Maryland renewal works online, by mail, or in person depending on your age and license type
Maryland lets you renew your driver's license online if you're between 27 and 65, your license hasn't been suspended, and you don't need to change your address or name. If you fall outside those limits or need to update information, you'll renew by mail or at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. The process takes different amounts of time depending on which route you choose, and your current license stays valid while your renewal is being processed.
Your Maryland license is valid for eight years if you're under 65, and five years if you're 65 or older. The MVA sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for it to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year license if you're 27 to 65 and your information hasn't changed.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment by check or money order.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is fastest if you need a Real ID, have a suspended license, or are changing your address or name.
- You must provide proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) for any renewal method.
- Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving during the renewal process.
Online renewal: fastest option for most people
If you're between 27 and 65, have a valid Maryland license, and your address and name are current, you can renew online through the MVA website. You'll need your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The whole process takes about 10 minutes.
Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to 10 business days. You'll pay $109 for an eight-year license. If you're 65 or older, you can't renew online—you'll need to use mail or visit an MVA office in person.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your address or legal name, or if you want to add a Real ID star to your license. In those cases, go to the MVA office or use mail renewal.
Mail renewal: no appointment needed, but slower
To renew by mail, complete form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit), include your current license, and mail everything with a check or money order to the MVA. You can read the form from the MVA website or request it by phone at 410-227-1371. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form—there are different addresses depending on your county.
Include proof of Maryland residency with your mailed renewal. Acceptable documents are a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Your name and address must match what's on your license, or you'll need to visit an office in person to update them.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your packet. Your current license stays valid during this time, so you can keep driving. The cost is the same as online renewal: $109 for an eight-year license.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
Visit an MVA office if you're 65 or older, need to change your address or name, want to add a Real ID star, or your license has been suspended. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail from the last 60 days), and payment (cash, check, debit card, or credit card).
Make an appointment through the MVA website before you go. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are longer, especially at busy offices. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number if you're changing your name.
If you're renewing a standard license (no Real ID), the appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail in seven to 10 business days. The cost is $109 for an eight-year license.
Real ID renewal requires an office visit
A Real ID is a federal standard that lets you use your driver's license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. Maryland driver's licenses issued after May 2017 have a gold star in the upper right corner, which means they're Real ID compliant. If your license doesn't have the star and you want one, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
Bring your current license, proof of Maryland residency, and one document proving your identity and date of birth (passport, birth certificate, or certified adoption papers). You'll also need proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). The cost is the same as a standard renewal: $109 for an eight-year license.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. The MVA staff will check your driving record and tell you whether you're able to renew or whether you need to complete other steps first, such as paying fines or completing a driver improvement program.
If your suspension is related to unpaid child support, unpaid taxes, or unpaid court fines, you may need to resolve those issues before the MVA will renew your license. Contact the MVA at 410-227-1371 to find out what's required in your specific case.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you're moving within Maryland or changing your legal name, you must renew in person at an MVA office. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of your new Maryland address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and if you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If you're moving out of Maryland, you'll need to get a license from your new state instead of renewing your Maryland license. Your Maryland license will expire on its regular schedule, but you won't be able to renew it once you've established residency elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes. Maryland allows you to renew your license up to five years after it expires. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you'll need to reapply as a new driver, which requires taking the written and driving tests again. Renew as soon as possible after expiration to avoid this.
What if I don't have proof of Maryland residency?
You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Maryland address. If you've just moved and don't have a utility bill or lease yet, a bank statement, government mail, or a letter from your landlord or property manager can work. Contact the MVA at 410-227-1371 to confirm what documents they'll accept in your situation.
How long does my temporary license last?
If you renew in person at an MVA office, you'll receive a temporary license that's valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within seven to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within 30 days, contact the MVA to request a replacement.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Outstanding traffic fines won't stop you from renewing your license. However, if you have unpaid child support, unpaid taxes, or unpaid court fines unrelated to traffic, the MVA may place a hold on your renewal. Contact the MVA at 410-227-1371 to check your record before you attempt to renew.
What if my name doesn't match my Social Security card?
Bring both your current license and a certified document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) when you renew in person. The MVA will update your record to match your Social Security Administration records. This must be done in person at an MVA office.