Maryland's Online Renewal System
Maryland allows you to renew your driver's license online through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website if you meet specific requirements. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $109 for a five-year license, and you receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not every renewal can be done online. You must be renewing a standard Class D license (not a commercial license), have no medical restrictions, and have a valid email address. If your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you need to change your address, name, or other information, you cannot use the online system and must visit an MVA office in person.
The MVA's online renewal system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can start your renewal up to 6 months before your license expires, which means you can complete it well in advance and avoid the rush near your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if you hold a standard Class D license with no medical restrictions and your current license is not expired by more than one year.
- The online renewal fee is $109 for a five-year license, paid by credit or debit card during the process.
- You will need your current Maryland driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address to complete the renewal.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
- If you have changed your address, name, or medical status, or if your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
Who Can Renew Online
Maryland's online renewal is limited to drivers with a standard Class D license who have no medical restrictions or special conditions noted on their license. If your license shows any medical notation, vision restriction, or hearing aid requirement, you must renew in person so an MVA examiner can verify your current medical status.
Your current license must not be expired by more than one year. If it has been expired longer than that, the MVA requires you to take a vision test and pass a knowledge test before issuing a new license, which can only happen at an MVA office. Commercial drivers (Class A, B, or C) cannot renew online under any circumstance.
If you are renewing a license that you reported lost or stolen, you cannot use the online system. You will need to visit an MVA office and bring a police report or other documentation of the loss.
Step-by-Step Online Renewal Process
Start by going to the MVA's official website at mva.maryland.gov. Look for the "Online Services" section and select "Renew Your License Online." You will be taken to a page that asks you to confirm you meet the requirements listed above. Read through the checklist carefully—if any item does not explore to you, stop and schedule an in-person appointment instead.
Once you confirm your may be able to access, you will enter your current license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record and display the information on file. Review it carefully for accuracy. If anything is wrong—your address, name spelling, or any other detail—you cannot correct it online. You must visit an MVA office to make changes before you can renew.
Next, you will review the renewal terms and confirm that your address, phone number, and email are current. You will then choose your payment method. Maryland accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The fee is $109 for a five-year renewal. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Save this number in case you need to check the status of your renewal.
What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal
Once your online renewal is submitted and payment is confirmed, the MVA will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license during this time—you do not need to wait for the new one to arrive before getting behind the wheel.
If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, you can check the status on the MVA website using your confirmation number. The MVA also sends a confirmation email to the address you provided during renewal, so check your email (including spam folders) for updates.
When your new license arrives, compare it to your old one to make sure all information is correct. If you spot an error—wrong address, misspelled name, or incorrect date of birth—contact the MVA when ready. You can call the MVA's customer service line or visit an office in person to request a correction.
When You Cannot Renew Online
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online. The MVA requires you to visit an office in person to verify your new address and provide proof of residency. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
If you need to change your name on your license—due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change—you must renew in person and bring legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The same applies if you have had any change in medical status or need to add or remove medical restrictions.
If your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot renew online. You must contact the MVA to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and carries serious penalties.
Fees and Payment Methods
The online renewal fee for a standard five-year Class D license is $109. This is the same fee you would pay if you renewed in person at an MVA office. Maryland does not charge extra for online renewal, nor does it offer a discount.
Payment must be made by credit or debit card—Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. The MVA does not accept cash, check, or money order for online renewals. The payment is processed when ready when you submit your renewal, and you will receive a receipt by email.
If your payment is declined, the renewal will not be submitted. Check that your card information is entered correctly and that your card has sufficient funds. If the problem persists, try a different card or visit an MVA office to renew in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it is already expired?
You can renew online if your license expired less than one year ago. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must visit an MVA office in person because you will need to take a vision test and pass a knowledge test before a new license can be issued.
What if I made a mistake on my online renewal form?
If you catch the error before you submit payment, you can go back and correct it. If you have already submitted and paid, contact the MVA customer service line or visit an office in person to request a correction. Corrections to your license record may require a new license to be issued, which could delay your renewal.
How do I check the status of my online renewal?
Use your confirmation number on the MVA website's status checker, or call the MVA customer service line. You can also check your email for updates from the MVA. If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the MVA to investigate.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Commercial licenses (Class A, B, or C) cannot be renewed online. You must visit an MVA office in person to renew a commercial license.
What if my address changed since I got my current license?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit an MVA office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.