How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the MVA website. The method you can use depends on your license type, how long it's been expired, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant card. Most people renew every five years, though some licenses last eight years depending on your age when you first got them.

The fastest route is usually online if you're may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at an MVA office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is.

Key Takeaways

Maryland offers three renewal methods: online (fastest, if you're may be able to access), by mail (two to three weeks), or in person at an MVA office.
You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and you don't need to change your address or add Real ID features.
Mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order — send it to the address on the MVA website.
In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and payment by cash, check, or card at the MVA office.
Real ID-compliant licenses require in-person renewal and additional documents like a birth certificate or passport.

Renewing Online Through the MVA Website

Online renewal is the quickest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Maryland MVA website, select "Renew Your License Online," and follow the prompts. You'll need your current license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against state records.

You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address, if you want to add Real ID features, or if your Social Security number is not on file with the MVA. If any of these explore to you, use mail or in-person renewal instead. The online fee is the same as other renewal methods — currently $70 for a five-year license or $120 for an eight-year license, though these amounts may change.

After you complete the online process and pay, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you don't need to change your address or add Real ID. read the DL/ID-44 form from the MVA website or pick one up at an MVA office. Fill it out completely, including your signature. Attach your current license (or a photocopy if you need to keep using it while you wait) and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the MVA website — this address changes depending on your license type, so check the website before you send anything. Include a return envelope if you want your old license back. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your packet, so mail it at least three weeks before your license expires.

You can drive on your current license while your renewal is being processed. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to an MVA office.

Renewing in Person at an MVA Office

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, if you want a Real ID-compliant license, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment by cash, check, or card. The fee is $70 for a five-year license or $120 for an eight-year license.

Find your nearest MVA office on the MVA website and check its hours before you go — some offices have limited hours or are closed certain days. You can make an appointment online to reduce wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted. The appointment system shows you how busy each location is, so you can choose a quieter time if possible.

Bring only the documents you need — extra paperwork slows down the process. The MVA staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your license on the spot if everything is in order. You'll receive a temporary paper license to use when ready and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Getting a Real ID-Compliant License

A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. You must renew in person to get one. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and one of the following: a birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or naturalization certificate. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. The MVA will verify these documents and may keep copies on file. The process takes the same amount of time as a standard in-person renewal.

What Happens If Your License Is Already Expired

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has expired. You must go to an MVA office in person. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The fee is the same whether your license expired last month or five years ago — Maryland does not charge a penalty for late renewal.

If your license has been expired for more than a certain period (check the MVA website for the current threshold), you may need to retake the written test or vision test. The MVA staff will tell you at the office if this applies to you. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?

You can renew by mail or in person if you've moved, but not online. You'll need to provide proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. If you renew in person, bring this document with you. If you renew by mail, include a photocopy.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail or online if you don't have your current license. Go to an MVA office in person and bring proof of residency and payment. The staff will issue a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your license hasn't expired yet.

How long does a renewed license last?

Most Maryland licenses last five years from the renewal date. If you were over 65 when you renewed, your license lasts two years. Some licenses issued to younger drivers last eight years — check your current license to see how long yours is valid for.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Online and mail renewal are available if your license is not yet expired. Your new license will be valid for five or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.

What if the MVA office is closed or has a long wait?

Check the MVA website for office hours and locations near you. Many offices offer online appointments that show current wait times. If your nearest office is very busy, try a different location — wait times vary throughout the day and week. If you're not in a rush, renewing by mail or online avoids the office entirely.

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.