How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland driver's licenses expire every five years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office

Your Maryland driver's license renewal depends on your age, whether you want to renew before or after expiration, and how you prefer to handle it. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) offers three main paths: online renewal for most people, mail renewal if you prefer not to visit an office, and in-person renewal at an MVA branch. Each route has different requirements and timelines.

The online method is fastest and available to most drivers. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal is necessary if you need a new photo, have certain medical conditions, or are renewing after your license has already expired. Your current license shows your expiration date in the upper right corner.

Key Takeaways

Maryland driver's licenses expire every five years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation and preferences.
Online renewal through the MVA website takes about two weeks and costs $109 for a five-year license, with no office visit required.
Mail renewal requires sending your current license and a check to the MVA, and processing takes four to six weeks.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license has already expired, you need a new photo, or you have certain medical conditions listed on your current license.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date approaches.

Online renewal through the MVA website

Online renewal is the fastest option for most Maryland drivers. You visit the MVA website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal form. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The renewal fee is $109 for a five-year license.

After you submit your renewal online, the MVA mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes two weeks from the date you renew. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue driving without interruption. You do not need to visit an MVA office or provide a new photo unless your current license photo is damaged or you request a new one.

Online renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you are under 21, if you have certain medical conditions flagged on your current license, or if you need to change your name or address. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

Mail renewal for drivers who prefer not to visit an office

Mail renewal lets you renew without going to an MVA office. You request a renewal form from the MVA website or call 410-768-7000, fill it out by hand, and mail it back with your current license and a check for $109. The MVA processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, which typically takes four to six weeks.

Mail renewal uses the same photo from your current license, so you will not get a new photo. Your current license remains valid while your renewal is being processed. Once the MVA receives your completed form and payment, they mail your new license to your address on file. You should not mail your renewal during the last two weeks before your license expires if you need to drive during that time, because processing delays could leave you without a valid license.

Mail renewal is a good option if you live far from an MVA office, have a schedule that makes office visits difficult, or straightforward prefer to handle it by post. However, it takes longer than online renewal and requires you to write a check and use the postal service.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

In-person renewal is required if your license has already expired, if you are under 21, if you have certain medical conditions on your current license, or if you want a new photo. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are not required to. Bring your current license, proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment of $109. Some MVA offices accept cash, checks, and cards; others accept cards only. Check your local office's payment methods before you go.

Wait times at MVA offices vary widely depending on the location and time of day. You can check real-time wait times on the MVA website before you visit. Some offices offer appointment scheduling through the website, which can reduce your wait. If you schedule an appointment, you will be seen at your assigned time rather than waiting in line.

At the office, an MVA employee will take a new photo for your license, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license is mailed to you within two weeks. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, even if it has already expired, as long as you have proof that you renewed in person (usually a receipt the MVA gives you).

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than a few days ago, you cannot legally drive, and you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to an MVA office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and $109. The MVA will take a new photo and process your renewal when ready. Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks.

Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, show the officer your receipt from the MVA office proving you renewed in person. Some officers will accept this as proof that you are in the process of renewing, but this is not may provide. The safest approach is to renew before your license expires.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Maryland charges $109 for a five-year driver's license renewal. This is the standard fee for all three renewal methods: online, mail, and in-person. Some MVA offices accept cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. Others accept cards only. If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order; you cannot pay by card through the mail.

Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order payable to "Maryland MVA". In-person renewal accepts whatever payment methods your local MVA office offers. Check the MVA website or call 410-768-7000 to confirm payment methods at your office before you visit.

Timeline and planning ahead

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you renew early, your new expiration date will be five years from the date you renew, not five years from your old expiration date. This means if you renew six months early, your new license will expire four and a half years later instead of five years later. Plan accordingly if you want your license to expire at a specific time.

Online renewal takes about two weeks from submission to delivery. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. In-person renewal is processed when ready, but your new license is still mailed to you and arrives within two weeks. If you need your license by a specific date, count backward from that date and renew accordingly. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are working with a tight timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license if I moved out of state?

No. You must be a Maryland resident to renew a Maryland license. If you have moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state. You can contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to ask about surrendering your Maryland license.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), proof of residency, and $109. The MVA will issue a new license with your updated name.

Do I need a new photo if I renew online or by mail?

No. Online and mail renewal use your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office. You can also request a new photo at an in-person renewal even if you are not required to.

What if I lost my license and need to renew?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license. You must go to an MVA office in person and request a replacement license. Bring proof of residency and $109. The MVA will take a new photo and issue a replacement.

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes. Your current license remains valid until your new license arrives, even if your current license has already expired, as long as you have proof that you started the renewal process. If you renewed in person, keep your receipt. If you renewed online or by mail, you can show your confirmation email or receipt.

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.