How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

What you need to do to renew in Maryland

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Which method you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your license is a REAL ID (the kind with a gold star in the upper right corner). If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person — mail and online are only for licenses that are current or expired less than a year.

The easiest route for most people is online through the Maryland MVA website, but you can only do this if your license is not expired and you have not renewed online in the past five years. If you cannot renew online, mail is the next fastest option if your license is still valid or expired within the past year. In-person renewal at an MVA office takes longer because of wait times, but it is the only option if your license has been expired for more than a year or if you need to update your address or other information.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website works only if your license is not yet expired and you have not renewed online in the past five years.
Mail renewal is available if your license expired less than one year ago, and takes about two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your materials.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you need to change your address or other personal information.
A REAL ID license (marked with a gold star) costs more than a standard license and requires proof of citizenship and residency, which you must bring in person.

Renewing online through the Maryland MVA website

To renew online, go to the Maryland MVA website and select the renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records and show you the renewal fee, which varies depending on whether you want a standard license or a REAL ID. You pay by credit card or debit card during the process.

Once you complete the online renewal, the MVA mails your new license to the address on file. This usually takes two to three weeks. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license is already expired, if you have renewed online within the past five years, or if you need to make changes to your name, address, or other personal information.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, you need to request a renewal form from the Maryland MVA or read it from their website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and the renewal fee (check or money order only — the MVA does not take credit cards by mail). Include a copy of proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the form. The MVA processes mail renewals in the order they receive them, and it usually takes two to three weeks from the time they receive your materials. You can continue to use your current license while you wait. Mail renewal is only available if your license expired less than one year ago and you do not need to change any information on your license.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need to update your address or other personal information, or if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). If you are upgrading to a REAL ID, you also need proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.

Find your nearest MVA office on the Maryland MVA website and check their hours. Some offices take walk-ins, but many now require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Appointment slots fill up quickly, especially near the end of the month, so book as early as you can. Bring all your documents and your payment method — the MVA takes cash, check, debit card, and credit card in person. Your new license is usually ready to pick up within one to two weeks, though some offices offer same-day service for an extra fee.

Understanding REAL ID and when you need it

A REAL ID is a driver's license marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. Starting in May 2025, you will need a REAL ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have the gold star, you can upgrade to a REAL ID when you renew. The REAL ID costs more than a standard license — the difference varies, but it is usually between $10 and $20 extra.

To get a REAL ID, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) along with your other documents. The MVA verifies your citizenship information before issuing the REAL ID. If you do not need to fly or enter federal buildings, you can stick with a standard license, which is cheaper and does not require proof of citizenship.

Renewal fees and what they cover

Maryland driver's license renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long it is valid for. A standard license renewed in person or by mail costs one amount; a REAL ID costs more. The fee covers the license itself and the processing. If you renew online, the fee is the same as in-person or mail renewal. You do not pay extra for online processing.

The MVA accepts different payment methods depending on how you renew. Online renewal takes credit or debit card only. Mail renewal takes check or money order only. In-person renewal takes cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you are unsure of the exact fee for your situation, check the Maryland MVA website or call their customer service line before you renew.

What to do if your license is expired by more than a year

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to an MVA office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and your payment method. If you want a REAL ID, also bring proof of citizenship.

Because your license has been expired for a long time, the MVA may ask additional questions about your identity or current situation. Bring any documents that help prove who you are and where you live. Book an appointment online or by phone if the office requires one, since walk-in wait times can be very long. Plan to spend at least an hour at the office, though it may take longer depending on how busy they are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I moved to a different address?

If you moved and need to update your address, you must renew in person at an MVA office. You cannot update your address by mail or online. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days. The MVA will print your new address on your renewed license.

What happens if I let my license expire and then try to drive?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can be ticketed. If your license is about to expire and you cannot renew before the expiration date, renew as soon as you can — online renewal is fastest if you are still within the window to use it.

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

Most MVA offices mail your new license within one to two weeks of your in-person appointment. Some offices offer same-day service for an extra fee if you need your license right away. Ask the office staff when you arrive whether same-day service is available and what it costs.

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

Many Maryland MVA offices now require appointments, though some still take walk-ins. Check the website for your local office to see their policy. If appointments are required, book online or call ahead. Appointment slots often fill up weeks in advance, so do not wait until your license is about to expire.

Can I renew my license online if I changed my name?

No. If you changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and your other required documents. The MVA will issue a new license with your updated name.

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.