Maryland lets you renew online if you meet a few basic requirements
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 process takes about 10 minutes, costs $109 for a five-year renewal, and you'll receive your new license 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 name, address, or medical information — those situations require an in-person visit to an MVA office.
The online renewal system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You'll need your current Maryland license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). Maryland does not mail temporary licenses, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new card arrives.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is valid or expired for less than one year; licenses expired longer than 12 months require an in-person visit.
- Online renewal costs $109 for a five-year license and takes about 10 minutes to complete on the MVA website.
- You will need your license number, Social Security number, and a debit or credit card to finish the transaction.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; Maryland does not issue temporary licenses for online renewals.
- Changes to your name, address, or medical information cannot be made online and require an appointment at an MVA office.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Start by visiting the Maryland MVA website and selecting the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to confirm your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to review it for accuracy.
Next, you'll confirm your mailing address — this is where your new license will be sent. If your address has changed, you cannot update it online; you'll need to visit an MVA office in person. Once your address is confirmed, you'll review the vision and medical questions on your license. If any of your answers have changed (for example, if you now wear corrective lenses or have a new medical condition), you cannot complete the online renewal and must visit an office instead.
After confirming all your information, you'll pay the $109 renewal fee using a debit or credit card. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Once payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number for your records.
What to do if you don't meet the online requirements
If your license expired more than one year ago, you will need to renew in person at an MVA office. The same applies if your license has been suspended or revoked — the online system will not allow you to proceed. You'll also need an in-person appointment if you need to change your name, update your address, or modify any medical or vision information on your license.
To schedule an in-person appointment, visit the MVA website and use their appointment booking system. You can also call the MVA at 410-787-7758 (Baltimore area) or 1-800-950-1682 (toll-free). Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance, especially at popular locations, so book early.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
After you complete your online renewal, the MVA processes your request within one to two business days. Your new license is then printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 5 to 8 additional business days, so you should receive your license within 7 to 10 business days total from the date you renew.
During this waiting period, your old license remains valid for driving. Maryland does not issue temporary paper licenses for online renewals, so if your current license is already expired, you should not drive until your new card arrives. If you need to drive before your renewal arrives and your license is expired, you will need to visit an MVA office to get a temporary license in person.
Payment and fees for online renewal
The standard fee for a five-year Maryland driver's license renewal is $109. This is the only fee charged for online renewal; there are no additional processing or convenience fees. The MVA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. You must have a valid card to complete the transaction — the system does not accept payment plans or alternative payment methods.
If your payment is declined, the system will tell you when ready and you can try again with a different card. Your renewal will not be submitted until payment is successfully processed. Keep your confirmation number and receipt for your records.
Common reasons online renewal is blocked
The most common reason the system stops you from renewing online is an address mismatch. If the address you enter does not match what the MVA has on file, you'll be directed to renew in person. This can happen if you moved and updated your address with another agency (like the post office or your bank) but not with the MVA.
You'll also be blocked if your vision or medical information has changed. The online system asks you to confirm that nothing has changed since your last license was issued. If you answer "yes" to any new medical condition or vision problem, the system will not allow you to continue and will direct you to an office visit instead. This is a safety requirement — the MVA needs to verify any new medical information in person.
Suspended or revoked licenses cannot be renewed online under any circumstances. If your license status has changed, you must visit an MVA office. The same applies if you have unpaid traffic violations or outstanding fines — the system will flag these and require an in-person appointment.
Tracking your renewed license after you submit
The MVA does not offer a tracking system for renewed licenses sent by mail. Once you receive your confirmation number, your renewal is in the system, but you won't be able to check its status online. If you need to know whether your license has been mailed, you can call the MVA at 410-787-7758 or 1-800-950-1682 and provide your confirmation number.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the MVA. Delays can happen due to mail delivery issues or processing errors. The MVA can reissue your license or investigate what happened to your original renewal. Keep your confirmation number handy when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maryland license online if it expired two years ago?
No. Online renewal is only available if your license is still valid or expired for no more than one year. If it expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office. You'll need to bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
What if I moved and need to update my address?
You cannot change your address during an online renewal. If you've moved, you must visit an MVA office in person to update your address on your license. The online system will stop you if your mailing address doesn't match the MVA's records.
Do I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one to arrive?
No. Maryland does not issue temporary licenses for online renewals. Your old license remains valid for driving until your new one arrives. If your current license is already expired, you should not drive until your new card comes in the mail.
What happens if my payment is declined during online renewal?
The system will tell you when ready that your payment failed. You can try again with a different debit or credit card. Your renewal is not submitted until payment goes through successfully. If you continue to have trouble, you can renew in person at an MVA office and pay with cash, check, or card.
Can I renew online if my license was suspended?
No. The online system will not allow you to renew if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit an MVA office in person. Bring your suspended license and any documents related to why it was suspended — the MVA will tell you what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.