How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License Through the MVA

What You Need to Do to Renew in Maryland

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at an MVA office. Which method you use depends on your license type, how much time is left before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains your renewal code, which you will need for online or mail renewal. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew, but you will need to provide your driver's license number and other identifying information instead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes if your address has not changed and your license is not suspended.
Mail renewal requires sending your renewal notice, payment, and a new photo to the MVA; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after they receive your materials.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is necessary if your license is suspended, if you need to change your address, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license.
Maryland charges $109 for a five-year renewal and $161 for an eight-year renewal; payment methods vary by renewal method.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval, whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person.

Online Renewal Through the MVA Website

Online renewal is available at mva.maryland.gov and is the quickest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license is not suspended, your address has not changed, and you are renewing a standard Class D (passenger vehicle) license. You will need your renewal code from your notice letter, your driver's license number, and a valid payment method (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover).

The process takes about 10 minutes. Log in to the MVA website, enter your renewal code or license number, answer a few questions about your address and any medical conditions, and pay the renewal fee. You do not need to submit a new photo for online renewal—the MVA uses your existing photo on file. Once you complete the transaction, you receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), if your address has changed since your last license was issued, or if your license is currently suspended or revoked. If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail Renewal: What to Send and Timeline

Mail renewal works if you have a standard Class D license, your address has not changed, and your license is not suspended. You will need to send three things to the MVA: your signed renewal notice (the form that arrived in the mail), a new photo, and payment. The photo must be a color photograph, 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last 30 days. You can use a passport photo or have one taken at a pharmacy or photo studio.

Mail your renewal packet to the address printed on your renewal notice. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($109 for five years or $161 for eight years). Do not send cash. The MVA processes mail renewals in the order they are received; processing typically takes 2 to 3 weeks after they receive your packet. Your new license is then mailed to you and arrives within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Keep a copy of your renewal notice for your records. If your renewal packet is lost in the mail, you will have proof that you sent it. If you do not hear back within 4 weeks, contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to check the status of your renewal.

In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license, or if you are over 70 years old (Maryland requires vision tests for drivers over 70 at renewal). You can also choose in-person renewal if you prefer not to mail documents or use the online system.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and payment. If your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address. You will have your photo taken at the office, so you do not need to bring one. The MVA office completes your renewal on the spot, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

MVA offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check wait times at mva.maryland.gov. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time. Appointments typically fill up 2 to 3 weeks in advance during busy seasons.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

Maryland charges $109 for a five-year renewal and $161 for an eight-year renewal. The fee depends on which term you choose at the time of renewal. You cannot change your renewal term later, so decide before you submit your renewal.

Payment methods vary by renewal method. Online renewal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Mail renewal requires a check or money order only—do not send cash. In-person renewal at an MVA office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are renewing by mail and do not have a checking account, you can purchase a money order at most grocery stores, pharmacies, or banks for a small fee.

What Happens After You Renew

After you complete your renewal—whether online, by mail, or in person—your new license is mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent card.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the MVA at 410-787-7758. Have your confirmation number or renewal notice ready. The MVA can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if it was lost or damaged in the mail.

Your old license is no longer valid once your new license arrives. You can destroy it or keep it for your records. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and you renewed in person, use your temporary paper license. If you renewed online or by mail, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is attempting online renewal when your address has changed. The MVA system will reject your renewal if the address on file does not match your current residence. If you have moved, you must renew by mail or in person and bring proof of your new address.

Another frequent error is sending cash in the mail for a mail renewal. The MVA cannot process cash payments, and your renewal packet will be returned. Use a check or money order instead. If you are unsure whether your check cleared, wait 5 business days after mailing before contacting the MVA.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to one year before expiration, and renewing early avoids the risk of driving with an expired license. If your license expires before your renewal is processed, you are driving illegally, even if you have submitted your renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is already expired?

Yes, you can renew an expired license, but you cannot drive legally with an expired license while your renewal is being processed. Renew as soon as possible. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to take the written test and vision test again, so contact the MVA before renewing to confirm.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online or by mail without your renewal notice. Use your driver's license number instead of the renewal code. If you are renewing by mail and do not have your notice, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to request a new notice or to confirm the mailing address where your renewal should be sent.

Do I need a new photo if I renew online?

No. Online renewal uses your existing photo on file. Mail renewal and in-person renewal both require a new photo. If you renew online and want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person at an MVA office instead.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it at the MVA office. It allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. If your permanent license does not arrive within 30 days, contact the MVA when ready.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license by mail or online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) must be renewed in person at an MVA office. You will need to pass a vision test and medical examination. Schedule an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov or call 410-787-7758 to find out what additional documents you need to bring.

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.