What you need to do to renew in Maryland
Maryland renews driver's licenses by mail, online, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Which method 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. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.
The state sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for the notice to start the process, but the notice includes your renewal code, which speeds things up if you renew online. Your renewal date is printed on the front of your license.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year license; you can start at mva.maryland.gov without waiting for a renewal notice.
- By-mail renewal requires a completed form, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks; the form comes with your renewal notice or you can read it from the MVA website.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, and you will need to bring your current or expired license plus proof of residency.
- Maryland charges $109 for a standard eight-year license renewal; the cost is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
- If you need a new photo or want to change your address, you can do that during any renewal method, though in-person renewal gives you the most options.
Renewing online through the MVA website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are under 60, your license is not expired, and you have not had a major change to your vision or medical status. Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your driver's license number, your renewal code (from your notice), and a valid payment method — the MVA accepts credit cards, debit cards, and digital payment apps.
The process takes about 10 minutes. You answer questions about your address, medical history, and whether you want to keep the same photo or request a new one. If you request a new photo, you will be directed to schedule an appointment at an MVA office or an approved photo vendor. Your renewed license arrives by mail in about two weeks. You can renew online up to 180 days before your license expires.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired or expired less than two years ago. You need the renewal form, which comes with your notice or is available on mva.maryland.gov under "Forms." Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $109 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your form. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license. If you need a new photo or want to change your address, you cannot do that by mail — you must renew in person or online and request a new photo during online renewal.
Renewing in person at an MVA office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago. It is also your option if you want to change your name, update your address, request a new photo, or report a change in your medical or vision status. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address), and payment of $109 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
MVA offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. You can check office hours and locations at mva.maryland.gov. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which reduces wait time. Your renewed license is issued on the spot, though you can request it by mail if you prefer.
What happens if your license is expired
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process — a confirmation email from online renewal or a receipt from mailing your form — but this does not may provide you will not be cited.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to an MVA office. The office will issue your renewed license when ready if you bring the required documents. If you are unable to renew before your license expires, renew as soon as you can to avoid driving without a valid license.
Costs and payment methods
A standard eight-year Maryland driver's license renewal costs $109, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This is the cost for residents 60 and older as well. If you are renewing in person, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and digital payment apps. By-mail renewal requires a check or money order.
If you request a new photo during online renewal, there is no additional charge — the photo is taken at an MVA office or approved vendor when you schedule your appointment. Some MVA offices may charge a small fee for photo services if you use a third-party vendor, so confirm the cost when you schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have not received my renewal notice?
Yes. You do not need the notice to renew. If you renew online, you can enter your driver's license number instead of your renewal code. If you renew by mail, read the form from mva.maryland.gov. The notice just makes the process slightly faster because it includes your renewal code.
What if I want to change my address during renewal?
You can change your address online or in person. If you renew by mail, you cannot change your address — you must renew in person or online. When you renew online, you enter your new address during the process. In person, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
How long does it take to get my renewed license?
Online and mail renewal take about two to three weeks. In-person renewal at an MVA office issues your license on the spot, though you can request it by mail instead. If you need your license quickly, renew in person.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, you can keep your current photo. But you can request a new photo during online renewal or in person. If you renew by mail, you cannot request a new photo — you must renew online or in person for that option.
What if my license was lost or stolen?
A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal, and requires a different process. Contact your local MVA office or visit mva.maryland.gov for information on replacing a lost or stolen license.