How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Maryland driver's license at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in the state, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The MVA is the state agency that issues and renews licenses — there is no separate online renewal system for Maryland residents, though you can schedule an appointment online to skip the wait at a physical location.

Before you go, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. You will also need to pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on how many years you are renewing for — typically $70 for a five-year renewal or $140 for a ten-year renewal.

Key Takeaways

You can renew at any MVA office in Maryland by scheduling an appointment online, or by mail if your license is not suspended and you have not had violations in the past two years.
Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number — a utility bill and Social Security card cover both requirements.
The renewal fee is $70 for five years or $140 for ten years, paid at the time of renewal.
If you renew in person, you will have a new photo taken and receive your license the same day; mail renewals take two to three weeks.
Your license expires on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before the expiration date.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

Walk into any MVA office with your documents and fee, or schedule an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov to reduce wait time. When you arrive, you will fill out form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit), have your photo taken, and sign the back of your new license. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have an appointment, or longer if you walk in without one.

You will receive your renewed license on the spot. Your new license will have the same number as your old one and will be valid for five or ten years from the date of renewal, depending on which term you chose. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license (required for domestic air travel starting in 2025), the process is the same, but you must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate in addition to your other documents.

Renewing by mail

You can renew by mail if your current license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any violations in the past two years, and you are renewing for a five-year term only. Mail your current license, the completed form DL-43, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your check or money order for $70 to the MVA address listed on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your process. You will not have a new photo taken, so your license will use the photo from your previous renewal. Mail renewal is useful if you have a stable address, no recent violations, and time to wait — but if you need your license quickly or want a new photo, renewing in person is faster.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means taking the written test and the driving test, not just renewing. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew using the standard process.

If your license is currently suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the MVA directly to find out the reason and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.

Renewing a REAL ID license

A REAL ID is a federally compliant driver's license required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license is already REAL ID-compliant (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner), you can renew it as a REAL ID by bringing your original or certified birth certificate along with your other documents. The fee and process are the same as a standard renewal.

If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant and you want to upgrade during renewal, bring your birth certificate, passport, or passport card. You do not need to pay an extra fee — the REAL ID version costs the same as a standard license. If you do not bring the required document, you will receive a standard (non-REAL ID) license.

Scheduling an appointment and what to expect

Go to mva.maryland.gov and click "Schedule an Appointment" to book a time slot at the MVA office nearest you. You can schedule up to 30 days in advance. Appointments are free and typically reduce your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes, compared to an hour or more if you walk in without one.

When you arrive for your appointment, bring all your documents and arrive 10 minutes early. If you are more than 15 minutes late, your appointment may be cancelled and you will be asked to reschedule. The MVA office will be closed on certain holidays — check the website before you go to confirm the office is open on the day you plan to visit.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you want to update your photo. The new license will still expire on your birthday, not one year from the renewal date — so renewing early does not extend how long your license lasts.

If you renew early, your old license becomes invalid the moment you receive your new one. Do not carry both licenses. If you lose your new license before your birthday, you will need to report it lost and pay a replacement fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license if I live out of state?

No. You must be a Maryland resident to hold a Maryland driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should get a license from your new state. If you still live in Maryland but are temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail if you meet the other requirements.

What if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?

CDLs cannot be renewed by mail — you must renew in person at an MVA office. You will need to pass a medical examination and provide a valid medical certificate. The renewal process is otherwise the same as a standard license.

Do I need an appointment to renew, or can I just walk in?

You can walk in without an appointment, but you will likely wait longer. Scheduling an appointment online is free and usually reduces your wait to 15 to 30 minutes. If you do walk in, arrive early in the day or on a weekday for shorter waits.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change along with your other documents. The MVA will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name at no extra cost.

How long does it take to get my renewed license if I renew by mail?

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your process. Mail it early enough that you have your new license before your current one expires. If you need your license sooner, renew in person instead.

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.