What You Need Before You Start
Maryland lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, and you have no medical restrictions or name changes since your last renewal. You will need your current Maryland driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method — Maryland accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for a five-year license or $159 for an eight-year license. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license expired more than one year ago, or if you have changed your name or medical status, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your Maryland license is still valid or expired within the last year, with no name or medical changes.
- The online process requires your license number, last four Social Security digits, date of birth, and a credit or debit card.
- Renewal costs $109 for five years or $159 for eight years, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license expired more than a year ago or you have had a name change, you must visit an MVA office in person.
Step-by-Step Online Renewal Process
Go to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration website and look for the "Renew Your License Online" link on the homepage. Click it to start the renewal portal. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm or update your address and contact details.
Review all the information on the screen carefully — your name, date of birth, address, and any restrictions or endorsements. If anything is wrong, stop and contact the MVA by phone at 410-768-7000 before continuing, because you cannot correct major errors online. Once you confirm everything is correct, you will choose your license type (five-year or eight-year) and proceed to payment.
Enter your credit or debit card information and submit your payment. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number — you may need it if you have questions about your order. Your new license will be mailed to the address you confirmed during renewal.
What Happens After You Submit
Maryland processes online renewals within one to two business days. Your new physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after processing. During this time, your old license remains valid, so you can still use it for identification or driving.
If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 with your confirmation number. Have your confirmation email ready when you call. The MVA can check the status of your order and tell you whether it is still in the mail or if there was a problem with the address.
When You Cannot Renew Online
If your license expired more than 12 months ago, the online system will not let you proceed. You must visit an MVA office in person and bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). The in-person renewal takes longer and costs the same amount.
You also cannot renew online if you have changed your legal name since your last renewal, if you have new medical restrictions, or if you want to add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement). Name changes require a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Medical restrictions require a form completed by your doctor. Contact the MVA to schedule an in-person appointment for these changes.
Payment and Confirmation
Maryland accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for online renewal. There is no additional fee for paying by card — the $109 or $159 you see is the total cost. The charge will appear on your statement within one to three business days.
You will receive a confirmation email at the address on file with the MVA. This email contains your confirmation number and a summary of what you paid for. Keep this email until your new license arrives. If you do not receive a confirmation email within a few hours of completing your renewal, check your spam folder or contact the MVA to verify the transaction went through.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged License
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you cannot use the online renewal system. Instead, you must visit an MVA office and request a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency. A replacement license costs $39 and is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, just like a renewal.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a report with local police, though this is not required to get a replacement from the MVA. The police report can be useful if someone tries to use your old license number fraudulently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or in person until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Contact the MVA with your confirmation number and new address as soon as possible. The MVA can update your mailing address and reroute your license. If your license is already in the mail, it may not be redirectable, and you may need to request a replacement at your new address.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes, as long as your current license already shows the restriction for corrective lenses. If you did not have this restriction before and now need glasses or contacts, you must visit an MVA office in person to update your license.
What if the online system says I cannot renew?
The system will reject your renewal if your license expired more than a year ago, if you have a name change on file, or if there is a hold or suspension on your record. Call the MVA at 410-768-7000 to find out why you were rejected and what your next step is.