How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland driver's license renewal by mail or online

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license by mail or online if you meet basic requirements: your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must be between 16 and 79 years old, and your name and address must not have changed since your last license was issued. If all three conditions are met, you can renew without visiting a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office.

The online renewal process is faster. You go to the Maryland MVA website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, pay the renewal fee (currently $109 for an eight-year license), and upload a new photo if your current one is more than eight years old. The new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer — you fill out Form DL-43, include a check or money order, and mail everything to the address on the form — but works if you do not have internet access or prefer not to upload a photo online.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website is the fastest option and takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery.
Mail renewal requires Form DL-43, a check or money order, and a new photo if yours is older than eight years.
You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than one year, your name or address has changed, or you are 80 or older.
If you do not meet the requirements for mail or online renewal, you must visit an MVA office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.

When you must visit an MVA office instead

Some situations require an in-person visit to an MVA office. If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use mail or online renewal — the MVA treats this as a new license process rather than a renewal. If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you must appear in person with a certified copy of the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Address changes also require an office visit. If you have moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days will work. Drivers 80 and older must renew in person every time, regardless of other circumstances. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must also renew in person.

What to bring to an MVA office

Bring your current driver's license or a valid form of identification. The MVA accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card. You will also need proof of your Social Security number — your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form from the past two years all work. If you have changed your name or address, bring the supporting documents: a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or recent utility bill or lease for address proof.

Bring the renewal fee. As of 2024, an eight-year license costs $109 and a four-year license costs $74. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. If you are renewing in person because your photo is too old or you want a new one, bring a recent photo (3 by 2 inches) or let the MVA take one for you at the office. You do not need to bring Form DL-43 to an office visit — the staff will complete the process with you.

How to find an MVA office and schedule an appointment

The Maryland MVA website has a location finder that shows all full-service offices, express offices, and mobile units. Full-service offices handle all renewal types. Express offices handle simpler transactions and usually have shorter wait times. Mobile units visit different locations on a rotating schedule and handle basic renewals.

You can walk in without an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary widely — some offices have waits of 30 minutes, others two hours or more. The MVA recommends scheduling an appointment online through their website if you want to avoid a long wait. Appointments are free and let you choose a specific date and time. If you cannot find an appointment slot in your area, check nearby offices or express locations, which sometimes have more availability.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. The MVA recommends starting the renewal process about 60 days before your expiration date, especially if you are renewing by mail. This gives you time to complete the process and receive your new license before the old one expires, so you avoid any gap in valid identification.

If you renew early, your new license will have a new expiration date eight years (or four years, if you choose the shorter term) from the date it is issued, not from your old expiration date. So if your license expires in March 2025 and you renew in January 2025, your new license will expire in January 2033. There is no penalty or fee reduction for renewing early — you pay the full renewal fee regardless of when you renew.

Temporary license and driving while your renewal is pending

If you renew online or by mail before your license expires, you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. You do not need a temporary license or any special document. Your old license remains valid until the new one is issued.

If your license has already expired and you are renewing in person at an MVA office, ask the staff whether they can issue a temporary license while your process is processed. Some offices issue a paper temporary license on the spot; others do not. The temporary license is usually valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. If the office cannot issue a temporary license, do not drive until your new license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can renew by mail or online from anywhere, as long as your license is not expired by more than one year and your name and address have not changed. If your address has changed, you must renew in person at an MVA office or contact the MVA to update your address before renewing online.

What happens if I let my license expire?

If your license has been expired for one year or less, you can still renew by mail or online. If it has been expired for more than one year, the MVA treats it as a new license process, and you must visit an office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. Driving with an expired license is illegal.

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

Mail renewal typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the MVA receives your process. Online renewal also takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery. Processing time does not include mail delivery time to the MVA or from the MVA to your address, so plan for 2 to 3 weeks total.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

If you are renewing by mail or online and your photo is less than eight years old, you do not need a new photo — your current photo will be used. If your photo is eight years old or older, you must provide a new one. If you are renewing in person, you can use your current photo or request a new one at the office.

Can I change my address when I renew?

If you are renewing online or by mail, you cannot change your address — the MVA will only renew if your address has not changed. If you have moved, you must visit an MVA office in person with proof of your new address. If you are renewing in person, you can update your address at the same time.

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.