What you need to know about renewing in Maryland
Maryland lets you renew your driver's license or ID card in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, by mail, or online depending on your situation. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, which saves time. The process differs slightly based on whether your license is still valid, whether you want to change your address, and what type of ID you hold.
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 information that makes renewal faster. If you have lost your notice, you can still renew — you will just need to provide your driver's license number or Social Security number instead.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland offers online renewal for most standard driver's licenses and ID cards, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year license.
- Mail renewal is available if you do not need to change your address or photo, and takes about two weeks from the time MVA receives your process.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if you need a new photo, want to change your address, or hold a commercial driver's license.
- You will need your current license or ID card, a valid Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency if you are changing your address.
- Maryland licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to six months after expiration.
Renewing online through the MVA website
Online renewal is the fastest option for most people. You go to the Maryland MVA website, enter your driver's license number, last name, and date of birth, then answer security questions to verify your identity. The system checks whether you are may be able to access — mainly whether your license is still valid or expired less than six months ago, and whether you have no outstanding tickets or suspensions.
If you are approved, you pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Maryland charges $109 for a standard eight-year license and $64 for a five-year license. Your new card is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal does not work if you need a new photo, want to change your address, hold a commercial license, or have certain medical conditions noted on your license. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your address is current, you do not need a new photo, and your license is not expired or expired less than six months ago. You use your renewal notice or read the process from the MVA website. Fill it out, include your current license or ID card, and mail it to the address shown on the form along with the renewal fee.
Processing takes about two weeks from the day the MVA receives your process. Mail is slower than online, but it works if you prefer not to use the internet or if you are renewing before your notice arrives. Keep a copy of what you send in case questions come up.
If you are renewing by mail and need to change your address, you must include proof of your new Maryland address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Without it, your renewal will be delayed or denied.
Renewing in person at an MVA office
You must visit an MVA office if you need a new photo, want to change your address, hold a commercial driver's license, or have a medical condition that requires review. Bring your current license or ID card, proof of your Social Security number (your card, a W-2, or a tax return), and if you are changing your address, proof of residency dated within the last 60 days.
Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times on the MVA website before you go. Many offices let you make an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly. Bring all documents with you — if something is missing, you will have to return another day.
In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. You will have your photo taken, answer a few questions, pay the fee, and receive a temporary license to use while your permanent card is mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license has already expired
Maryland allows you to renew up to six months after your license expires. If you are within that window, you can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process as above. You do not need to take a new written or road test.
If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means taking the written test, vision test, and road test, and paying the full process fee. You should contact your local MVA office to find out what documents you need and how to schedule your road test.
Costs and what to expect in the mail
A standard eight-year Maryland driver's license costs $109. A five-year license costs $64. ID cards cost $72 for eight years or $45 for five years. These are the only fees — there are no hidden charges or processing fees added on.
When your new license arrives, it will have a new expiration date eight years from the renewal date (or five years if you chose the shorter term). Your old license becomes invalid once the new one arrives, though you do not need to destroy it. If your new license does not arrive within 15 business days, contact the MVA to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or suspension?
No. The MVA system will flag your record if you have unpaid tickets, outstanding fines, or a suspension. You must resolve these issues before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the MVA directly to find out what you owe and how to pay it.
What if I moved out of state and want to renew my Maryland license?
You cannot renew a Maryland license if you no longer live in Maryland. You must get a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail using your current Maryland address, but you will eventually need to switch to your new state's license.
Do I need to renew my license before I move to a new address in Maryland?
No. You can renew and change your address at the same time. If you renew online or by mail before moving, you can update your address later at an MVA office or during your next renewal. If you are moving soon, it may be easier to wait and do both at once in person.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person at an MVA office and bring documents showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need to bring your current license and proof of your Social Security number. Online and mail renewal do not work if your name has changed.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial licenses must be renewed in person at an MVA office. You will need your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, and any medical certification documents if your CDL requires them. Bring all documents with you to avoid a second trip.