How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

What Maryland requires to renew your license by mail or online

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license through the mail or online if you meet certain conditions. You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you are over 70 years old. You also cannot use these methods if you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license — you will need to visit a Motor Vehicle Administration office in person for those changes.

If you are under 70 and your license is in good standing, you can renew online through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration website or by mail. Online renewal is faster and you receive your new license within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks — because your process has to be processed at an MVA office.

Your current license must not be expired by more than 12 months when you submit your renewal. If it has been expired longer than that, you cannot use mail or online renewal and must visit an MVA office in person.

Key Takeaways

Maryland residents under 70 with a valid, unsuspended license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Online renewal is the fastest option and takes 7 to 10 business days; mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks.
You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to change your name or address.
Your license cannot be expired for more than 12 months to use mail or online renewal.
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration website has a tool to check whether you are may be able to access to renew before you start the process.

Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website

To renew online, go to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration website and select the online 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 MVA records.

Once you have verified your identity, you will review your current license information and confirm that it is correct. If any details are wrong — your address, name spelling, or emergency contact — you cannot fix them online. You will need to visit an MVA office to make those changes before you renew. After you confirm your information is correct, you pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card.

Maryland will mail your new license to the address on file. The license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives. Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date it is issued.

Mail renewal and what to send

To renew by mail, you need to request an process form from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. You can read the form from the MVA website or call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to request one by mail. The form is called the process for Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43).

Complete the form and include a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to "Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration." Do not send cash. Include your current driver's license with your process. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — this is typically the MVA office that serves your county.

Keep a copy of what you send for your records. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you listed on the form. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewal fees and what they cover

The renewal fee for a standard eight-year driver's license varies depending on your age and the type of license you hold. As of 2024, the fee for a standard license renewal is $70 for most drivers. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher. Maryland also offers a reduced-fee option for drivers 65 and older, though you may need to renew in person to receive that discount.

The fee covers your new license card and the eight-year validity period. It does not cover any additional services such as name changes, address corrections, or replacement of a lost or stolen license. If you need those services, you will have to pay a separate fee and visit an MVA office.

When you must visit an MVA office instead

You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been suspended or revoked. You must visit an MVA office in person to understand the reason for the suspension or revocation and to learn what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. The same applies if your license has been cancelled.

You also must visit an office if you are 70 or older. Maryland requires drivers in this age group to renew in person so that an MVA examiner can assess your vision and driving ability. You will need to pass a vision test and may be asked to take a road test depending on the examiner's judgment.

If you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license, you must go to an MVA office. You will need to bring documents that support the change — such as a marriage certificate for a name change or a utility bill for an address change. The MVA website lists the documents required for each type of change.

Finding an MVA office and scheduling an appointment

Maryland has MVA offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration website. Many offices now require appointments, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. You can schedule an appointment online through the MVA website or by calling 410-787-7758.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in urban areas tend to be busier than those in rural areas. If you need to visit an office, try to go early in the day or on a weekday rather than a Friday or Saturday. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and any documents needed for the specific service you are requesting.

What happens if your license expires before your renewal arrives

If you renew online or by mail and your current license expires before your new license arrives in the mail, you are still legally allowed to drive. Maryland considers your process for renewal to be proof that you have a valid license during the processing period. However, you should carry a copy of your online renewal confirmation or a copy of your mailed process along with your expired license, just in case you are stopped by police.

If you are concerned about the timing, online renewal is the safer choice because it takes only 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal can take up to 3 weeks, which may overlap with your license expiration date depending on when you mail your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If your license has been expired for more than 12 months, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office in person. The office will treat your renewal as a new license process and may require you to retake the written test and vision test.

What if I moved to a different state since my last renewal?

You cannot renew your Maryland license by mail or online if you no longer live in Maryland. You will need to contact the Motor Vehicle Administration to discuss your situation. If you have moved permanently, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead of renewing your Maryland license.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

No. When you renew by mail or online, Maryland uses your existing photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless you visit an office in person and request a new photo. A new photo is required if your current license photo is more than 16 years old.

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

Unpaid traffic tickets or fines do not automatically prevent you from renewing your license online or by mail. However, if your license has been suspended due to unpaid fines, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration or the court that issued the ticket to learn how to resolve the suspension.

What if I want to change my address when I renew?

You cannot change your address through online or mail renewal. You must visit a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office in person to update your address. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The office will issue you a new license with the updated address.

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.