How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail and never visit an MVA office.

Your license is renewable up to one year before it expires and up to six months after expiration. If you renew before expiration, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you wait until after expiration, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

Maryland licenses are valid for five years for drivers under 65, and three years for drivers 65 and older. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online at mva.maryland.gov or by mail using Form DL-43 if your license has not yet expired.
Online renewal costs $109 for a five-year license and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at an MVA office and bring a valid ID, proof of residence, and your Social Security number.
You do not need a new photo unless your license was issued more than 15 years ago or you request one.
Maryland does not issue temporary licenses during renewal, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new card arrives.

Online Renewal Through the MVA Website

Online renewal is the fastest route if your license has not yet expired. Go to mva.maryland.gov, select "Renew Driver's License," and log in or create an account. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start.

The online system walks you through confirming your address, vision requirements, and medical history. You will be asked whether your address has changed and whether you have any new medical conditions that affect your ability to drive. Answer honestly — false statements on a renewal form are a misdemeanor in Maryland.

The fee is $109 for a five-year license (drivers under 65) or $82 for a three-year license (drivers 65 and older). You pay by debit card or credit card at the end of the process. Once approved, your new license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary license, so if you need to drive before it arrives, you must carry your old license and the confirmation email from the MVA.

Mail Renewal Using Form DL-43

If you prefer not to use the website, you can renew by mail using the Maryland Driver's License Renewal process, Form DL-43. read it from mva.maryland.gov or request a copy by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $109 (five-year license) or $82 (three-year license) to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the MVA receives your form, plus mail time in both directions. Your new license arrives by mail. This method is slower than online renewal but works if you do not have internet access or prefer paper forms.

Do not mail your old license with the form unless the MVA specifically asks you to. Keep it until your new license arrives.

In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office

You must renew in person if your license has already expired. You can also choose in-person renewal if you want a new photo, need to update your address, or prefer to handle it face-to-face.

Bring your expired or expiring license, a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring two proofs of your new address.

Visit any MVA office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary. Check mva.maryland.gov for office hours and current wait times before you go. The fee is the same as online or mail renewal: $109 for five years or $82 for three years. You will receive a temporary license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

When You Need a New Photo

Maryland requires a new photo every 15 years. If your license was issued 15 or more years ago, you must get a new photo, which means you must renew in person at an MVA office. You cannot renew online or by mail if a new photo is required.

If your license is less than 15 years old, you can renew without a new photo using online or mail renewal. However, you can request a new photo at any time by renewing in person. A new photo does not change the renewal fee.

Address Changes and License Updates

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must report your new address during renewal. Online renewal includes an address-update step. If you are renewing by mail, write your new address clearly on Form DL-43. If you are renewing in person, bring two proofs of your new address.

You cannot change your name, sex designation, or organ donor status during a straightforward renewal. If you need to make any of those changes, you must visit an MVA office in person and bring additional documents (marriage certificate for name changes, updated birth certificate or court order for sex designation). These changes may require a new photo and take longer to process.

What Happens If Your License Expires

If your license expires before you renew it, you cannot drive legally in Maryland. Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation and can result in a fine. You must renew in person at an MVA office; online and mail renewal are not available once your license has expired.

Bring the same documents as for in-person renewal: your expired license, a valid photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number. You will receive a temporary license good for 45 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. You do not need to be in Maryland. If you need to renew in person, you must visit an MVA office in Maryland, but you can do this during a visit home or plan a trip specifically for renewal if your license has already expired.

What if my address on file is wrong?

If you are renewing online or by mail, you can update your address as part of the renewal. If you are renewing in person, bring two proofs of your current address and the MVA will update it. If you have already renewed and your address is still wrong, visit an MVA office to file a change-of-address form (no fee).

Do I get a temporary license when I renew online or by mail?

No. Temporary licenses are issued only at in-person renewals. If you renew online or by mail, carry your old license and the confirmation email from the MVA until your new license arrives. Driving with these documents is legal during the processing period.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days after approval. In-person renewals issue a temporary license on the spot and mail the permanent license within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal (Form DL-43) takes 2 to 3 weeks after the MVA receives it, plus mail time.

What if I need to renew before my current license expires but I do not have internet access?

Use mail renewal with Form DL-43. read and print it from mva.maryland.gov, or call 410-787-7758 to request a copy by mail. Fill it out, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks plus mail time.

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.