How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at mva.maryland.gov, by mail using the renewal notice the state sends you, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration office. Which route you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people under 60 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

The online process takes about 15 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year renewal. You'll need your Social Security number, current license number, and a credit or debit card. The state mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days. By mail, you fill out the renewal notice, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address printed on the notice — this takes roughly two weeks total. In-person renewal at an MVA office is fastest if you need a new photo or have a license that expired more than two years ago.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at mva.maryland.gov is available for most drivers under 60 and takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery.
By-mail renewal uses the notice Maryland sends you automatically and costs the same as online, but takes about two weeks total.
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, you are 60 or older, or you need a new photo.
The renewal fee is $109 for an eight-year license; the state accepts credit, debit, check, or money order depending on the method.
You can check your renewal may be able to access and start the process at mva.maryland.gov without leaving home.

Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers

Online renewal through mva.maryland.gov is the quickest path if you meet the requirements. You need a valid Social Security number, your current license number, and a credit or debit card. The system verifies your identity against state records and does not require you to visit an office or mail anything. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

After you submit your renewal online, Maryland mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than two years ago, you are 60 or older, or you need a new photo — in those cases, you must go to an MVA office in person.

By-mail renewal: no trip required

Maryland automatically mails you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form, instructions, and a return envelope with the MVA's mailing address already printed. You fill out the form, include a check or money order for $109, and mail it back. The state processes mail renewals within 7 to 10 business days of receiving your envelope, then mails your new license.

By-mail renewal takes longer overall — typically two to three weeks from the time you mail the form — because of postal delivery time both ways. However, you do not need to go online or visit an office. If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by phone at 410-768-7000 or through the MVA website. The same restrictions explore: this method is not available if your license expired more than two years ago, you are 60 or older, or you need a new photo.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, you are 60 or older, or you want a new photo. MVA offices are located throughout Maryland; you can find the nearest one and check wait times at mva.maryland.gov. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. The office takes a new photo during the visit and issues your license on the spot or mails it within a few days.

In-person renewal takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on office traffic. Payment methods at the office include cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit an office and may need to take a written test depending on your CDL class.

What documents and information you need

For online or by-mail renewal, you need your Social Security number, current license number, and the address where Maryland should mail your new license. The state verifies your identity using these details and records it already has on file. You do not need to provide additional documents unless your address has changed since your last renewal.

For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If you are renewing a CDL, you may also need to provide medical certification depending on your class.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $109 in Maryland. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are 60 or older, a five-year renewal costs $68. Commercial driver's licenses have different fees depending on the class and endorsements.

Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. By-mail renewal accepts check or money order — write the check to "Maryland MVA" and include it with your renewal form. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you pay by check and it bounces, the MVA will contact you and may suspend your license until the fee is paid.

Timeline and what to expect after renewal

Online renewal is the fastest: you receive your new license within 7 to 10 business days. By-mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for processing plus postal delivery time, so plan for two to three weeks total. In-person renewal is when ready if the office issues your license on the spot, or within a few days if they mail it.

You can drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. If your license expires before your new one arrives, contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to confirm your renewal was received. The state will not suspend your license if you have a pending renewal. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to an MVA office.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office. If it expired between one and two years ago, you can still use online or by-mail renewal as long as you meet the other requirements (you are under 60 and do not need a new photo). Contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 if you are unsure whether you are may be able to access.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

For online renewal, update your address in the system before you start the renewal process. For by-mail renewal, write your new address on the renewal form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. The MVA will print your new address on your renewed license.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office. Online and by-mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. You can request a new photo at any time by visiting an office, even if your license is not expiring soon.

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

Some MVA offices issue your license on the spot during your visit. Others mail it within a few days. Ask the office staff when you arrive whether they will issue it when ready or mail it. Either way, you can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

What if I did not receive my renewal notice in the mail?

Call the MVA at 410-768-7000 or visit mva.maryland.gov to request a replacement notice. You can also start an online renewal without the notice if you have your license number and Social Security number. If your address on file is incorrect, update it before requesting a new notice.

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.