What you need to renew your Maryland license
To renew your Maryland driver's license, you'll go through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The process depends on whether you're renewing in person or by mail, and whether your license is still valid or has already expired.
If your license hasn't expired yet, you can renew by mail or online. If it has expired, you must renew in person at an MVA office. The MVA will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires — this notice tells you which method you can use and includes a barcode you'll need if you renew by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland sends renewal notices by mail 60 days before your license expires, and this notice tells you whether you can renew by mail or must come in person.
- If your license is still valid, you can renew online at mva.maryland.gov or by mail using the renewal notice the MVA sent you.
- If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at an MVA office with your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
- In-person renewals at an MVA office typically take 30 to 45 minutes, while mail renewals take two to three weeks after the MVA receives your materials.
- You'll need to bring your current or expired license, a document showing your current address, and a document proving your Social Security number if you're renewing in person.
Renewing online or by mail before your license expires
If your license is still valid, the easiest route is usually online. You can renew at mva.maryland.gov by logging in with your driver's license number and date of birth. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs the standard renewal fee, and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
If you prefer to renew by mail, use the renewal notice the MVA sent you. Fill out the form, include the barcode from the notice, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address printed on the notice. The MVA will process it and mail your new license back to you. This method takes longer — usually two to three weeks after they receive your materials — so mail it at least a month before your license expires.
Both methods work only if your license hasn't expired yet. If you miss the important date, you'll have to renew in person.
Renewing in person at an MVA office
If your license has expired or if the renewal notice said you must renew in person, you'll need to visit an MVA office. Bring your expired or current license, a document showing your current address (like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a document proving your Social Security number (like a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).
You can find your nearest MVA office and check its hours at mva.maryland.gov. Some offices take walk-ins, but many now use an online appointment system. Check the office's page to see whether you need to schedule ahead or can just show up. Bring all your documents with you — if you're missing any, the office will turn you away and you'll have to come back.
The renewal itself takes 30 to 45 minutes once you're called. You'll pay the renewal fee, have your photo taken, and sign your new license. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
What the renewal costs and how long it takes
A standard five-year renewal costs $109 in Maryland. If you choose the optional REAL ID upgrade (which lets you use your license to board domestic flights without a passport), the cost is $139. Both prices include the license itself and the processing fee.
Timing varies by method. Online renewal takes about two weeks from the time you submit. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks after the MVA receives your envelope. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license when ready and your permanent one arrives in about two weeks.
If you're renewing by mail and your envelope arrives close to your expiration date, there's a risk it won't be processed in time. The MVA recommends mailing at least a month early to avoid this.
When you must renew in person instead of by mail
The MVA requires in-person renewal in certain situations. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew by mail — you must go to an office and resolve the issue first. If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you'll need to renew in person and bring documents proving the change (like a marriage certificate or court order).
If you're a new Maryland resident and your out-of-state license is still valid, you can renew your Maryland license by mail or online. However, if you're renewing a license that was issued before you turned 21, you must renew in person so the MVA can update your license to remove age restrictions.
The renewal notice the MVA sends you will tell you if any of these situations explore to you. If it says "in-person renewal required," you cannot use the mail or online method.
What happens if your license expires while you're waiting
If you've submitted a renewal process by mail or online but your license expires before the new one arrives, you're still considered to have a valid license during the processing period. Carry a copy of your renewal confirmation or the temporary paper license the MVA gave you if you renewed in person. Police will recognize this as proof that you've renewed.
However, if your license expires and you haven't submitted a renewal yet, you cannot legally drive. You must renew before you get behind the wheel again. If you're caught driving with an expired license, you can be cited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I don't have a computer?
No, online renewal requires internet access and a device to complete the form. If you don't have access at home, you can use a computer at a public library or visit an MVA office to renew in person instead.
What if I lost my renewal notice from the MVA?
You can still renew online at mva.maryland.gov without the notice — you just need your driver's license number and date of birth. If you want to renew by mail, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to request a replacement notice, or renew in person at an office.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Yes, you'll have a new photo taken whether you renew in person or online. If you renew online, the MVA uses your existing photo from your current license unless you choose to upload a new one during the process.
Can I renew my license if I owe child support or back taxes?
The MVA may place a hold on your renewal if you owe child support or have unpaid tax debt. Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 before you renew to find out whether a hold exists. If one does, you'll need to resolve it before your renewal can be processed.
How do I know if my license is about to expire?
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. The MVA also sends a renewal notice 60 days before expiration. If you haven't received a notice and your expiration date is coming up, check mva.maryland.gov or call 410-787-7758 to confirm your address is current in their system.