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 an MVA office. Which route you take depends on how much time you have, whether your license is still valid, and what type of license you hold. Most people renew online or by mail and never visit an office.

Your Maryland license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. The MVA will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your expiration date — that notice contains a renewal code you will need if you go online.

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to an MVA office in person and bring proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of identity. Expired licenses that are more than two years old are treated as a new process, not a renewal, and cost more.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year license; you can do it anytime your license is still valid or within one year after it expires.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice the MVA sends you, takes two to three weeks, and costs the same as online renewal.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is necessary only if your license expired more than one year ago or if you need to update your address, name, or medical information.
You must pass a vision test for any in-person renewal, and you may be asked to retake your photo.
Maryland does not require a road test or written exam to renew a standard driver's license unless you are renewing a commercial license or your driving record shows violations.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Option

Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website is the quickest way to renew if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago. You will need your renewal notice (which contains your renewal code), your driver's license number, and a valid payment method. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Your License Online." Enter your driver's license number and renewal code from your notice. Answer questions about your current address, medical conditions, and whether you want to register as an organ donor. Review your information, pay the $109 fee with a credit or debit card, and you are done. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need to change your address or name, or if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of these explore, use mail renewal or visit an MVA office.

Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago. The MVA will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date. That notice includes a mail-in form, instructions, and an envelope. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $109 payable to "Maryland MVA," and mail it back in the envelope provided.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your form. Your new license will arrive by mail after that. Do not mail cash. If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758 or visiting an office, but ordering online is faster.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license must not be expired more than one year, and you cannot change your address, name, or medical information by mail. If you need to update any of those details, you must renew in person.

In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office

Visit an MVA office if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need to change your address or name, if you hold a commercial license, or if you prefer to renew face-to-face. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

You will take a vision test and have your photo taken. The MVA may ask you to update your medical information or answer questions about violations or suspensions. The fee is $109 for an eight-year standard license. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail in seven to 10 business days.

Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times on the MVA website before you go. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly. If you do not have an appointment, arrive early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid the longest lines.

What Happens If Your License Expired More Than One Year Ago

If your license has been expired for more than one year, the MVA treats your renewal as a new process. You cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to an MVA office in person and bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of Maryland residency for at least 30 days (such as a utility bill or lease).

You will take a vision test and a written knowledge test covering Maryland traffic laws and road signs. You will also have your photo taken. The fee is higher than a standard renewal — it costs $109 for the license itself, plus additional fees for the knowledge test and processing. The total is usually between $130 and $150 depending on your age and license type.

If you are unsure whether your license is expired or how long it has been expired, check the expiration date on your license or call the MVA at 410-787-7758. They can tell you whether you can renew or must reapply.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $109 in Maryland. If you are renewing a commercial license, the fee is higher. If your license expired more than one year ago and you are reapplying, expect to pay $130 to $150 total.

Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash. In-person renewal at an MVA office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices may accept other payment methods; call ahead if you have questions about what your local office takes.

Timeline: When to Renew and When Your New License Arrives

You can renew your Maryland license up to one year before it expires. The MVA recommends renewing at least two weeks before your expiration date to make sure your new license arrives in time. If you wait until after your license expires, you can still renew online or by mail as long as it has been less than one year since expiration.

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes to complete, and your new license arrives in seven to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks for processing, plus mail time. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license in seven to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, renew in person and ask for expedited processing — some offices can issue a license the same day if you arrive early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or a suspended license?

No. The MVA will not renew your license if your driving privileges are suspended or revoked. You must resolve the suspension first by paying fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court. Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it.

Do I need to take a road test or written exam to renew?

No, not for a standard driver's license renewal. You will take a vision test and may be asked to retake your photo. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must take a written knowledge test. If you hold a commercial license, you may need to take additional tests depending on your endorsements.

What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?

If you moved, you must renew in person at an MVA office and bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). You cannot change your address online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your new address.

Can I renew my license if my name changed?

Yes, but you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The fee is the same as a standard renewal.

What if my renewal notice got lost in the mail?

Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 and request a replacement notice, or visit an MVA office. You can also renew in person without the notice — just bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your address. If you want to renew online, you will need the renewal code from your notice, so requesting a replacement is the fastest option.

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.