine before you can renew. Contact the court listed on your citation or call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to find out what you owe and how to pay it.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Maryland license?
You cannot renew a Maryland license if you no longer live in Maryland. You must obtain a license in your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Maryland resident, you can renew online or by mail if you meet the other requirements.
How long is my temporary paper license good for?
The temporary paper license you receive at an MVA office is valid for 10 business days while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail. If your plastic card does not arrive within that window, contact the MVA when ready — do not drive with an expired temporary license.
Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition or take certain medications?
It depends on the condition and how it is coded on your license. If your current license has medical restrictions or notations, you cannot renew online — you must renew in person so an MVA examiner can review your medical status. Bring any relevant medical documentation with you to the office.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person and bring legal proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes. The in-person process is the same otherwise, and the fee is still $109.