Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Maryland driver's license at any Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, online through the MVA website, or by mail. The fastest option is online if you meet the requirements — you need a valid credit or debit card and your current license must not be expired by more than one year. If you're renewing by mail or in person, bring your current license, proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number.

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must visit an MVA office in person. The same applies if you need to update your name, address, or other information beyond a standard renewal. You'll also need to visit in person if you want to change your photo or if your license was lost or stolen.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the MVA website takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for a five-year license, with no office visit required.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee.
  • In-person renewal at an MVA office typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how busy the location is, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
  • Your license must not be expired by more than one year to renew online or by mail; otherwise you must go to an MVA office.
  • A renewed Maryland license is valid for five years from the date of renewal.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Go to the Maryland MVA website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm whether you're may be able to access to renew online — if your license is expired by more than one year or if there are any holds on your record, you'll be directed to renew in person instead.

If you're may be able to access, you'll review your current information and make any updates to your address or emergency contact. You cannot change your name, photo, or other details online; those changes require an in-person visit. Once you've confirmed your information, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail

Request a renewal form from the MVA by calling 410-227-1371 or visiting an MVA office, or read the form from the MVA website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order made payable to "Maryland MVA." Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — typically the MVA's central processing office in Glen Burnie. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to your address once it's ready. If you need your license sooner, you can visit an MVA office instead.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

Bring your current license, proof of Maryland residency, and your Social Security number to any MVA office. You can check the MVA website for office locations and hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some locations offer Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can schedule one online to reduce your wait time.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The MVA staff will verify your identity, review your information, take a new photo if needed, and process your payment. The entire visit usually takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A five-year renewal license costs $109. If you're 65 or older, a five-year license costs $39. Payment methods vary by how you renew: online renewal accepts credit or debit card only; mail renewal accepts check or money order; in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some MVA offices may also accept other payment methods, so call ahead if you have questions about payment options at your specific location.

If you renew online or by mail, the fee is charged or cashed when your renewal is processed. If you renew in person, you pay at the time of your visit. There are no additional fees for standard renewals, though you may pay extra if you request a replacement photo or make certain address changes.

What to do if your license is expired by more than one year

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use the online or mail renewal process. You must visit an MVA office in person with your expired license, proof of Maryland residency, and your Social Security number. The MVA will process your renewal the same way as a standard in-person renewal, and you'll receive a temporary paper license and a permanent license by mail.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you've submitted a renewal process. Do not drive until you have your temporary or permanent license in hand. If you're stopped by police while driving with an expired license, you can be cited.

After your renewal is processed

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the MVA. If you've moved recently, update your address before you renew so your license goes to the correct location. If you renew online or by mail, you'll receive a temporary paper license by mail along with your permanent license, or you can print a temporary license from the MVA website when ready after completing your online renewal.

Your renewed license is valid for five years from the date of renewal. Keep your old license until the new one arrives, in case you need to show proof of identity. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to an MVA office.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The MVA will not process your renewal if you have outstanding tickets, fines, or other holds on your driving record. You must resolve these issues first. Contact the court or the agency that issued the ticket to pay what you owe, then attempt your renewal again.

What if my address changed since my last license?

Update your address before you renew. If you're renewing online, you can change your address during the renewal process. If you're renewing by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your other documents.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive using the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

Can I change my name or photo during a renewal?

You cannot change your name or photo online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office in person to update your name or request a new photo. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any legal documents related to your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).

What if I lost my license before it expired?

A lost license is not a renewal — it's a replacement. You must visit an MVA office in person to report the loss and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. The replacement process is similar to renewal, and you'll pay a replacement fee instead of a renewal fee.