Maryland lets you renew online if you meet a few conditions

You can renew your Maryland driver's license online through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website if your license is still valid or expired for no more than one year. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $109 for a five-year license, and you'll receive your new card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information — those require an in-person visit to an MVA office.

The online renewal system works only for standard license renewals when nothing about your record or identity has changed. If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or a hazmat endorsement, you must visit an MVA office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your current license is valid or expired for less than one year, and you have no suspensions or revocations on your record.
  • The online renewal fee is $109 for a five-year license, and you pay by credit or debit card during the process.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your current license until the new one arrives.
  • If you need to change your address, name, or other personal details, or if you hold a CDL or motorcycle endorsement, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
  • You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid payment method to complete the online renewal.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin the online renewal on the MVA website: your current Maryland driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card. You'll also need access to a computer or mobile device with an internet connection and a web browser.

Make sure your license has not been suspended or revoked. If you're unsure about the status of your license, you can check it on the MVA website before attempting to renew. The system will tell you when ready if you're not may be able to access to renew online.

The step-by-step renewal process

Go to the Maryland MVA website and select the online renewal option. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and display it on the screen for you to review.

Check that all the information is correct — your name, date of birth, address, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If anything is wrong or out of date, stop here and visit an MVA office instead, because you cannot make changes online. If everything matches, proceed to confirm that you want to renew.

Next, you'll enter your payment information. The renewal fee is $109 for a five-year license. The MVA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After your payment processes, you'll receive a confirmation number on the screen and by email. Write down or save this number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.

What happens after you submit

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive legally using your current license until your new one arrives. There is no waiting period or temporary license issued for online renewals.

If you don't receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the MVA to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready when you call. The MVA phone line is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

When you must visit an MVA office instead

You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked for any reason. You also cannot renew online if you need to update your address, legal name, or any other personal information. If you're renewing a commercial driver's license, a motorcycle endorsement, or a hazmat endorsement, an in-person visit is required.

If your current license expired more than one year ago, the online system will not accept it. In that case, you'll need to explore for a new license at an MVA office, which involves a new photo, vision test, and written knowledge test. This is different from a straightforward renewal and takes longer to process.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the system rejects your Social Security number or license number, double-check that you've entered them correctly. Make sure you're using the number from your current physical license card, not an old or expired license. If you still can't log in after a few attempts, the MVA website may be temporarily down — try again in a few minutes or contact the MVA directly.

If your payment is declined, try a different card or contact your bank to make sure the card is active and has available funds. The MVA system may also reject a payment if there's a mismatch between the name on your card and the name on your license. If the problem persists, visit an MVA office to renew in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license expired more than a year ago?

No. The online renewal system only works for licenses that are currently valid or expired for less than one year. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you must visit an MVA office to explore for a new license, which includes a new photo and vision test.

What if I need to change my address when I renew?

You cannot change your address through the online renewal system. You must visit an MVA office in person to update your address at the same time you renew your license. Bring a proof of residency document, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, along with your current license.

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

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving with your current license during this time. If you need your license sooner, you can visit an MVA office to renew in person and receive a temporary license on the spot.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and hazmat endorsements must all be renewed in person at an MVA office. The online system is for standard passenger vehicle licenses only.

What should I do if my payment goes through but I don't get a confirmation number?

Check your email for a confirmation message from the MVA. If you don't see one within a few minutes, contact the MVA with the amount charged and the date of the transaction. Have your driver's license number ready. The MVA can verify whether your renewal was processed successfully.