Maryland lets you renew online if you meet basic requirements

You can renew your Maryland driver's license online through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, and you have not changed your name, address, or other key information since your last renewal. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person — $109 for an eight-year license or $74 for a five-year license if you are under 65.

You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). Maryland does not mail a physical license after online renewal; instead, you receive a temporary digital license valid for 30 days while the state prints and mails your new card.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last year and you have no medical holds or name changes on file.
  • The renewal costs $109 for eight years or $74 for five years (under 65), and you pay by debit or credit card during the online process.
  • After completing online renewal, you receive a temporary digital license good for 30 days while Maryland prints and mails your permanent card.
  • If your license is expired more than one year, you have a medical suspension, or you changed your name, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

Step-by-step process for renewing online

Go to the MVA website and select "Renew a Driver's License" from the online services menu. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current record and show you the information on file.

Review the information displayed — your name, address, and other details. If everything is correct, you can proceed to payment. If any information is wrong, you cannot fix it online and must visit an MVA office instead. Enter your debit or credit card information and submit the payment.

Once the payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number and a temporary digital license that you can read or screenshot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving during that period. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after the MVA processes your renewal.

When you cannot renew online

If your license expired more than one year ago, the online system will not let you renew. You must visit an MVA office in person and bring your expired license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099). The same applies if you have a medical suspension on your record — the MVA must clear that before you can renew.

You also cannot renew online if you changed your name since your last license was issued. Name changes require in-person verification and a certified copy of the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Similarly, if you changed your address and want to update it on your license, you must renew in person.

If you wear corrective lenses and did not report that on your last license, or if you want to change your vision correction status, you must renew in person. The MVA may also require an in-person visit if your photo is more than 16 years old or if the system flags your record for any reason.

What happens after you submit your online renewal

The MVA sends you a temporary digital license when ready after payment clears. This temporary license has an expiration date 30 days from the date you renewed. You can use it to drive during those 30 days while the state prints your permanent card.

Your permanent license will be mailed to the address on file in your MVA record. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though delivery times can vary depending on your location and postal service delays. If you do not receive your card within two weeks, contact the MVA to check the status of your renewal.

Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary digital license expires and is no longer valid. You should keep your old expired license until the new one arrives, in case you need proof of identity.

Fees and payment methods for online renewal

Maryland charges $109 for an eight-year driver's license if you are 65 or older, or $74 for a five-year license if you are under 65. These are the standard renewal fees and do not change based on whether you renew online or in person. The MVA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards for online payment. You cannot pay by check, money order, or cash when renewing online.

If your payment is declined, the system will tell you when ready and you can try again with a different card. No charge is applied if the payment fails. If you have questions about the fee or believe you are being charged incorrectly, contact the MVA before submitting payment.

Temporary digital license and how to use it

After online renewal, you can read your temporary digital license from the MVA website or take a screenshot of it on your phone. This temporary license shows your name, license number, date of birth, and expiration date (30 days from renewal). It is valid for driving in Maryland and can be shown to a police officer if you are stopped.

Some businesses and government offices may not recognize a digital temporary license as valid identification for non-driving purposes, such as boarding a plane or entering a federal building. For those situations, you may need to carry your old expired license as backup until your permanent card arrives. If you are unsure whether a digital license will be accepted somewhere, contact that organization before you go.

What to do if your renewal is delayed or rejected

If the online system rejects your renewal attempt, it will display a message explaining why. Common reasons include an expired license that is more than one year old, a medical suspension on your record, or information that does not match the MVA database. Read the error message carefully — it will tell you whether you need to visit an MVA office or whether there is a different issue to resolve.

If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks of renewal, contact the MVA by phone at 410-787-7758 or through the MVA website. Have your confirmation number from your online renewal ready. The MVA can check whether your card was mailed and provide a tracking status. If the card was lost in the mail, the MVA can reissue it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The online system only works if your license expired within the last year. If it is expired by more than one year, you must renew in person at an MVA office and bring proof of residency and Social Security number.

How long is the temporary digital license valid?

The temporary digital license is valid for 30 days from the date you complete your online renewal. Your permanent card should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but the temporary license covers you during the wait.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You cannot update your address online during renewal. If your address changed, you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number.

Can I use the digital temporary license to board a plane?

No. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not accept digital temporary licenses for air travel. You will need your old expired license or another form of federal ID. Once your permanent card arrives, you can use it for air travel.

What payment methods does the MVA accept for online renewal?

The MVA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. You cannot pay by check, money order, or cash online. If your card is declined, you can try again when ready with a different card at no charge.