Maryland lets you renew online if your license is not expired and you meet a few basic requirements
You can renew your Maryland driver's license online through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website if your current license is still valid or expired no more than one year ago. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $109 for an eight-year renewal, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an MVA office or take a new photo — the state uses your existing photo on file.
The online renewal is available only for standard driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your address, name, or other personal information. If any of those explore, you must visit an MVA office in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your current license is valid or expired less than one year ago, and you have not had any suspensions or revocations.
- The online renewal costs $109 for an eight-year license and takes about 10 minutes to complete on the MVA website.
- You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the transaction.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you do not need to visit an office or provide a new photo.
- If you need to change your address, name, or other personal details, you must renew in person at an MVA office instead.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you go to the MVA website to renew: your current Maryland driver's license, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check). You will enter your license number and SSN to verify your identity in the system.
Make sure your current address on file with the MVA is correct. If you have moved since your license was issued and have not updated your address with the state, you must do that in person at an MVA office before you can renew online. The new license will be mailed to the address the MVA has on record for you.
The step-by-step process for renewing online
Go to the MVA website (mva.maryland.gov) and select the option to renew your driver's license online. You will be asked to enter your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the information currently on file.
Review the information displayed — name, date of birth, address, and vision restrictions if any. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. Enter your debit card, credit card, or checking account details. The $109 fee will be charged when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.
Print or save your confirmation number. You do not need to do anything else. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
When you cannot renew online and must visit an MVA office
You must renew in person if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your name or address, if you want to update your photo, or if your license expired more than one year ago. You also cannot renew online if you are explore for a REAL ID-compliant license for the first time — that requires an in-person visit and additional documents.
If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online. You will need to report it to the MVA and explore for a replacement in person. Bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of your Social Security number to the office.
How long your renewed license is valid
A renewed Maryland driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. If you renew online now, your new license will expire eight years from the date you complete the transaction, not eight years from your current license's expiration date.
The MVA will send you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew online again at that time if you still meet the requirements, or you can renew in person if your situation has changed.
What to do if your online renewal does not go through
If your payment is declined or the transaction fails, you will see an error message on screen. Check that you entered your payment information correctly and try again. If the problem persists, contact the MVA by phone at 410-787-7758 (in the Baltimore area) or 1-888-769-0100 (toll-free). You can also visit an MVA office in person to renew.
If you completed the transaction and received a confirmation number but your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the MVA with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your renewal and resend your license if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?
No. The MVA online renewal is only for licenses that are currently valid or expired no more than one year ago. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
Do I need a new photo for an online renewal?
No. The MVA uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
What if I moved and need to update my address?
You cannot update your address during an online renewal. Visit an MVA office in person to change your address and renew your license at the same time. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
How do I know if my license is suspended or revoked?
You can check your driving record status on the MVA website or by calling 410-787-7758. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve the issue with the MVA before you can renew.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?
You can renew a commercial learner's permit online, but a full commercial driver's license must be renewed in person at an MVA office.