What you need to do to renew in Maryland

To renew your Maryland driver's license, you submit your current license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence to the Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA). You can do this in person at an MVA office, by mail, or online if you meet certain conditions. The process takes about 10 business days by mail and a few minutes in person, though in-person wait times vary by location.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for this notice to start the process, but it contains your renewal code, which speeds things up if you renew online or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online through the MVA website if your license is not expired, you have not had a name change, and you do not need a corrected vision or medical restriction.
  • By-mail renewal requires your renewal notice, a completed process form, and proof of residency; processing takes about 10 business days.
  • In-person renewal at an MVA office is fastest if you have all documents ready, but you must bring original or certified copies of proof of citizenship and residency.
  • If your license is already expired, you must renew in person and may need to retake the vision test.
  • Maryland licenses are valid for eight years for drivers under 65 and five years for drivers 65 and older.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the Maryland MVA website and select "Renew Your License Online." You will need your renewal code (from your notice), your current license number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your address and whether any of your information has changed.

You are not may be able to access to renew online if your license has already expired, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, if you need to add or remove medical restrictions, or if you need to correct your vision class. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person. Online renewal costs the same as other methods and takes about 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, complete the process for License Renewal (Form DL-43), which you can read from the MVA website or request by phone. Include your renewal notice, a photocopy of your current license, and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes about 10 business days from the date the MVA receives your packet. Mail your renewal at least two weeks before your license expires to avoid delays. If your license is already expired when you mail your renewal, the MVA will still process it, but you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee; the MVA website lists the current fee based on your age and license type.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

Bring your current license, your renewal notice (if you have it), proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of citizenship can be a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate; proof of legal presence can be a visa, work permit, or green card.

You will take a new photo and may be asked to retake the vision test. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You can check wait times for your local MVA office on the MVA website before you go. Your new license is issued on the spot, though you may receive a temporary paper license if the photo printer is down.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than a certain number of days ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to an MVA office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence.

You will retake the vision test and the written knowledge test if your license has been expired for more than a year. If it expired less than a year ago, you usually skip the written test but still take the vision test. The MVA office can tell you exactly what tests you need when you arrive.

Finding your local MVA office and checking hours

The MVA operates full-service offices in most Maryland counties. Go to the MVA website, select "Find an Office," and enter your zip code. The site shows you the address, phone number, hours, and current wait time for each office near you. Some offices are open evenings and Saturdays; others are open weekdays only.

If you cannot get to an office during regular hours, some MVA offices offer evening or weekend appointments. You can book an appointment online through the MVA website, which reserves a time slot and usually reduces your wait. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but appointment holders are served first.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee depends on your age and whether you are renewing for five or eight years. The MVA website lists the exact fee for your situation. In-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. By-mail renewals require a check or money order. Online renewals accept debit and credit cards.

If you are renewing in person and do not have the exact amount, MVA offices can make change. Do not send cash by mail. If you are paying by check or money order, make it payable to "Maryland MVA."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it will still be valid for eight years (or five years if you are 65 or older) from the date you renew.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and proof of citizenship. The MVA will issue a new license with your updated name.

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

Your new license arrives by mail in about 10 business days. You can legally drive using your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before then and your current license is expiring soon, renew in person instead.

What if I move to a different address before my license expires?

You can update your address at any time by visiting an MVA office, calling the MVA, or updating it online through the MVA website. You do not have to wait until your license expires. When you renew, your new license will show your current address.

Do I need an appointment to renew at an MVA office?

Appointments are not required, but booking one online reserves a time slot and usually means a shorter wait. Walk-ins are welcome at all offices, but you may wait longer during busy times. Check the MVA website for current wait times before you go.