Renewing Your Maryland License Online or by Mail
You can renew your Maryland driver's license through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. The online and mail routes are faster than visiting an office and work for most people whose licenses are not expired by more than one year. You will need your current license number, a valid payment method, and a mailing address in Maryland.
The MVA processes online renewals within one to two business days, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after that. Mail-in renewals take longer — typically two to three weeks total — because the MVA must receive your process, process it, and mail your license back. If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use either route and must visit an MVA office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option and takes about one to two weeks from start to finish.
- You can renew by mail if you prefer not to go online, but the process takes two to three weeks and requires you to mail in your current license.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you must visit an MVA office in person and cannot use online or mail renewal.
- The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the MVA, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.
Renewing Online Through the MVA Website
Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The MVA uses this information to pull up your record and confirm you are may be able to access to renew online.
Once your identity is confirmed, you will review your current license information and make any corrections — such as a new address, name change, or organ donor status. You can also choose whether to renew for four or eight years. After you confirm all details, you will pay the renewal fee by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The MVA will send you a confirmation email when ready, and your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
If the website tells you that you are not may be able to access to renew online, it usually means your license has been expired for more than one year, you have unpaid traffic violations or child support obligations, or your address on file is outside Maryland. In any of these cases, you will need to visit an MVA office or contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to find out what additional steps are required.
Renewing by Mail
Request a renewal form by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758 or visiting an MVA office. You can also read the form from mva.maryland.gov if you know which form you need — the MVA website lists the correct form number based on your license type. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and enclose a copy of your current license (front and back) or a government-issued ID.
Mail the completed form, your license copy, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not mail cash. Include a return envelope with your mailing address so the MVA can send your new license back to you. The entire process typically takes two to three weeks, though it may take longer during busy periods.
Keep in mind that you will be without your current license while it is in the mail to the MVA and while your new license is being mailed back to you. If you need to drive during this time, you may want to renew online instead, which is faster and lets you keep your current license until the new one arrives.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired by More Than One Year
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office in person and bring your current (expired) license, a government-issued ID, and proof of your current address — such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
The MVA may also require you to pass a vision test or a written knowledge test depending on how long your license has been expired and your age. Call 410-787-7758 or check mva.maryland.gov to find out what tests you will need to take before you visit an office. You can make an appointment online to avoid waiting, though walk-ins are also accepted.
Choosing Between Four-Year and Eight-Year Licenses
When you renew online or by mail, you can choose to renew for either four or eight years. An eight-year license costs more upfront but works out to a lower cost per year. A four-year license costs less but requires you to renew more often.
The choice depends on your situation. If you expect to move out of Maryland, change your name, or update your photo within the next few years, a four-year license may make sense. If you plan to stay in Maryland and keep your current information the same, an eight-year license saves you money and the hassle of renewing as often. You can choose whichever option works best for you at the time of renewal.
Updating Your Address Before You Renew
Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the MVA. If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address before you renew. You can change your address online at mva.maryland.gov, by phone at 410-787-7758, by mail, or in person at an MVA office.
The fastest way is to update your address online through the MVA website. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The address change takes effect when ready, and your new license will be mailed to your updated address when you renew. If you do not update your address before renewing, your new license will go to your old address, and you will have to contact the MVA to have it reissued.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
The renewal fee depends on whether you choose a four-year or eight-year license. The MVA charges the same fee whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check when you renew online. If you renew by mail, you must pay by check or money order — do not mail cash.
The fee does not change based on your age or license type, though commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have different renewal rules and fees. If you are renewing a CDL, contact the MVA directly at 410-787-7758 because the online and mail renewal options may not be available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or child support obligations?
No. The MVA will not renew your license online or by mail if you have unpaid traffic violations or outstanding child support. You must resolve these issues first, then visit an MVA office in person to renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the child support enforcement agency to find out how to pay or set up a payment plan.
What if I move out of state before my new license arrives?
Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 as soon as possible and ask them to hold your license or forward it to your new address. If your license has already been mailed, you may be able to pick it up at an MVA office or have it reissued to your new state. The sooner you contact the MVA, the more options you will have.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No. When you renew online or by mail, the MVA uses your photo from your current license. You will only need a new photo if your license has been expired for more than one year and you renew in person, or if you request a new photo at the time of renewal.
How long can I drive on my expired license while I wait for my new one?
Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you renew online, your current license is still valid until your new license arrives, so you can continue to drive. If you renew by mail, your current license is mailed to the MVA, so you should not drive during the renewal process. Plan accordingly and renew online if you need to drive during the renewal period.
Can someone else pick up my renewed license if I am out of state?
No. Your license will be mailed to your address on file, and you cannot have someone else pick it up at an MVA office. If you are out of state when your license arrives, you can contact the MVA to arrange to have it held at an office or forwarded to you. Plan ahead if you know you will be away.