What the Maryland MVA renewal process looks like
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles driver's license renewals in Maryland. You can renew in person at an MVA office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the MVA website if your license type allows it. Most people renew either online or by mail because it takes less time than going to an office, but you'll need to know which method works for your situation before you start.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which renewal methods are open to you based on your license class and driving record. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew, but you'll need to know your license number and other details to start the process online or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, and that notice tells you which renewal methods you can use.
- Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option if your license type qualifies, and takes about 10 business days to arrive by mail.
- Mail renewal requires your renewal notice and a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the MVA receives it.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office requires an appointment (you book online), a valid ID, proof of residency, and payment, and you leave with a temporary license the same day.
- If your license is suspended or you have unpaid traffic violations, you cannot renew until those issues are resolved.
Renewing online through the MVA website
Online renewal is available for standard Class D (regular passenger vehicle) licenses and some other classes, but not for commercial licenses or licenses with certain restrictions. You can renew online if your license is not suspended, you have no unpaid violations or child support arrears, and your license has not been expired for more than one year.
Go to mva.maryland.gov, select "Renew Your License," and choose the online option. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and show you the renewal fee (currently $109 for a five-year license, though this can change). Pay by debit or credit card. The MVA will mail your new license within 10 business days.
Online renewal does not give you a temporary license on the spot. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so time your renewal to finish before the expiration date if you need to drive when ready after.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
Mail renewal is an option if you received a renewal notice from the MVA and your license is not suspended. You do not need to include your old license with the process. Complete the renewal notice, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address printed on the notice.
The MVA processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Once they receive your process, processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, and your new license arrives by mail after that. Do not mail your process more than 60 days before your license expires, because the MVA may return it as early.
If you lost your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail. Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 (Baltimore area) or 1-888-769-0100 (toll-free) to request a duplicate notice, or read the renewal form from mva.maryland.gov and mail it with payment and a copy of your current license.
Renewing in person at an MVA office
In-person renewal requires an appointment. Book your appointment online at mva.maryland.gov by selecting "Schedule an Appointment" and choosing "License Renewal." You'll pick your location and time slot. Walk-ins are not accepted at most offices, so do not show up without an appointment.
Bring a valid photo ID (your current license, passport, or military ID), proof of Maryland residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and address), and payment for the renewal fee. The MVA accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. You'll have your photo taken and leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
In-person renewal is useful if you need a temporary license when ready, if your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you have questions about your renewal. The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
When you cannot renew and what to do instead
You cannot renew your license if it is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. Suspensions happen for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a conviction for driving under the influence. Before you can renew, you must resolve the suspension by paying fines, clearing child support arrears, or completing required programs like alcohol education.
Contact the MVA or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew through any method. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to take a written test and vision test again, so call the MVA to confirm what you'll need to bring to an in-person appointment.
If you have unpaid traffic violations, the MVA will not process your renewal. Pay the violation or contact the court to set up a payment plan. The MVA checks this information when you submit your renewal, so do not submit until the violation is resolved.
Renewal fees and what they cover
Maryland renewal fees depend on your license class and how long you want the license to be valid. A standard Class D license costs $109 for five years or $59 for three years. Commercial licenses and licenses with special endorsements cost more. The fee does not change based on your age or driving record.
The renewal fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license and the administrative processing. It does not include any fines or violations you may owe. If you have unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those separately before the MVA will process your renewal.
What happens after you submit your renewal
If you renewed online or by mail, the MVA mails your new license to the address on file. Check that your address is correct before you submit. If you moved recently and updated your address with the MVA, your license will be mailed to your new address. If you have not updated your address, it will go to your old address, and you'll need to contact the MVA to have it reissued.
Your new license is valid for five years from the date of issue (or three years if you chose the shorter term). If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary license when ready and the permanent license arrives by mail within 10 business days. Do not laminate your license or write on it; the MVA will reject it if you do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
Yes, but if it expired more than one year ago, you may need to retake the written and vision tests. Contact the MVA or visit an office to confirm. Licenses expired less than one year can usually be renewed through any method without retesting.
What if I never received my renewal notice?
Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 or 1-888-769-0100 to request a duplicate, or read the renewal form from mva.maryland.gov. You can still renew by mail or in person without the notice if you have your license number and other identifying information.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew online?
The MVA mails your new license within 10 business days of processing your online renewal. Mail delivery typically takes 3 to 5 additional days, so plan for about two weeks total. If you need a license sooner, renew in person to receive a temporary license the same day.
Can I change my address when I renew?
Yes. If you renew online, you can update your address during the process. If you renew by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). The MVA will print your new address on your license.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at an MVA office and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Book an appointment online before you go.