What the MVA renewal process looks like

The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in Maryland handles driver's license renewals through a straightforward process: you submit proof of identity and residency, pay the renewal fee, and either take a new photo or use your existing one depending on your license type and how long it has been since your last photo was taken. Most people can renew by mail, online, or in person at an MVA office. The entire process typically takes two to four weeks if you mail it in, or you can walk out the same day if you go to a branch office.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. This notice contains your renewal code, which you will need if you renew online or by mail. If you have lost the notice, you can still renew in person at any MVA office with a valid ID and proof of residency.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your Maryland driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office, and the method you choose depends on whether you need a new photo and how quickly you need the license.
  • Online renewal requires your renewal code from the notice the MVA mailed you, a valid email address, and a payment method, and takes about two weeks for delivery.
  • Mail renewal uses the same renewal notice and takes three to four weeks, while in-person renewal at an MVA office is fastest and lets you leave with your new license the same day.
  • You will need proof of identity (your current license or passport) and proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) for any renewal method.
  • If your license has been expired for more than one year or you have had a name change, address change, or medical condition change, you may need to renew in person rather than online or by mail.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Online renewal is the fastest way to get a new license without leaving home. Go to the Maryland MVA website, select the renewal option, and enter your driver's license number, last name, and the renewal code printed on your notice. You will then answer security questions to verify your identity and confirm your current address and other information on file.

Once you have verified your information, you will upload or confirm your photo. If your license photo is less than eight years old and you are renewing a standard license (not a REAL ID), you can keep your existing photo. If you need a new photo or your current one is older than eight years, you will take a new one using your computer's camera during the online process. After you pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card, the MVA will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within two weeks.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, if you need to change your name or address, or if you are renewing a REAL ID license for the first time. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail with the renewal notice

Mail renewal uses the same renewal notice you received from the MVA. Fill out the form, sign it, and include a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to the Maryland MVA. Include a copy of your proof of identity (front and back of your current license or a page from your passport) and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Mail your completed packet to the address printed on the renewal notice. The MVA will process your renewal and mail your new license to you, which typically takes three to four weeks from the date they receive your packet. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license cannot have been expired for more than one year, you cannot have a medical condition affecting your driving, and you cannot be changing your name or address. If any of these explore, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

In-person renewal at an MVA office is the only option if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, if you are changing your name or address, or if you are renewing a REAL ID license for the first time. You can also choose in-person renewal if you want your new license when ready rather than waiting for mail delivery.

Bring your current driver's license or passport, proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your renewal notice if you have it. You will fill out a form at the office, have a new photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The entire visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. You will receive your new license before you leave.

The MVA operates offices in Baltimore, Annapolis, and several other locations across Maryland. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times on the MVA website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to book an appointment online. Check your local office's policy before you go.

What documents you need for any renewal method

All renewal methods require proof of identity and proof of residency. Your proof of identity must be your current Maryland driver's license or a valid U.S. passport. A passport card is not sufficient; you need the booklet.

Your proof of residency must be a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Maryland address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease agreement or rental contract, a bank or credit card statement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. A government check or tax return also works. You cannot use a driver's license, passport, or student ID as proof of residency.

If you have moved since your last license was issued and your proof of residency shows a different address than what is on your license, bring both documents. The MVA will update your address during the renewal process.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

The renewal fee for a standard Maryland driver's license is set by state law and varies depending on the length of your renewal period. A five-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal. The exact amount changes periodically, so check the MVA website or your renewal notice for the current fee.

If you are renewing a REAL ID license (the gold star in the upper right corner of your license), the fee is higher than a standard renewal. REAL ID licenses are required for federal building access and domestic air travel as of May 2025, though standard licenses remain valid for driving.

The MVA accepts payment by check, money order, debit card, or credit card depending on your renewal method. Online and in-person renewals accept debit and credit cards. Mail renewals require a check or money order.

What to do if your renewal notice is lost or damaged

If you have lost your renewal notice or it arrived damaged, you can still renew. For online renewal, call the MVA at the number on their website to request a replacement notice or to get your renewal code over the phone. For mail renewal, request a new notice by mail or phone, or you can renew in person at an MVA office without the notice.

For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license and proof of residency. The MVA office will look up your account and process your renewal without the notice. You do not need to request a replacement notice ahead of time if you are going in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and be prepared to take a new photo and pass a vision test.

What happens if I renew online but need to change my address?

You cannot change your address during an online renewal. If you have moved, you must renew in person at an MVA office or by mail. For mail renewal, include a note with your new address and bring proof of residency at that address.

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

Mail renewals typically take three to four weeks from the date the MVA receives your packet. This includes processing time at the MVA and delivery by mail. Online renewals take about two weeks for delivery after approval.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

For standard license renewals, you can keep your existing photo if it is less than eight years old. For REAL ID renewals or if your photo is older than eight years, you must have a new photo taken. Online renewal lets you take a new photo with your computer camera, while in-person renewal includes a photo at the office.

What if I changed my name since my last license was issued?

You cannot renew by mail or online if you have changed your name. You must renew in person at an MVA office and bring a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will issue a new license with your updated name.