How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and expiration date

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at mva.maryland.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at an MVA office. Which route you can use depends on whether your license is a REAL ID (the gold star in the upper right corner), how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people who have a current REAL ID license can renew online in about 10 minutes without visiting an office.

The online renewal process is the fastest option when you are may be able to access. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Maryland charges $109 for a five-year renewal or $159 for an eight-year renewal. The new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at mva.maryland.gov works for most people with a current REAL ID license and takes about 10 minutes, with the new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal is available if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need a new photo, but requires printing forms and sending documents by post.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address.
REAL ID licenses have a gold star and cost more ($109 for five years or $159 for eight years) but are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 2025.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date.

Check whether you can renew online

Online renewal works only if your license is a REAL ID (look for the gold star), it has not been expired for more than two years, and you do not need to change your photo or address. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. If you need a new photo because you have changed your appearance significantly or your current photo is damaged, you also must go to an MVA office.

You can renew online even if your license has already expired, as long as it expired less than two years ago. Maryland does not penalize you for renewing after the expiration date. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renewing before the date on your card is the safer choice.

Renew online at mva.maryland.gov

Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will be asked to enter your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the renewal options available to you — either a five-year renewal for $109 or an eight-year renewal for $159. Both options give you a REAL ID license.

Review your address and personal information on the screen. If your address is correct, you can proceed to payment. Maryland accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After you pay, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office or print anything.

Renew by mail if your license recently expired

Mail renewal is an option if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need a new photo. You will need to read and print the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form DL-43) from mva.maryland.gov. Fill it out completely, including your signature. Include a check or money order for $109 (five-year) or $159 (eight-year) made payable to "Maryland MVA."

Mail the completed form, payment, and your current license to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail, which is slower than online renewal. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your old license back. Send everything by regular mail — do not use certified mail, as the MVA will not sign for it.

Renew in person at an MVA office

Visit an MVA office if your license has been expired for more than two years, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address. Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been more than two years), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You can find your nearest MVA office and check wait times at mva.maryland.gov. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online. The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you are called. You will have your photo taken, and you can choose to renew for five years ($109) or eight years ($159). Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, or you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

Understand REAL ID requirements and costs

All Maryland driver's licenses issued now are REAL ID licenses, which have a gold star in the upper right corner. REAL ID licenses meet federal security standards and are required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. If you have an older license without the star, you will need to renew in person at an MVA office to get a REAL ID, because online and mail renewal cannot issue non-REAL ID licenses.

REAL ID renewal costs $109 for five years or $159 for eight years. The longer eight-year option costs more but spreads the cost over a longer period. Both options are available whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are under 21, renewal costs are lower — check mva.maryland.gov for current rates for your age group.

What to do if you need your license before it arrives

If you renew in person at an MVA office, you can request a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license lets you drive legally while your permanent license is being mailed. You cannot get a temporary license through online or mail renewal — those routes require you to wait for the mailed license.

If you renewed online or by mail and need to drive before your new license arrives, you can still drive legally with your current license as long as it has not expired. Once your current license expires, you cannot drive until the new one arrives, so plan your renewal timing accordingly. If you are in an emergency situation and need to drive with an expired license, contact your local MVA office to discuss your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip that requires air travel or federal building access and want to make sure your REAL ID license arrives in time. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it will still be valid for five or eight years from the issue date.

What happens if I let my license expire?

You cannot legally drive with an expired license. If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew online or by mail. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at an MVA office. There is no penalty for renewing after the expiration date, but you should not drive until your new license arrives.

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

No, unless your license has been expired for more than two years or you request a new photo. If you want a new photo but your license has not expired that long, you can visit an MVA office and request one — there may be an additional fee. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

Online and in-person renewal both mail your new license within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks because the MVA must receive and process your forms first. If you renew in person, you can request a temporary paper license valid for 45 days to use while you wait.

What if my address changed since my last license?

If you are renewing online, you can update your address during the renewal process. If you are renewing by mail, you must include your new address on the process form. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and the MVA will update it for you.

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.