Maryland lets you renew online if your license is still valid and you meet a few basic requirements
You can renew your Maryland driver's license through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website without visiting an office, as long as your current license hasn't expired more than one year ago and you don't need to change your address, name, or other personal information. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $109 for a five-year renewal, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than a year ago, if you need to update your address or legal name, or if you want to add Real ID features, you'll need to renew in person at an MVA office instead. The online option is fastest and most convenient when your current information is still correct.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your current Maryland license is valid or expired less than one year ago, and your address and name haven't changed.
- The online renewal fee is $109 for a five-year license, paid by credit or debit card during the process.
- You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the renewal on the MVA website.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.
- If you need to change your address, name, or add Real ID, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
What you need before you start
Gather your current Maryland driver's license and have your Social Security number ready. You'll also need a credit or debit card to pay the $109 renewal fee during the online process. The MVA website does not accept checks, money orders, or cash.
If you've lost your license or it's been stolen, you cannot renew online—you'll need to report it and explore for a replacement in person at an MVA office. The same applies if your license was suspended or revoked.
Steps to renew on the MVA website
Go to mva.maryland.gov and look for the "Renew Your License" option on the homepage. Click it and select "Online Renewal" from the menu. You'll be taken to a form asking for your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. Enter this information exactly as it appears on your current license.
Review the information the system pulls up to confirm it's correct. If anything is wrong—your address, name spelling, or date of birth—stop and renew in person instead, because the online system cannot make corrections. Once you've confirmed everything matches, proceed to the payment screen, enter your card details, and submit. You'll receive a confirmation number by email and on screen; save or print this for your records.
When your new license arrives and what to do with your old one
Maryland mails renewed licenses to the address on file, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license to drive and for identification until your new one arrives. Once the new license reaches you, destroy your old one or keep it for your records—there's no requirement to return it to the MVA.
If your new license doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to check the status. Have your confirmation number from the online renewal ready when you call.
Why the online option might not work for you
The online renewal system is designed for straightforward cases where nothing about your identity or address has changed. If you've moved and need to update your address, if you've legally changed your name, or if you want to add Real ID features (which allow you to use your license for federal travel), you must renew in person at an MVA office.
You also cannot renew online if your license expired more than one year ago. In that case, the system will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment or walk into an office. Similarly, if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you've had traffic violations or other issues since your last renewal, you may be required to renew in person.
The cost and what's included
Online renewal costs $109 for a five-year license. This is the same price as renewing in person. The fee covers the new license card and mailing. There are no additional fees if you're renewing before your current license expires, though Maryland does charge extra if you renew after expiration—the system will calculate this if it applies to you.
Your renewed license will have the same class and restrictions as your current one. If you want to change your license class (for example, to add a motorcycle endorsement), you cannot do that online and must visit an MVA office.
What happens if something goes wrong during the process
If the online system rejects your information or tells you that you're not may be able to access to renew online, write down the error message and reason given. Common reasons include an expired license that's more than one year old, a mismatch between the information you entered and what's in the MVA database, or a flag on your record that requires in-person verification.
Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to ask why you weren't able to complete the renewal online. They can tell you whether you need to visit an office, whether there's a hold on your record, or whether you can try again. You can also visit an MVA office in person to renew if the online process doesn't work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than a year ago?
No. The online system only works if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago. If it's been longer, you'll need to renew in person at an MVA office and may need to retake the written test or vision screening.
What if my address changed since I got my current license?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew in person at an MVA office so they can update your address in the system. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Maryland typically mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days of approval. You can continue using your current license to drive during this time. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the MVA to check the status.
Can I add Real ID features when I renew online?
No. Real ID upgrades require an in-person visit to an MVA office so they can verify your identity documents. You'll need to bring your Social Security card, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your current address.
What if I made a mistake when I entered my information online?
If you notice an error before you submit payment, go back and correct it. If you've already paid and submitted, contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 before your new license is mailed. They may be able to stop the order, though you may lose the renewal fee.