How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland driver's licenses expire every five years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your age and license type

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) lets you renew your license before it expires, and the method you use depends on whether you hold a standard license, a REAL ID, or a commercial license. Most people under 60 can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If you hold a REAL ID—the federal standard required for domestic air travel and federal building entry—you'll face different rules. The MVA sends renewal notices about 60 days before your expiration date, but you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process.

Your current license remains valid while your renewal is being processed, so you can continue driving legally during the wait. The timing and documents you need depend entirely on which renewal method you choose and what type of license you hold.

Key Takeaways

Standard Maryland licenses expire five years from issue and can be renewed online or by mail if you're under 60 and have no medical conditions flagged on your record.
REAL ID licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail; you must renew in person at an MVA office and bring proof of citizenship, residency, and identity.
Online renewal through the MVA website costs the standard renewal fee and takes about 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail.
Mail renewal requires you to submit your current license, a completed process form, and payment; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
If your license is expired or will expire within 30 days, you can still renew, but driving with an expired license is illegal even if renewal is in progress.

Online renewal through the MVA website

The fastest way to renew a standard Maryland license is through the MVA's online portal at mva.maryland.gov. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system verifies your identity against MVA records and asks you to confirm your address and any medical information on file.

Online renewal is available only if you hold a standard (non-REAL ID) license, are under 60 years old, have no medical restrictions or suspensions on your record, and your license is not expired. If any of these conditions don't explore, the system will tell you that you must renew in person. Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee, the MVA mails your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days.

Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving legally during the wait. The MVA does not issue a temporary license for online renewals, but you won't need one since your old license stays good.

Mail renewal for standard licenses

If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail your renewal to the MVA. Request the renewal process form (DL 43) from the MVA website, or call 410-787-7758 to have one sent to you. Complete the form, include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Mail processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, and your new license will be mailed to your address on file. Like online renewal, your current license stays valid until the new one arrives. Mail renewal is subject to the same restrictions as online renewal: you must hold a standard license, be under 60, and have no medical flags or active suspensions. Keep a copy of what you mail in case the MVA needs to contact you about missing information.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

You must renew in person if you hold a REAL ID license, are 60 or older, have medical restrictions on your record, or if the online system flagged your record as requiring verification. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers if renewing a REAL ID).

Visit an MVA office during business hours—most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with limited Saturday hours at select locations. You can check wait times and book an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first. Processing at the office takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

REAL ID renewal requirements

REAL ID licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office in person and bring proof of citizenship (U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of identity (current license, passport, or military ID).

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The MVA verifies all documents against federal databases before issuing a REAL ID, so the process takes longer than a standard renewal. You'll receive a temporary license at the office and your permanent REAL ID by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Bring originals of all documents—photocopies are not accepted for REAL ID renewals.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Standard license renewal costs vary based on how long you renew for. A five-year renewal (the standard term) costs one amount, while a longer term costs more. The exact fee depends on your age and license type; check mva.maryland.gov for current rates. Payment methods differ by renewal route: online renewals accept debit or credit cards, mail renewals require check or money order, and in-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

If you renew online or by mail, you pay only the renewal fee. If you renew in person, you may pay an additional service fee depending on the MVA office location. No refunds are issued if you change your mind after paying, so confirm your information before submitting payment.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you've started the renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you can be cited. However, you can still renew an expired license using any of the three methods—online, mail, or in person. The MVA does not charge a penalty or late fee for renewing after expiration, but your new license will be dated from the day you renew, not from your old expiration date.

If your license has been expired for more than a year, the MVA may require you to retake the written test and vision screening. Call 410-787-7758 to confirm whether your record requires testing before you visit an office or attempt online renewal. This requirement protects public safety and ensures your driving knowledge is current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?

Yes. If you've moved within Maryland, you can update your address during online or mail renewal by entering your new address on the form. If you've moved out of state, you must renew in person at an MVA office and bring proof of your new out-of-state residency. Your new license will be mailed to your new address.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is lost because the system requires you to submit your current license. You must visit an MVA office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, and pay both a replacement fee and a renewal fee. The office will issue a temporary license and mail your new permanent license within 7 to 10 days.

How long does my license stay valid if I renew before it expires?

Your new license is valid for five years from the date of renewal, not from your old expiration date. If you renew 60 days early, your new license expires five years from that earlier renewal date. Plan your renewal timing accordingly if you want your license to expire on a specific date.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. Only in-person renewals at an MVA office include a new photo. If you want a new photo on a standard license renewal, you must renew in person.

What if the MVA online system says I cannot renew online?

The system blocks online renewal if you're 60 or older, hold a REAL ID, have medical restrictions, or have an active suspension or flag on your record. You must renew in person at an MVA office. Call 410-787-7758 if you want to know the specific reason before visiting an office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.