What You Can and Cannot Do Online
Maryland lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet specific conditions. The online renewal process works only if your license is not expired, you have no medical suspensions, and you do not need to change your name, address, or photo. If any of those things explore to you, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office.
The online system renews your license for another eight years (or four years if you are over 65). You will receive your new card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification during that time.
If you are renewing before your license expires, you can start the process up to one year in advance. This matters because the renewal window closes once your license is expired — at that point, you must go to an MVA office in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have no medical holds, and you do not need to change your name, address, or photo.
- The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year renewal or $54.50 for a four-year renewal if you are 65 or older.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the process.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and your old license stays valid until it arrives.
- If your license is already expired or you need to change your photo or address, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
Step-by-Step: Completing Your Online Renewal
Go to the Maryland MVA website and select the online renewal option. You will be taken to a find portal where you start by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm that everything is correct.
Next, you will review your name, address, and other details. If anything is wrong, stop here — you cannot fix it online. Close out and schedule an in-person appointment instead. If everything matches, continue to the payment screen. Maryland accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Enter your card information and complete the transaction.
After payment goes through, you will see a confirmation number on screen. Write this down or take a screenshot. You will also receive a confirmation email. That email is your proof that you have renewed — keep it until your new license arrives.
What Happens After You Pay
The MVA processes your renewal within one business day. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time it ships, though it can occasionally take longer depending on postal delays.
You do not need to do anything while you wait. Your current license remains valid for driving and identification. If you need to travel by air before your new license arrives, your old license will work at airport security as long as it is not expired.
If your new license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the MVA. Have your confirmation number ready. The MVA can check the status of your card and reissue it if there was a mailing error.
When You Cannot Renew Online
If your license is already expired, the online system will not let you proceed. You must make an appointment at an MVA office and renew in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).
You also cannot renew online if you have a medical suspension on your record. This happens when the MVA has received a report from a doctor or law enforcement that your medical condition affects your ability to drive safely. The MVA will send you a letter if this applies to you. You must visit an MVA office and may need to provide medical clearance before you can renew.
If you need to change your name, address, or photo, you must renew in person. The online system does not allow these changes. Schedule an appointment at your nearest MVA office and bring the documents that support the change you are making — a marriage certificate for a name change, or a new lease or utility bill for an address change.
Payment and Fees
The renewal fee depends on your age. If you are under 65, an eight-year renewal costs $109. If you are 65 or older, you can choose a four-year renewal for $54.50 or an eight-year renewal for $109. Maryland accepts payment by debit card or credit card only — there is no option to pay by check or cash online.
The fee is non-refundable once you complete the transaction. If you change your mind after paying, you cannot cancel the renewal. Your new license will be mailed and you will need to use it or contact the MVA if you have questions.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If the system rejects your license number or date of birth, double-check that you entered them correctly. Your license number is on the front of your card. If you still cannot log in after a second attempt, your license may have a flag on it that prevents online renewal. Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to find out why and to schedule an in-person appointment if needed.
If your payment is declined, try a different card. Some banks flag online transactions as suspicious and block them temporarily. If a second card is also declined, contact your bank to confirm the transaction is authorized, then try again. If the problem continues, you will need to renew in person.
If you see an error message saying your license is expired, you have missed the renewal window. The online system closes once your license passes its expiration date. You must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your expired license and the documents listed in the "When You Cannot Renew Online" section above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expires next month?
Yes. You can renew online up to one year before your license expires. Once it expires, the online system closes and you must renew in person. It is safer to renew early rather than wait until the last minute.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Your new license will be mailed to the address that was on file when you renewed. If you move after you renew but before the card arrives, contact the MVA with your confirmation number and new address. They can reissue the card to your new address, though this may add a few days to delivery.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office. The MVA will take a new photo during your appointment.
Can I renew online if I have unpaid traffic tickets?
Unpaid tickets do not block online renewal. However, if a court has suspended your license because of unpaid fines, you cannot renew online. The system will reject your renewal if a suspension is on your record. Contact the court or the MVA to resolve the suspension first.
What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?
Report the loss to the MVA when ready. You can file a report online or by phone at 410-787-7758. The MVA can cancel your old license and expedite a replacement. You may be charged an additional fee for the expedited card, and you will need to provide a police report number if the license was stolen.