How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

What happens when you renew in Maryland

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles driver's license renewals. When your license expires, you can renew it in person at an MVA office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the MVA website. The process depends on whether your license is still valid, how long it's been since you last renewed, and what type of license you hold.

Most Maryland residents renew every five years. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before that date, which gives you flexibility in timing. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face additional requirements or fees.

Key Takeaways

Maryland driver's licenses expire every five years, and you can renew starting one year before the expiration date.
Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option if your license is valid and you haven't renewed online in the past five years.
Mail renewal is available only if you meet specific conditions, including having a valid license and no medical restrictions.
In-person renewal at an MVA office requires a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of residency.
You will need to pass a vision test and provide your current license number, Social Security number, and signature during any renewal method.

Renewing online through the MVA website

The MVA website (mva.maryland.gov) offers online renewal as the quickest option. You can renew online if your current license is valid, you have not renewed online in the past five years, and you do not have medical restrictions or a commercial license. The process takes about 10 minutes and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

To renew online, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need to upload a new photo or use the photo from your current license. The fee for online renewal is the standard renewal fee, which varies based on how many years you are renewing for (typically $109 for five years as of 2024, though this may change). Payment is made by credit or debit card.

After you complete the online renewal, the MVA sends your new license by mail. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your current license has expired, you may want to consider in-person renewal instead.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available only if you meet strict conditions: your license must be valid (not expired), you cannot have medical restrictions, you cannot hold a commercial license, and you must have renewed in person at least once in the past. If you may have access to, you can mail in your current license along with a completed renewal form and payment.

To renew by mail, read and print the renewal form from mva.maryland.gov or pick one up at an MVA office. Include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. The MVA processes mail renewals within two to three weeks, and your new license arrives by mail afterward.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and requires you to be without your license while it is in the mail. Most people choose online renewal instead because it is faster and you can track your process status on the MVA website.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

In-person renewal is required if you do not meet the conditions for online or mail renewal, if your license has expired, or if you prefer to walk out with a temporary license the same day. You will need to visit an MVA office in Maryland. Walk-in appointments are available, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait times.

Bring your current license, a Real ID-compliant document (a valid U.S. passport, birth certificate, state ID, or military ID), and proof of your current Maryland address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). You will also need to provide your Social Security number and pass a vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

At the office, you will have your photo taken, sign your new license, and pay the renewal fee. You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to an MVA office, a vision test, and a new photo. You will also need to provide a Real ID-compliant document and proof of residency, the same as in-person renewal.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods (online, mail, or in-person). However, if you need to drive before your renewal is processed, you should renew in person so you receive a temporary license when ready. Do not drive with an expired license while waiting for your renewal to arrive by mail.

Real ID compliance and what documents you need

Maryland's Real ID-compliant licenses are required for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. When you renew, your new license will be Real ID-compliant by default. To prove your identity for in-person renewal, you must bring one of these documents: a valid U.S. passport, an original or certified birth certificate, a valid military ID, a valid state ID, or a valid passport card.

You also need proof of your current Maryland address. The MVA accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail dated within the past 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring a lease or utility bill in your current name plus a document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Fees and payment methods

The renewal fee depends on how many years you are renewing for. A five-year renewal costs $109 as of 2024, though this amount may change. If you renew for fewer years (one, two, or three years), the fee is lower. You can pay by credit card, debit card, check, or money order depending on your renewal method. Online and in-person renewals accept credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.

If you renew in person and receive a temporary license, there is no additional fee—the temporary license is included in your renewal fee. If you need a replacement license before your new one arrives (for example, if you lose the temporary one), you will pay an additional fee for a duplicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The MVA will not process a renewal if you have outstanding traffic violations, unpaid fines, or a suspended license. You must resolve these issues first. Contact the court or the MVA to find out what you owe and how to pay it before attempting to renew.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

If you renewed online or by mail, you cannot process a name change through those methods. You must renew in person at an MVA office and bring a document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The MVA will issue a new license with your updated name.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?

The MVA typically mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is processed. Processing time varies depending on the method you choose: online renewals are processed fastest, followed by mail renewals. If you need your license sooner, renew in person to receive a temporary license the same day.

Can I renew my license if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes. If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to do anything special. If you renew in person, bring your glasses or contacts with you because you will take a vision test. Your license will be marked if you are required to wear corrective lenses while driving.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

You can update your address during any renewal method. Online renewal allows you to enter your new address on the form. For mail or in-person renewal, provide your new address when you submit your renewal. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days) if you renew in person.

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.