Where and how to renew in Maryland
Maryland allows you to renew your driver's license through three main routes: online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo.
The online renewal system at mva.maryland.gov is the fastest option if your license hasn't expired and you don't need a new photo. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal uses the same may be able to access rules as online renewal. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires; the notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Mail processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives your materials.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license has already expired, if you need a new photo, if you're changing your name or address, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). Walk-in service is available, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland offers online renewal at mva.maryland.gov for licenses that haven't expired and don't require a new photo, with results arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and uses the renewal notice the MVA sends you before expiration; you don't need to request anything.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license has expired, you need a new photo, or you're changing your name or address.
- You can schedule an appointment online before visiting an MVA office to avoid long wait times, though walk-in service is also available.
- The renewal fee in Maryland is $70 for a standard five-year license and $105 for a ten-year license; payment is made at the time of renewal.
What documents you need for each renewal method
Online and mail renewal require only your current license and payment information. You don't need to gather additional documents or provide proof of residency because the MVA already has your information on file.
In-person renewal requires your current license and proof of Social Security number. If you're changing your address, bring a document showing your new address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If you're changing your name, bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If your license has been lost or stolen, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit an MVA office in person and report the loss. Bring your Social Security number proof and payment for a replacement license.
Timeline and when to start the renewal process
Maryland law allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. The MVA typically mails renewal notices 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice to begin the process.
If you're using online or mail renewal, start at least three weeks before your expiration date to account for mail delivery time. If you're renewing in person, you can often get an appointment within a few days, but during peak times (late spring and summer) waits can stretch to two weeks or longer.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it without penalty in Maryland. However, you must renew in person at an MVA office; online and mail renewal are not available for expired licenses. An expired license is still accepted as identification for the renewal process itself.
Fees and payment methods
A standard five-year Maryland driver's license costs $70. A ten-year license costs $105. These are the only renewal fees; there are no additional processing or process fees.
Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic check payment. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made payable to the Maryland MVA; include it in the envelope with your renewal materials. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most MVA offices, though a few locations may have limited payment options.
If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and varies based on the type of endorsement. CDL renewals must be done in person and cannot be completed online or by mail.
What happens after you renew
After online or mail renewal, your new license is mailed to the address on file. If you've recently moved and haven't updated your address with the MVA, your license will go to your old address. You can update your address online before renewing to prevent this.
Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. Once the new license arrives, destroy the old one; Maryland does not require you to return it, but keeping an expired license can cause confusion if you're stopped by police or need to prove your identity.
If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed. The plastic license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for all purposes—driving, identification, and age verification.
Renewing online step by step
Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll be directed to the online renewal portal. Have your current license and a valid payment method ready.
Enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record and display your current information. Review it for accuracy; if anything is wrong (name, address, or other details), you cannot correct it online and must visit an MVA office instead.
Confirm that you meet the renewal requirements: your license has not expired, you don't need a new photo, and you're not changing your name or address. If any of these don't explore to you, the system will direct you to mail or in-person renewal.
Select your license type (standard or ten-year) and review the fee. Enter your payment information and submit. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license ships within 2 business days and arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing by mail step by step
Wait for your renewal notice to arrive in the mail 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal form, a prepaid return envelope, and instructions. Do not request a renewal notice; the MVA sends them automatically.
Sign the renewal form and enclose your payment (check or money order) in the prepaid envelope. Do not include your old license unless the form specifically asks for it. Mail the envelope back to the address printed on it.
Processing begins when the MVA receives your materials. You can track the status of your renewal by visiting mva.maryland.gov and entering your license number and date of birth. The new license arrives 2 to 3 weeks after the MVA processes your renewal.
If you don't receive a renewal notice 60 days before expiration, contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 or visit an MVA office. You can also renew online if you prefer not to wait for the notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, Maryland does not impose a time limit on renewal. However, you must renew in person at an MVA office; online and mail renewal are not available for licenses that have been expired for any length of time. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and payment.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
If you're renewing online or by mail and your address hasn't changed in the MVA system, you don't need to do anything. If you've moved and want your new license mailed to your new address, update your address online at mva.maryland.gov before you renew. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, Maryland does not require a new photo at renewal unless your license has been expired for more than eight years, you're changing your name, or you request one. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it's issued. It works for all purposes—driving, identification, and age verification. Your plastic license arrives within 7 to 10 business days and is valid for the full term printed on it (5 or 10 years).
What if I'm renewing a commercial driver's license?
CDL renewals must be completed in person at an MVA office. You cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, and payment. The fee depends on your endorsements and is higher than a standard license renewal. Schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.