What you need to do to renew in Maryland
Maryland lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, which takes about two weeks. You'll need your current license number, a valid email address, and a payment method if you're renewing online. If you're renewing by mail, you'll send in your current license along with a check or money order.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date you renew it. Maryland will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for that notice — you can renew anytime within 180 days before expiration. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online, but you may face a late fee.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at mva.maryland.gov, by mail, or in person at an MVA office, and most people don't need to visit an office.
- Online renewal takes about two weeks and costs $109 for an eight-year license; mail renewal takes longer but avoids a trip.
- You need your current license number and a valid email address to renew online, or your physical license to renew by mail.
- If your address has changed, you must renew in person or update your address separately before renewing online.
- Maryland will send you a renewal notice 60 days before expiration, but you can renew anytime in the 180 days before your license expires.
Renewing online through the MVA website
The fastest way to renew is online at mva.maryland.gov. Go to the "Renew a License" section and enter your 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 the renewal fee, which is $109 for a standard eight-year license. You'll pay by debit card or credit card.
After you complete the online renewal, Maryland will mail your new license to the address on file. The whole process takes about two weeks from the time you submit. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait. Online renewal works only if your address hasn't changed and your license isn't damaged or lost — if either of those is true, you'll need to renew in person or by mail.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the MVA or read it from mva.maryland.gov. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $109. Send everything to the address listed on the form — it varies by region. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks because of postal time plus processing time at the MVA.
Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to go online or if you want a paper record of your submission. However, if your address has changed since your last license was issued, you cannot renew by mail — you must renew in person. The same applies if your license is damaged, lost, or if you need to change your name on the license.
Renewing in person at an MVA office
You can walk into any MVA office and renew your license on the spot. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). You'll fill out an process, have your photo taken, and pay $109. The new license is usually ready within 15 minutes.
In-person renewal is required if your address has changed, if you need to correct information on your license, or if your license is damaged or lost. It's also the option to choose if you want your new license when ready rather than waiting for mail delivery. MVA offices can be busy, especially near the end of the month, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday usually means a shorter wait.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still renew it online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a regular renewal. However, Maryland will charge you a $25 late fee on top of the $109 renewal fee. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renewing as soon as possible is important.
If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you cannot renew it — you'll have to explore for a new license instead, which requires taking the written test and vision test again. This is a longer process than renewal. To avoid this, renew your license before it expires or within the 12-month grace period after expiration.
Changing your address during renewal
If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address before or during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you'll need to either renew in person at an MVA office or renew by mail. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days.
If you want to update your address without renewing your license, you can do that separately online at mva.maryland.gov under "Change Your Address." This takes about two weeks and costs nothing. Many people update their address first, then renew their license online a few days later.
Costs and timeline for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Cost | Timeline | Where to Do It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $109 | About 2 weeks | mva.maryland.gov |
| By mail | $109 | 3 to 4 weeks | Mail to MVA regional address |
| In person | $109 | 15 minutes (at office) | Any MVA office |
| Late renewal (expired less than 12 months) | $134 ($109 + $25 late fee) | Varies by method | Online, mail, or in person |
The $109 fee covers an eight-year license. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is the same — Maryland issues REAL ID licenses by default during renewal. If you don't want a REAL ID, you can request a standard license instead, but the fee remains $109.
When you renew in person, you'll have your photo taken at the MVA office and receive your new license within 15 minutes. If you renew online or by mail, Maryland uses your existing photo from your current license, so you won't need to sit for a new one unless you choose to renew in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest — it takes about two weeks and you don't need to be in Maryland. If you're stationed overseas or living abroad, mail renewal is your best option, though it takes longer due to international postal times.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at an MVA office and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license on the spot.
Do I need a new photo for renewal?
If you renew online or by mail, Maryland will use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the MVA will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you'll have to renew in person instead.
What if I lose my license before it arrives in the mail?
Contact the MVA and report it lost. You can request a replacement license, which costs $20. If your renewal was already in progress when you lost it, call the MVA to confirm the status — they may be able to reissue it to you or expedite a replacement.
Can I renew early if my license doesn't expire for another year?
Yes. Maryland allows you to renew anytime within 180 days before your license expires. Renewing early is useful if you're planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you want to update your photo or address at the same time.