Where to renew your Maryland license
You can renew your Maryland driver's license in person at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, or online through the Maryland MVA website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is faster — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes — but not everyone is may be able to access. In person, you walk in, hand over documents, take a new photo, and leave with a temporary license the same day.
The MVA has about 25 branch offices across the state, plus the main office in Glen Burnie. You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Early mornings and weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded than late afternoons and Saturdays.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes 10 minutes if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or medical status since your last renewal.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and you receive a temporary license when ready.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you renew, whether you renew online or in person.
- Maryland licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to five years after expiration.
When you can renew online
Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website is open to you if your current license is not expired, your address has not changed, your name has not changed, and you have no medical conditions that would affect your driving. You also cannot have any outstanding suspensions or revocations on your record.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online — you must go to an MVA office in person. The same applies if you need to update your address, name, or medical information, or if you want to change your photo.
Documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your current Maryland driver's license, one document proving your current address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and one document proving your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form). If you do not have your Social Security card, a W-2 or recent tax return works.
If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after your license expired, the same documents explore.
What happens at the MVA office
Hand your documents to the clerk at the counter. They will check your information against the MVA database, verify your proof of residency and Social Security number, and ask you to confirm your address and any medical conditions. You will then go to the photo station, where they take a new photo for your license.
After your photo is taken, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent license is printed at the MVA's central facility and mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license works everywhere a regular license does — you can drive, show it at banks, and use it for age verification.
The cost and how long it takes
A standard eight-year renewal costs $109 in Maryland. If you renew online, the fee is charged to your credit or debit card at the time you submit your process. If you renew in person, you pay at the counter by cash, check, or card.
Online renewal is when ready — your confirmation appears on screen as soon as you submit. In person, the entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days either way.
If your license is expired
You can renew a license that expired up to five years ago using the same process as a current renewal. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office — online renewal is not available. Bring the same documents: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have a temporary paper license from a recent renewal. If you were stopped before your permanent license arrived, show the officer your temporary license and explain that your permanent license is in the mail. Keep the temporary license in your wallet until your new one arrives.
What to do if something goes wrong
If you submit an online renewal and receive an error message, the most common reason is that your information does not match the MVA database exactly — a middle initial missing, a different spelling of your name, or an address that does not match their records. Go to an MVA office in person instead; staff can look up your file and correct any mismatches before processing your renewal.
If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the MVA by phone at 410-787-7758 or through their website. Have your temporary license number ready. The MVA can check the status of your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition?
If your medical condition has not changed since your last renewal, you can renew online or in person using the standard process. If your condition has changed or worsened, you must renew in person so the MVA can assess whether any restrictions are needed on your license.
What if I moved to a different address?
You cannot renew online if your address changed. Go to an MVA office and bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The MVA will update your address during the renewal.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
No appointment is required for a standard renewal. Walk-ins are accepted at all MVA offices during business hours. You can check wait times on the MVA website before you go, which helps you pick the best time to visit.
What if I lost my temporary license before my permanent one arrived?
Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 and provide your name and date of birth. They can issue a replacement temporary license or expedite your permanent license. You can also visit an MVA office in person with your old license or an ID to request a replacement.
Can I renew my license by mail?
Maryland does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either online through the MVA website or in person at an MVA office. Online renewal is the closest option if you want to avoid going to an office.