Gather these documents before you go to the MVA

You will need to bring your current Maryland driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Maryland residency. The MVA will not process your renewal without all three.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your current address and your name.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Maryland address dated within 60 days.
  • You can renew in person at any Maryland MVA office, or by mail if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions.
  • The renewal fee is $109 for a five-year license or $161 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
  • Processing takes about 10 business days if you renew in person; mail renewals take longer and require you to send your current license.
  • You will need to pass a vision test and answer questions about medical conditions if you renew in person.

Renew in person at an MVA office

Walk into any Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office with your documents and your renewal fee. You do not need an appointment. The MVA will take a new photo, run a vision test, and ask whether your health or medications have changed since your last renewal. Answer honestly — the MVA uses this information to flag conditions that might affect your driving.

Bring the exact fee amount or a payment card. The MVA accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. If you choose a five-year license, the fee is $109. An eight-year license costs $161. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while the MVA produces your plastic card. Your new license arrives by mail in about 10 business days.

Renew by mail if your license is not yet expired

You can mail in your renewal if your license has not expired and you have not had any changes to your name, address, or medical information since your last renewal. You cannot renew by mail if you need a new photo, a corrected address, or a name change.

Send your current license, the renewal fee, and a completed Form DL-43 (the renewal form) to the address on the MVA website. Include a check or money order — the MVA does not accept credit cards by mail. Mail renewals take 4 to 6 weeks. Your old license will be returned to you after processing, so you will have no valid license during that time. Many people choose in-person renewal to avoid this gap.

Know when you cannot renew and must explore in person instead

You must visit an MVA office in person if your license has expired, if you need to change your name or address, if you have a new medical condition to report, or if you are renewing for the first time after turning 65. You also must renew in person if your vision has changed or if you have received a ticket or been in an accident since your last renewal.

The MVA uses the in-person visit to update your photo and confirm that you still meet the medical and vision standards for driving. This is not optional — mail renewal is only for straightforward cases where nothing has changed.

Bring your documents to the right MVA office

Find the nearest MVA office on the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration website. Enter your zip code and the site will show you office locations, hours, and current wait times. Some offices are busier than others. If your local office shows a long wait, you can drive to a less busy one instead.

Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some Saturday hours at select locations. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your documents are acceptable — the MVA phone line can answer specific questions about what counts as proof of residency or Social Security number.

Understand what happens after you submit your renewal

If you renewed in person, you leave with a temporary paper license good for 30 days. Your plastic license arrives by mail in about 10 business days. If you renewed by mail, your old license is returned to you after the MVA processes your renewal, which takes 4 to 6 weeks. During that time, you have no valid license to carry.

If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the MVA to check the status. Bring your temporary paper license or your old license as proof of identity. The MVA can reissue a lost or delayed license, though there may be an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Maryland does not offer online renewal. You must renew either in person at an MVA office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster and gives you a temporary license when ready.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail without your current license. Go to an MVA office in person and bring your other documents. The MVA will treat this as a replacement rather than a renewal, though the process is similar and the fee is the same.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No appointment is required. Walk in during office hours with your documents and fee. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the MVA website for current wait times before you go.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new address dated within 60 days. The MVA will update your address on your new license during the renewal process.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your plastic license should arrive by mail within 10 business days, but the paper license covers you during the wait. If your plastic license does not arrive within 30 days, contact the MVA.