Where to renew your Maryland driver's license
You can renew your Maryland driver's license at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in the state, or online through the Maryland MVA website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster and requires no trip to an office — you complete the renewal on your computer, pay the fee, and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The online route is available if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions that restrict your driving, and your address on file with the MVA is current. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, or if you prefer to renew in person, you will need to visit an MVA office. Walk-in service is available at all locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day.
You can find the MVA office nearest you and check current wait times on the Maryland MVA website. Some offices are busier than others — offices in Baltimore and the DC suburbs typically have longer waits than rural locations.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website takes 7 to 10 business days and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment, and you can walk in without an appointment.
- Your Maryland driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue, and you can renew it up to one year before it expires.
- If your license is already expired, you must renew in person at an MVA office; online renewal is not an option.
- The renewal fee depends on how long your new license will be valid — a standard eight-year license costs one amount, while a shorter-term license costs less.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your current Maryland driver's license and one document that proves your current address. The MVA accepts a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID from another state or a passport does not count as proof of address — you need a document that shows where you live now.
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, the proof-of-residency document is required. If your address has not changed, you can renew without it, though bringing it anyway speeds up the process. You will also need to bring a payment method — the MVA accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
If you are renewing online, you do not need to bring anything to an office. You will enter your license number and other information on the MVA website, review the renewal terms, pay the fee online, and submit. The system will mail your new license to the address on file.
How much Maryland driver's license renewal costs
The cost of renewal depends on the validity period of your new license. A standard eight-year license costs one amount; a four-year license costs less; and a two-year license costs the least. The MVA offers shorter terms if you want to renew sooner, which some people choose if they expect their address or other information to change.
Online renewal is typically less expensive than in-person renewal because you avoid the processing fee charged at MVA offices. Check the Maryland MVA website for the current fee amounts, as they can change. If you pay by check or money order at an office, the fee may be different than if you pay by card.
When you can renew your Maryland license
You can renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires. Your license expiration date is printed on the front of your card. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it — you are not locked out. However, you must renew in person at an MVA office; the online option is not available for expired licenses. Bring your expired license along with your proof of residency and payment.
What happens after you submit your renewal
If you renewed online, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your old license until the new one arrives. If the new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the MVA to report it.
If you renewed in person at an MVA office, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive using either the temporary license or your old license until the new one arrives.
If you move after you renew but before your new license arrives, contact the MVA with your new address so they can redirect the mail. The MVA website has a form to report an address change.
What to do if your renewal is delayed or lost
If your new license does not arrive within two weeks of renewal, contact the Maryland MVA by phone or through their website to report it. Have your license number and the date you renewed ready. The MVA can check the status of your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your old license has expired, you can request a temporary license extension at an MVA office. Bring your temporary paper license (if you renewed in person) or your old expired license (if you renewed online) and ask for an extension. The MVA can issue a short-term extension while you wait for your permanent license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I moved to a new address?
Yes. If you moved, bring a document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are renewing online, update your address on the MVA website before you submit your renewal so the new license is mailed to the correct location.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?
You will need to replace your lost license and renew at the same time. This requires an in-person visit to an MVA office. Bring proof of residency and payment. The MVA will issue a replacement license with a new expiration date as if you were renewing.
Do I need an appointment to renew at an MVA office?
No. All MVA offices accept walk-ins for license renewal. You do not need to schedule an appointment in advance. However, you can check wait times on the MVA website before you go, and some offices may offer online appointment scheduling during busy periods.
Can I renew my license by mail?
No. Maryland does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online through the MVA website, or you can renew in person at an MVA office. Online renewal is the closest option to mail renewal — you complete it from home and receive your license by mail.
What if my name changed since my last license was issued?
If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you cannot renew online. You must visit an MVA office in person and bring a document that proves your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will issue a new license with your current name.