Maryland lets you renew an expired license online, by mail, or in person — but the method depends on how long it has been expired and whether you need a Real ID
If your Maryland driver's license has expired, you can renew it through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The fastest route is usually the online renewal system at mva.maryland.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for a five-year license. You can renew online if your license expired within the last three years and you have not changed your name, address, or medical status since it was issued.
If your license expired more than three years ago, or if you need to update personal information, you must renew in person at an MVA office. Mail renewal is also available but takes longer — typically two to three weeks for processing, plus mailing time. The in-person visit takes 30 to 45 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through mva.maryland.gov works only if your license expired within three years and your personal information has not changed.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license expired more than three years ago or if you have updated your name, address, or medical information.
- A Real ID-compliant license requires proof of citizenship and identity documents that a standard renewal does not, and costs the same $109.
- You can drive with an expired license only to the MVA office to renew it; driving for any other purpose is illegal in Maryland.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks for processing plus shipping time, making it the slowest option but useful if you cannot visit an office.
Online renewal through the MVA website
The MVA's online system is the quickest path if you meet the requirements. You will need your current or expired license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.
After you complete the online form and pay the $109 fee, the MVA mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days. You do not receive a temporary license, so if you need to drive before the new one arrives, you should print your confirmation page and carry it with your expired license — though this does not legally permit you to drive.
Online renewal does not work if you are renewing a Real ID license for the first time, if you need to change your address or name, or if you have medical conditions that affect your driving (such as vision restrictions). In those cases, you must visit an MVA office in person.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
You will need to bring your expired license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you also need proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and a second form of identity (such as a Social Security card or military ID).
The MVA office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. You can drive when ready with the temporary license. The permanent license arrives by mail within five to seven business days.
Wait times at MVA offices vary widely. Offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in Baltimore, Anne Arundel, and Montgomery counties. You can check current wait times on the MVA website before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Scheduling an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov usually reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes.
Mail renewal and what documents to send
You can renew by mail if your license expired within three years and your personal information has not changed. Print the DL/ID-14 form from mva.maryland.gov, fill it out completely, and mail it with your expired license and a check or money order for $109 payable to the Motor Vehicle Administration.
Send your packet to: Motor Vehicle Administration, Licensing Division, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your packet, and the new license arrives by mail afterward. Total time is usually four to five weeks. Keep a copy of the form and your payment receipt for your records.
Mail renewal is not available if you need a Real ID license for the first time, if you are changing your name or address, or if your license has been expired for more than three years. In those cases, you must renew in person.
Real ID requirements and the federal important date
Maryland's Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for federal building access and domestic air travel. If your current license is not Real ID-compliant and you need to fly or enter a federal building, you must renew to a Real ID license.
Real ID renewal requires proof of citizenship (U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate) and a second form of identity. The cost is the same as a standard renewal: $109 for five years. You cannot renew a Real ID license online or by mail — you must go to an MVA office in person.
If you already have a Real ID license and it has expired, you can renew it online or by mail using the same process as a standard renewal, as long as your personal information has not changed and your license expired within three years.
Driving with an expired license in Maryland
Maryland law does not permit you to drive with an expired license for any purpose except to travel directly to an MVA office to renew it. Driving for work, errands, or any other reason is a violation and can result in a citation. If you are stopped by police, you may face a fine and points on your driving record.
If you are pulled over while driving to the MVA office, bring your expired license and your appointment confirmation (if you have one) or your online renewal confirmation. These documents show your intent to renew and may help if you are cited, though they do not may provide you will avoid a ticket.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than three years
If your license expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to an MVA office with proof of identity, proof of citizenship, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test.
The reapplication process takes longer than renewal because of the testing requirement. You will receive a temporary license valid for 30 days and a permanent license by mail within five to seven business days. The cost is $109 for a five-year license, the same as renewal.
If you are unsure whether your license qualifies for renewal or reapplication, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 or check your license expiration date and the date it has been expired. The MVA website also has a tool to check your license status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work with an expired license if I am renewing it online?
No. Maryland law does not permit driving with an expired license for any reason except traveling directly to an MVA office to renew it. Even if you have started an online renewal, your license is expired until the new one arrives, and driving for work or errands is a violation.
How long does it take to get a new license after I renew online?
The MVA mails your new license after you complete the online renewal, and it typically arrives within five to seven business days. You do not receive a temporary license with online renewal, so you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives.
What if I changed my address since my license was issued?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit an MVA office in person with proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Bring your expired license and your Social Security number.
Do I need a Real ID license to renew my expired Maryland license?
No. You can renew to a standard (non-Real ID) license if you do not need it for federal building access or domestic air travel. Real ID is optional, though it is required for those purposes. Both cost $109 for five years.
What happens if I get pulled over while driving to the MVA office to renew?
Bring your expired license and your appointment confirmation or online renewal confirmation. These show your intent to renew. They do not may provide you will avoid a citation, but they may help explain the situation to the officer.