Maryland lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few straightforward conditions

You can renew your Maryland driver's license through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website without visiting an office, but only if your license is still valid or expired for less than one year. The online renewal 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.

If your license is expired for more than a year, if you need to change your address, or if you want to add a Real ID designation, you must renew in person at an MVA office instead. The online system works only when nothing on your license needs to change and your identity is already verified in the MVA database.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your current Maryland license is valid or expired less than one year.
  • Online renewal costs $109 for a five-year license and takes about 10 minutes from your computer.
  • You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card).
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your old license until the new one arrives.
  • If you need a Real ID, want to change your address, or your license has been expired for over a year, you must visit an MVA office in person.

Who can renew online and who must go to an office

Online renewal is available to Maryland drivers whose license is currently valid or expired for 12 months or less. If your license expired more than a year ago, the MVA requires you to renew in person because they need to verify your identity and conduct a vision test.

You also cannot renew online if you want to add a Real ID designation to your license (the kind with a gold star that works for federal building access and domestic air travel). Real ID renewal requires an in-person visit where the MVA staff will check original documents like your birth certificate or passport. Similarly, if you need to change your address, add a new name, or update any other information on your license, you must visit an MVA office.

If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, you can start the online process and the MVA system will tell you before you pay whether your license qualifies for 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
  • A valid credit card or debit card for the $109 renewal fee
  • Your current mailing address

You do not need to upload documents or take a photo for online renewal. The MVA uses the photo and information already on file from your previous license. If you want to update your photo, you will need to renew in person at an MVA office instead.

Step-by-step: How to renew online

Go to the Maryland MVA website and look for the online services section. Select "Renew Your License" and choose the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and other identifying information to confirm your identity.

Next, review the information the MVA has on file for you — your name, address, date of birth, and the photo they will use on your new license. If any of this information is incorrect, you will need to stop and renew in person instead, because the online system does not allow you to make changes. Confirm that everything is accurate before moving forward.

Enter your payment information and submit your renewal. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving with your current license until your new one arrives.

What happens after you renew online

Once your renewal is processed, you do not need to do anything else. The MVA will mail your new license to your address on file. There is no need to visit an office or submit additional documents unless you chose online renewal by mistake and actually need to make changes to your license information.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the MVA customer service line to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready. If your license was lost or damaged in the mail, the MVA can reissue it, though this may require an in-person visit depending on the circumstances.

When you must renew in person instead

Visit an MVA office in person if your license has been expired for more than 12 months, if you want to add or change a Real ID designation, if you need to update your photo, or if any of your personal information (name, address, or other details) has changed and you want to correct it during renewal.

You will also need to renew in person if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you want to add or remove endorsements, or if you are renewing a license that was suspended or revoked. In-person renewal takes longer — typically 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is — but it allows you to make changes and get a Real ID if you need one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license is expired?

Yes, as long as it expired less than one year ago. If it has been expired for more than 12 months, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

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

The MVA mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of approval. You can continue driving with your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person and request an expedited card at the office.

What if I made a mistake during online renewal?

If you entered incorrect information, contact the MVA customer service line right away with your confirmation number. Depending on what was entered, they may be able to correct it before your license is printed. If the mistake cannot be fixed, you may need to renew again in person.

Can I add a Real ID when I renew online?

No. Real ID renewal requires an in-person visit to an MVA office where staff will verify your identity documents. You cannot add or change a Real ID designation through online renewal.

Do I need to bring my old license when I renew online?

No. Since you are renewing entirely online, you do not need to submit or return your old license. You can keep it or dispose of it once your new license arrives.