How to Renew Your Driver's License in Maryland

Maryland driver's licenses renew every five years, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation and how much time you have

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles all license renewals. The method you use depends on whether you need a REAL ID-compliant license, whether your current license is still valid or already expired, and how quickly you need the new one. Most people can renew without visiting an office, but some circumstances require an in-person appointment.

Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal code, which you need for online or mail renewal. If you do not receive one, you can still renew, but you will need your driver's license number and other identifying information.

Key Takeaways

Maryland licenses expire five years from the date they were issued, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need REAL ID.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires sending your current license and a completed form to the MVA.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is necessary if your license is expired, if you need REAL ID, or if you have name or address changes that require verification.
REAL ID-compliant licenses require proof of citizenship and a valid Social Security number, and cannot be obtained by mail or online.

Online renewal: fastest option for standard licenses

The MVA's online renewal system is available at mva.maryland.gov and works if your current license is still valid and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade. You will need your renewal code from your notice, your driver's license number, and your date of birth. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs the standard renewal fee.

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year, or if you have outstanding traffic violations or child support obligations flagged in the system.

Mail renewal: no office visit needed, but slower

To renew by mail, complete form DL-43 (process for Driver's License Renewal), which you can read from the MVA website or request by phone. Include your current license, the completed form, and payment. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail. Mail renewal works for standard licenses only and is not available if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. If your address has changed, you must include proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

You must visit an MVA office if your license is expired, if you need a REAL ID-compliant license, or if you have changes to your name, address, or medical information that require verification. You can schedule an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov or call 410-768-7000. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are typically longer.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. If you are renewing for the first time after turning 21, or if you are upgrading to REAL ID, bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and two forms of ID if you are a first-time applicant.

In-person renewal is completed on the spot. You receive a temporary license to use when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

REAL ID compliance: what you need to know

A REAL ID-compliant license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. Maryland offers REAL ID licenses, but they can only be obtained in person at an MVA office. You cannot upgrade to REAL ID by mail or online.

To get a REAL ID license, bring proof of citizenship (passport, certified birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency, and your current license. The fee is the same as a standard renewal. Your REAL ID license will have a gold star in the upper right corner.

If you do not need REAL ID for travel or federal building access, you can continue to renew your standard license by mail or online. A standard Maryland license is still valid for driving and other purposes.

Expired licenses and late renewal

If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew it using the same methods as a current license — online, by mail, or in person. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office and may need to retake the written test depending on how long it has been expired.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show your renewal notice or receipt as proof that you have applied, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation.

Fees and payment methods

The standard renewal fee for a five-year driver's license in Maryland is $70. If you are renewing in person and need a REAL ID license, the fee is the same. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards; mail renewal requires a check or money order; in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

If you renew online or by mail and your process is rejected, the MVA will return your payment and notify you of the reason. You will then need to renew in person or correct the issue and resubmit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?

No. The MVA system flags accounts with outstanding traffic violations, unpaid fines, or child support obligations. You must resolve these issues before you can renew. Contact the court or collection agency listed on your ticket to pay or set up a payment plan.

What happens if I renew online but my address changed?

Online renewal does not allow address changes. If you moved, you must renew in person or by mail and include proof of your new address. Renewing online with an old address will result in your new license being mailed to that address.

How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my renewal?

You cannot legally drive on an expired license. However, if you have submitted a renewal process and have a receipt or renewal notice, you may show this to police as proof of pending renewal, though it does not may provide you will avoid a citation.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are recommended and can be scheduled online, but walk-ins are accepted. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day. Scheduling an appointment typically reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

Yes. You can renew by mail or online if your license is still valid and you do not need REAL ID. If you need in-person renewal, you must visit an MVA office in Maryland or contact the MVA to discuss options for your specific situation.

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.