What you'll pay to renew your Maryland license

A standard Maryland driver's license renewal costs $109 if you renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. If you renew by mail, the fee is $84. The difference reflects the in-person processing cost — mail renewals skip the office visit and cost less.

These are the base fees for a five-year license, which is what most people renew. If you're over 65, you can get a three-year license instead for $66 in person or $54 by mail. The shorter validity period is optional; you can still choose the five-year license at the higher cost if you prefer.

Maryland also offers a Real ID-compliant license at the same price as a standard license. This is the version you'll need to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings starting in 2025. There's no extra charge to get the Real ID version — you pay the same $109 or $84 depending on how you renew.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewal at an MVA office costs $109 for a five-year license; mail renewal costs $84.
  • If you're 65 or older, you can choose a three-year license for $66 in person or $54 by mail.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses and are required for federal building access and domestic flights after 2025.
  • You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at MVA offices; mail renewals require a check or money order.

Payment methods and what to bring

At an MVA office, you can pay with cash, a personal check, a debit card, or a credit card. There's no surcharge for card payments. If you're renewing by mail, you must include a check or money order — the MVA does not accept credit or debit cards through the mail.

When you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your payment method. If you're renewing by mail, you'll mail in your current license along with the renewal form and your check or money order. The MVA will mail your new license back to you.

When your renewal fee is waived or reduced

Maryland waives the renewal fee entirely for active-duty military members and veterans with a service-connected disability rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. You'll need to show military ID or VA disability documentation at the MVA office.

There are no other automatic fee reductions based on income or hardship. If you cannot afford the renewal fee, contact your local MVA office to ask about their specific policies — some offices may have discretion in individual cases, but this is not may provide.

Additional costs you might encounter

If you need a replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, the fee is different. A replacement costs $39 in person or $34 by mail. This is cheaper than renewal because you're not extending the validity period — you're just getting a duplicate of your current license.

If you're changing your name, address, or other information on your license, you may need to visit an MVA office in person rather than renewing by mail. The renewal fee remains the same, but you cannot use the mail-in process for changes. Check the MVA website or call your local office before you mail anything to confirm whether your situation qualifies for mail renewal.

If you want to upgrade to a Real ID license but don't need to renew yet, you can do that separately. The upgrade costs the same as a renewal ($109 in person, $84 by mail) and extends your license validity by five years from the date you upgrade, so it's often worth doing before your renewal is due.

How to pay when you renew

If you're renewing in person, go to your nearest MVA office during business hours. You'll pay the fee at the counter when you submit your documents. The office will process your renewal on the spot, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you're renewing by mail, read the renewal form from the MVA website or request one by phone. Fill it out completely, include your current license, and mail everything along with your check or money order to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives your packet.

Do not send cash through the mail. The MVA recommends using a check or money order for security. Make the check or money order payable to "Maryland MVA."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the renewal fee online?

No. Maryland does not offer online payment for license renewals. You must pay in person at an MVA office or by check or money order if you renew by mail. You cannot renew your license through the MVA website.

Do I have to pay the full fee if my license expired a long time ago?

Yes. The renewal fee is the same whether your license expired last month or five years ago. There are no penalties or late fees added to the base renewal cost, but you cannot legally drive until you renew.

What if I'm renewing while I'm out of state?

You can renew by mail from anywhere. read the renewal form from the MVA website, mail it with your current license and payment to the address on the form, and your new license will be mailed to your Maryland address. You cannot renew in person at an MVA office if you're not physically present.

Is there a fee to change my address when I renew?

No. Address changes are included in the renewal fee. You do not pay extra to update your address on your license during renewal.

What happens if I send the wrong amount of money?

If you send less than the required fee, the MVA will return your packet and ask you to resubmit with the correct amount. If you send more, the MVA will process your renewal and return the overpayment by check, which takes an additional 2 to 3 weeks.