Maryland renewal methods and timelines

Maryland offers three ways to renew your driver's license: online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Which method you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo.

Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes and receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an MVA office is when ready if you need your license the same day, but requires an appointment and a visit to a physical location.

Your current license must not be expired by more than 2 years to renew by mail or online. If your license has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland allows online renewal for most standard licenses that are not yet expired or expired less than 2 years, and you will receive your renewed license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You need a valid credit or debit card to renew online, and the renewal fee is $109 for a 5-year license or $161 for an 8-year license.
  • If your license has been expired more than 2 years, you must renew in person at an MVA office with a completed process, proof of identity, and proof of Maryland residency.
  • Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online and must be renewed in person with a medical certificate and knowledge test if required.
  • You can schedule an in-person appointment online through the MVA website to avoid waiting in line, though walk-ins are accepted at some offices.

Online renewal: documents and steps

To renew online, visit the Maryland MVA website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using information from the MVA database.

Have a valid credit or debit card ready to pay the renewal fee. Maryland charges $109 for a 5-year license or $161 for an 8-year license. Once you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or restricted; if you need a name change; if you require a new photo; or if you hold a commercial driver's license. In those cases, you must renew in person.

Mail renewal: what to send and timing

To renew by mail, read and complete the Maryland Driver's License Renewal process (Form DL-43) from the MVA website or request it by phone at 410-787-7758. Do not sign the form until you are instructed to do so by mail.

Mail your completed process along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee ($109 for 5 years or $161 for 8 years) to the address listed on the form. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the MVA can return your renewed license.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives your process. Your current license remains valid during this time. Mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired more than 2 years, if you need a new photo, or if you hold a CDL.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired more than 2 years, if you need a new photo, if you hold a CDL, or if your license is suspended or restricted. Bring your current driver's license, a completed process for Maryland Driver's License (Form DL-43), proof of identity, and proof of Maryland residency.

Acceptable proof of identity includes a passport, military ID, or state ID card. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Maryland address.

Schedule an appointment online through the MVA website to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but appointment holders are served first. You will receive your renewed license on the spot if you pass the vision test and all documents are in order. The fee is the same as online or mail renewal: $109 for 5 years or $161 for 8 years.

Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal requirements

CDL holders must renew in person at an MVA office. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, a completed process for Maryland Driver's License (Form DL-43), proof of identity, proof of residency, and a valid medical certificate (Form MCSA-5876) signed by a licensed medical examiner within the last 12 months.

Depending on your CDL class and endorsements, you may need to pass a knowledge test or skills test. The MVA will tell you which tests explore when you schedule your appointment. CDL renewal fees are $161 for 5 years or $241 for 8 years.

What happens if your license expires before renewal arrives

If you renew online or by mail and your current license expires before your renewed license arrives, you are still legally allowed to drive. Keep your confirmation number or receipt from your online renewal, or keep the receipt from your mail-in process. If stopped by police, show them this proof that you have a pending renewal.

Do not drive with an expired license if you did not submit a renewal process. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Maryland and can result in a fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license if I have an out-of-state address?

No. You must be a Maryland resident to renew a Maryland driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you have moved temporarily but still maintain a Maryland residence, you can renew by mail or online using your Maryland address.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

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

Do I need a new photo when I renew my Maryland license?

No, unless your current license photo is more than 8 years old or you choose to update it. If you renew online or by mail, your existing photo will be used. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

How long is a renewed Maryland driver's license valid?

A renewed license is valid for either 5 years or 8 years, depending on which option you choose and pay for at renewal. The 8-year license costs more but lasts longer, so you will not need to renew as often.

What if I lost my current license before renewing?

You must replace your lost license before you can renew. Visit an MVA office in person with proof of identity and residency, and pay the replacement fee. Once you have your replacement license, you can then renew it using any of the three methods.