How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Maryland driver's license at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, online through the MVA website, or by mail. The fastest route is online if you meet the requirements: your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical or vision restrictions that need updating. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year license.

If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit an MVA office in person or renew by mail. For an in-person visit, bring your current Maryland driver's license, proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to take the written test and vision test again, which adds time to your visit.

Mail renewal is available only if your license expired within the last year and you have no changes to report. You will mail your current license, a completed Form DL-43 (the renewal process), and a check or money order to the MVA. Processing takes two to four weeks, and you will receive your new license by mail.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical or vision changes.
In-person renewal at an MVA office requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency dated within 60 days.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must visit an MVA office and retake the written and vision tests.
Mail renewal takes two to four weeks and is only available if your license expired within the last year with no changes to your information.
The cost is $109 for an eight-year license, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Online renewal step by step

Start at the Maryland MVA website and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will then confirm whether you are may be able to access for online renewal. If you are, you will proceed to review your current information and make any corrections to your address or name if needed.

Next, you will answer health and vision questions. These are the same questions you would answer in person at an MVA office. Answer honestly—if you have developed a medical condition or vision problem since your last renewal, report it. Lying on these questions can result in license suspension. After you submit your answers, you will pay the $109 renewal fee using a debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

Find your nearest MVA office on the Maryland MVA website and check its hours before you go. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment for license renewal at most offices, but you can schedule one online to reduce your wait time.

Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency. If your address has changed, bring the residency proof showing your new address. If you are renewing within one year of expiration and have no changes to report, the visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay the $109 fee at the counter, take a new photo, and receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license expired more than one year ago, plan for a longer visit. You will need to retake the written test (which covers Maryland traffic laws) and the vision test. The MVA provides study materials on its website. You can study at home before your visit or ask for a few minutes to review at the office. If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost.

Mail renewal process and timeline

Mail renewal works only if your license expired within the last year and you have no changes to your name, address, or medical information. read Form DL-43 from the Maryland MVA website, fill it out completely, and sign it. Include your current driver's license and a check or money order for $109 made out to "Maryland MVA."

Mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. You will not receive a confirmation that your renewal was received, so keep a copy of the form for your records. Your new license will arrive by mail. If more than four weeks pass and you have not received it, contact the MVA to check the status of your renewal.

What happens if your license is expired by more than one year

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office in person. You will need to retake both the written test and the vision test, which means your visit will take longer than a standard renewal.

The written test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The MVA provides a free study guide on its website that covers all the material on the test. You have 25 minutes to answer 25 questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it when ready at no extra charge. The vision test checks whether you can read a chart at 20 feet and whether you have adequate peripheral vision. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

After you pass both tests, you will pay the $109 renewal fee, have a new photo taken, and receive a temporary paper license. Your plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. For online renewal, you will enter your new address during the process. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new Maryland residency—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. For mail renewal, you cannot change your address; you must visit an MVA office instead.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit an MVA office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of Maryland residency. Name changes cannot be processed online or by mail. The fee is still $109, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Costs and payment methods

A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $109 in Maryland. This is the cost whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are 65 or older, you may be may be able to access for a reduced-cost license; ask at the MVA office or check the website for current rates.

Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit cards, credit cards, and checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. Do not send cash by mail. If you pay by check and it bounces, the MVA will contact you to collect payment before your license is issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you must visit an MVA office in person and retake the written and vision tests. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

You will receive a temporary paper license when ready if you renew in person. Your plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for in-person or online renewal, and within 2 to 4 weeks for mail renewal. The temporary paper license is valid for driving during this time.

What if I need my license before the mail arrives?

If you renewed in person, you received a temporary paper license that is valid for driving. If you renewed online or by mail, you can visit an MVA office and request an expedited license for an additional fee, or you can explore for a temporary license at the office.

Do I need an appointment to renew at an MVA office?

Appointments are not required for license renewal, but you can schedule one online to reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the MVA website for current wait times at your nearest office.

What if my address changed but I do not have a utility bill?

Acceptable proof of Maryland residency includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, contact the MVA office to ask what other documents they will accept.

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.