How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

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.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring your birth certificate unless you're renewing for the first time or your license was lost or stolen.

Online renewal requires you to log into your MVA account using your driver's license number and date of birth. You'll answer questions about your vision, medical history, and address. The system will tell you when ready whether you're may be able to access. If you proceed, you'll pay the renewal fee and a new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

Maryland lets you renew online if your license is current, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed — this takes 7 to 10 days by mail.
In-person renewal at any MVA office works for everyone and takes about 30 minutes, but you must bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
Your Maryland driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue, and you can renew up to one year before it expires.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must explore in person as if getting a new license.
The renewal fee is $70 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at MVA offices.

Timeline for renewal and when you can start

You can renew your Maryland driver's license up to one year before the expiration date printed on the front. This means if your license expires on March 15, 2025, you can start the renewal process on March 15, 2024. Starting early gives you time to gather documents and avoid the rush if your license is about to expire.

If you renew online, your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving legally during that time. If you renew in person at an MVA office, you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew, but the rules change. If it expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online using the same process. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office and may need to retake the vision test and written exam.

MVA office locations and wait times

Maryland has 26 MVA offices across the state. The main office is in Glen Burnie, but most people use their local branch. You can find the nearest office and its hours on the Maryland MVA website. Some offices are busier than others — offices in Baltimore, Annapolis, and suburban areas near Washington, D.C. typically have longer waits during midday and early afternoon.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning (before 10 a.m.) and late afternoon (after 3 p.m.) are usually quieter. Tuesdays through Thursdays tend to be less crowded than Mondays and Fridays. The MVA does not take appointments for standard renewals, so you arrive and take a number. Most in-person renewals take 20 to 45 minutes from check-in to completion.

If you want to avoid the office entirely, online renewal is your fastest option — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes, and your license arrives by mail. This is worth doing if you're may be able to access, especially if your nearest MVA office has a reputation for long waits.

Fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $70 in Maryland. This is the fee for most adults renewing a regular license. If you're over 65, the renewal fee is $35 for a four-year license. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the fee is the same — $70 for eight years — but you must renew in person and bring additional proof of identity.

You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at any MVA office. Online renewals accept debit and credit cards only. If you pay by check at an office, make it payable to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. No personal checks are accepted for online renewals.

There are no additional fees for a duplicate license if yours is lost or stolen, but a replacement is technically a different transaction from a renewal. If your license is still valid and you just want a copy, that costs $20.

REAL ID compliance and what it means for renewal

Maryland's REAL ID-compliant driver's license looks the same as a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard (non-REAL ID) Maryland driver's license will no longer be accepted as identification for domestic flights or entry to federal buildings. If you fly domestically or visit federal offices, you'll need either a REAL ID license, a passport, or a military ID.

If your current license does not have the gold star, you can upgrade to REAL ID during your renewal. You must renew in person at an MVA office — online renewal does not offer REAL ID. Bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and one additional document proving your identity and date of birth (passport, birth certificate, or certified adoption papers). The fee is still $70 for eight years.

If you're not sure whether your license is REAL ID-compliant, look for the gold star. If it's not there and you don't fly or visit federal buildings, you don't need to upgrade. But if you renew anyway in the next few years, you might as well get REAL ID at the same time since the cost is identical.

What to do if your name or address changed

If your address changed but your name did not, you can renew online or in person without extra steps — just bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days). The MVA will update your address during the renewal process.

If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and the document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The renewal fee is still $70. Processing takes the same amount of time as a standard renewal.

If you moved out of state and then moved back to Maryland, or if you're renewing after a long gap, you may need to provide additional documents. Call your local MVA office or check the website before you go to avoid a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, if it expired less than two years ago. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the standard process. If it expired more than two years ago, you must go to an MVA office in person and may need to retake the vision and written tests.

What if I lost my current license before renewal?

Report the loss to your local police department and get a case number. Then go to an MVA office with the police report, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You'll get a replacement license on the spot. The fee is $20 for a duplicate, not $70.

How long is my temporary paper license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your plastic card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so you'll have it well before the temporary expires. If you don't receive your new license within two weeks, contact the MVA to check the status.

Do I need to take a new photo during renewal?

For online renewal, no — the MVA uses your existing photo. For in-person renewal, the MVA takes a new photo at the office. You cannot bring your own photo.

What if I have a commercial driver's license?

Commercial licenses (CDL) have different renewal rules and cannot be renewed online. You must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your current CDL, medical certificate (if required), proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The fee and timeline are the same as a standard renewal.

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.