Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your Maryland driver's license in person at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, or online through the Maryland MVA website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
Before you go to an MVA office or start an online renewal, gather your current driver's license, proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address. If you're renewing after your license expired, you must renew in person — the online system will not let you proceed.
Maryland licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, which means you don't have to wait until the last minute. Renewing early gives you time to handle any problems that come up without driving on an expired license.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 if your license is not expired and your address hasn't changed.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on how busy the location is, and costs $109 for a standard eight-year license.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to rush to the MVA office on your expiration date.
- If your license is already expired, you must renew in person and cannot use the online system.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to any MVA office.
Renewing online through the Maryland MVA website
Go to the Maryland MVA website and select "Renew License" from the homepage. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you're may be able to access to renew online. If you see a message saying you cannot renew online, it means your license is expired, you have medical restrictions, or your address has changed — you'll need to go to an MVA office instead.
If the system confirms you're may be able to access, you'll review your current information and make any updates that don't involve your address. You'll then upload a new photo or use the photo on file. Pay the $109 renewal fee with a debit or credit card. After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
While you wait for your new license, you can print the confirmation page and use it as a temporary license if you're stopped by police. Some businesses and banks may not accept it, but law enforcement will recognize it as proof that you've renewed.
Renewing in person at an MVA office
Find your nearest MVA office on the Maryland MVA website and check the current wait times before you go. Some offices are much busier than others, and wait times can range from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week. Weekday mornings are usually less crowded than afternoons and weekends.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. You'll also need to provide a new photo, which the MVA will take at the office.
At the office, take a number and wait to be called. When it's your turn, tell the representative you're renewing your license. They'll verify your documents, take your photo, and process your payment of $109. You'll receive a temporary license on the spot that's valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you have to explore for a new license instead. The process is similar to renewal but requires additional documents, including proof of citizenship or legal residency status. Contact your local MVA office or check the Maryland MVA website to see what documents you'll need.
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person at an MVA office. The online system will not process an expired license. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Changing your address during renewal
If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. You cannot change your address online — you have to go to an MVA office in person. Bring a document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. The MVA will not accept a post office change of address form as proof of residency.
When you arrive at the MVA office, tell the representative that you're renewing and that your address has changed. They'll update your record, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The fee remains $109. Your new license will show your updated address and will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Understanding the cost and timeline
A standard eight-year Maryland driver's license renewal costs $109, whether you renew online or in person. This is the only fee — there are no additional charges for processing or mailing. Payment must be made by debit or credit card; the MVA does not accept cash, checks, or money orders.
If you renew online, your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary license when ready that's valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. During the waiting period, the temporary license is your proof of a valid Maryland driver's license.
Plan to renew at least two weeks before your expiration date to may support your new license arrives before your current one expires. If you're cutting it close, renewing in person gives you a temporary license on the spot, which is safer than waiting for mail delivery.
What to do if you have medical restrictions or a commercial license
If your current license has medical restrictions noted on it, you cannot renew online — you must go to an MVA office. Medical restrictions require a doctor's certification, which the MVA must review in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and any medical documentation your doctor has provided. The MVA representative will tell you what additional forms you need.
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal rules are different and more complex. CDL renewals require a medical examination by a certified medical examiner, and you must renew in person at an MVA office. Contact your local MVA office for specific requirements and scheduling information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than a year?
No. If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires additional documents, including proof of citizenship or legal residency. Contact the Maryland MVA to find out what documents you'll need for a new process.
What if I don't have proof of residency dated within 60 days?
You'll need to obtain a document that shows your current address and is dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or insurance documents. If you cannot get one of these, contact your local MVA office to ask about alternative documents they may accept.
Can I use my temporary license to drive while I wait for my new license?
Yes. If you renewed in person, your temporary license is valid for 30 days and is recognized by law enforcement as proof of a valid Maryland driver's license. If you renewed online, you can print your confirmation page and use it as a temporary license. Some businesses may not accept it, but police will recognize it.
How long does online renewal actually take?
The online process itself takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. However, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, renewing in person gives you a temporary license when ready.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online — you must go to an MVA office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The MVA will update your name and issue a new license.