How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland renewal works by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation

In Maryland, you can renew your driver's license through three different routes: by mail, online through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website, or in person at an MVA office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without leaving home, but some situations require an in-person visit.

Your Maryland license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. The MVA will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Maryland licenses expire every five years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation and how much time remains.
Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, or if you have had a name change.
Maryland charges a renewal fee that varies depending on whether you renew for five years or get a Real ID-compliant license.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license is still valid (not yet expired), you have not had a name change, and you do not need a new photo. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.

Go to the Maryland MVA website and select the online renewal option. You will answer questions about your address, contact information, and whether anything on your license needs to change. If everything is correct, you pay the renewal fee and submit. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You will need to complete the renewal process form (Form DL-43), include your current license, and send payment to the MVA. The form is available on the MVA website or you can request one by calling the MVA at 410-768-7000.

Mail your completed form, current license, and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks. During that time, you can continue to drive on your current license. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided on the form.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, if you have had a name change, or if you are upgrading to a Real ID-compliant license. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your address or other information that cannot be changed online or by mail.

Visit an MVA office with your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). Bring payment for the renewal fee. The MVA office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license. You will receive a temporary paper license to drive on when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What documents and information you will need

For any renewal method, have your current license ready. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. A Social Security card, W-2, or tax return works for proof of your number. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement works for proof of address — the document must show your name and current address.

You will also need to pay the renewal fee. The standard five-year renewal costs one amount, while a Real ID-compliant license costs more. Real ID licenses meet federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you are not sure whether you have a Real ID, check your current license — it will have a gold star in the upper right corner if it is Real ID-compliant.

Real ID renewal and what it means for you

Maryland offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star and meets federal requirements set by the Department of Homeland Security. If you fly domestically or enter a federal building, you will need either a Real ID license or a passport.

When you renew, you can choose to upgrade to Real ID or keep a standard license. If you upgrade to Real ID, you will need to provide additional documents in person at an MVA office — you cannot upgrade online or by mail. The documents required are proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of your Social Security number, and two forms of proof of your current address. The Real ID renewal fee is higher than a standard renewal.

What to do if your license has been expired for a long time

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit an MVA office in person. Bring your expired license along with proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. The MVA will treat this as a new process rather than a straightforward renewal, so you will need to take a new photo and pass a vision test.

You can still drive legally while you are waiting for your new license if the MVA gives you a temporary paper license at the office. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while your permanent license is being mailed to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license if I have moved out of state?

No. You must have a current Maryland address to renew a Maryland license. If you have moved to another state, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead. You can surrender your Maryland license when you get your new state's license.

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

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewals are faster — you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Processing times may be longer during busy periods.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person at an MVA office if your name has changed. Bring your current license, legal proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The MVA will issue a new license with your updated name.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your Maryland license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush as your expiration date approaches. The new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date you renew.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit an MVA office in person to report it lost and get a replacement. Bring proof of your identity, Social Security number, and current address. You will pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

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.