Where to renew your Maryland driver's license
You can renew your Maryland driver's license in person at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, or online through the Maryland MVA website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster and requires no appointment, but it is only open to drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked, who have no medical restrictions, and whose licenses are not expired by more than one year.
If you cannot renew online, you must visit an MVA office. Walk-in service is available at all locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day. The MVA publishes current wait times on its website before you go. Some offices are busier than others — offices in Baltimore and suburban areas near Washington, D.C. tend to have longer waits than rural locations.
You can also renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet the same restrictions as online renewal (no suspension, no medical conditions, no more than one year past expiration). Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but requires no trip to an office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website is the fastest option if your license is current or less than one year expired, and you have no suspension, revocation, or medical restrictions.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment, and takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on office traffic.
- Mail renewal is available but takes two to three weeks and has the same restrictions as online renewal.
- Your new license will be mailed to you after any in-person or mail renewal, so plan ahead if you need it by a specific date.
Documents and fees for Maryland driver's license renewal
For any renewal method, you will need to pay the renewal fee. A standard five-year license costs $70. A six-year license costs $84. The fee does not change based on whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods accepted vary by method — online and mail renewal accept credit and debit cards, while in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
For in-person renewal, bring your current Maryland driver's license and one document proving your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID showing your current address also works. If your address has changed since your last license, the MVA will update it during renewal.
If you are renewing online, you will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You do not need to upload documents — the MVA verifies your information against its existing records.
How long Maryland driver's license renewal takes
Online renewal is the fastest. You can complete it in 10 to 15 minutes, and your new license will be mailed within five to seven business days. You will receive a temporary digital license via email that you can use when ready while you wait for the physical card.
In-person renewal at an MVA office typically takes 15 to 30 minutes from the time you arrive, though this varies widely depending on how busy the office is. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within five to seven business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use right away.
Mail renewal takes the longest. You must mail your current license, the completed form, proof of residency, and payment to the MVA. Processing takes two to three weeks after the MVA receives your materials, plus mail time in both directions. Plan for four to five weeks total from the time you mail your renewal packet.
What happens if your Maryland license has expired
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. The process is the same as a standard renewal, and you do not need to retake the written or vision test.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office in person. You will need to retake the written test and vision test, and you may need to provide additional documents depending on how long your license has been expired. Bring your current license if you still have it, or bring a government-issued ID and proof of residency.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, the MVA may require you to provide a new proof of Social Security number or a certified birth certificate. Call the MVA at 410-768-7000 before you visit to confirm what documents you need.
Renewing a Maryland license with a different name or address
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your current license and a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will not process a name change online or by mail.
If only your address has changed, you can renew online or by mail without any extra steps. The MVA will update your address automatically during the renewal process. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address as described in the documents section above.
If you have moved out of Maryland, you cannot renew your Maryland license. You must obtain a license from your new state of residence. Contact that state's motor vehicle agency for their renewal process.
Special situations: medical restrictions and license suspensions
If your license has medical restrictions — such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or automatic transmission only — you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at an MVA office. The MVA may require you to provide updated medical documentation or retake the vision or hearing test depending on the nature of your restriction and how long it has been since your last renewal.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the MVA. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to maintain insurance. Contact the MVA or the agency that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take before you can renew.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, you can check your status on the MVA website or call 410-768-7000. The MVA can tell you the reason for any suspension and what you must do to clear it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maryland license if I do not have proof of residency?
For in-person renewal, proof of residency is required. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, you can use two documents from the MVA's secondary list, such as a vehicle registration, insurance card, or tax return. Call the MVA at 410-768-7000 to ask what combination of documents they will accept in your situation.
What if I lose my license before my new one arrives?
You can use your temporary license (digital if you renewed online, paper if you renewed in person) as proof of your valid license until your new card arrives. If you lose the temporary, you can visit an MVA office and request a replacement temporary license or a duplicate license for a small fee.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
Yes, if you renew online or by mail. You do not need to be in Maryland. If you need to renew in person, you must visit an MVA office in Maryland — there is no way to renew in person from another state.
How do I know which type of license to get — five-year or six-year?
The MVA will renew you for the same type you currently hold. If your current license is five-year, your renewal will be five-year. You can request a six-year license at the time of renewal for the additional fee, but it is not automatic.
What if the MVA rejects my online renewal?
The system will tell you why — usually because your license is expired by more than one year, or because there is a flag on your record such as a suspension. You will be directed to renew in person or by mail instead. If the reason is unclear, call the MVA at 410-768-7000 to ask what is blocking your online renewal.