How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll 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 usually online if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home. If you need to renew in person, bring your current license, proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number.

Your license must be renewed before it expires. Maryland licenses are valid for eight years for drivers under 65, and five years for drivers 65 and older. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to an MVA office in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes minutes and works if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions; you pay the fee directly through the MVA website.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires your current license, a completed form, and payment sent to the MVA address.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license is expired, and you should bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Maryland licenses last eight years for drivers under 65 and five years for drivers 65 and older; check your expiration date on the front of your card.
Renewal fees vary by license type and age; the MVA website lists the exact fee before you pay.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Online renewal is the simplest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Maryland MVA website, select "Renew Your License," and enter your license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and show you the renewal fee. You pay by debit card or credit card, and your new license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license is expired, if you have medical restrictions or a commercial license, if you need to change your name or address, or if you are renewing for the first time after turning 65. In any of those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions. read and print the renewal form from the MVA website (form DL-43), or call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to request one. Fill out the form, include your current license, and mail everything with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the day the MVA receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid a gap. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your old license back; otherwise, the MVA will destroy it. Keep a copy of your form and the tracking number from your mailing receipt in case you need to follow up.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

Visit any MVA office with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photo of your utility bill or lease will not work. You will take a new photo and pay the renewal fee on the spot. Your new license is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

MVA offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the MVA website before you go. If you need to renew because your license is expired, in-person renewal is your only option.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have submitted a renewal process. You cannot renew online or by mail once your license has expired — you must go to an MVA office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

If you are pulled over while driving with an expired license, you may receive a citation. The fine depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have prior violations. If your license expired more than one year ago, you may need to retake the written and driving tests before you can renew.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you are moving or changing your name, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to an MVA office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and if you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will update your information and issue a new license with your current details.

If you have already moved but have not updated your license, bring proof of your new address to the MVA office. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide, not the one on your current license.

Renewal fees and what they cover

Renewal fees depend on your age and the type of license you hold. Standard license renewals cost less than commercial license renewals. The MVA website shows the exact fee before you pay online, and the renewal form lists the fee if you are renewing by mail. Fees do not change based on how you renew — online, mail, and in-person renewal all cost the same.

Your renewal fee covers the new license card and the eight-year (or five-year) validity period. It does not cover any additional services, such as a duplicate license or a name change. If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, you pay a separate fee and must go to an MVA office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If your license expired more than one year ago, you must retake the written test and the driving test at an MVA office before you can renew. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You will need to schedule a test appointment through the MVA website.

What if I move out of state before my license expires?

You do not have to renew your Maryland license if you move to another state. You should get a license in your new state instead. Your Maryland license remains valid until it expires, but you cannot legally drive in Maryland or most other states with an out-of-state address on your license.

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

Online and in-person renewals take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the day the MVA receives your envelope. You can drive with your old license until your new one arrives.

Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition?

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to an MVA office in person so a staff member can review your medical history and determine whether you can renew. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and documentation of your medical condition if the MVA requests it.

What if my name is different on my license than on my proof of residency?

Bring both your current license and a document showing your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The MVA will update your name during renewal. If your proof of residency is in a different name, bring an additional document that shows both names or explains the change.

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.