Maryland's Online Renewal Process

Maryland allows you to renew your driver's license online through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website if you meet specific requirements. You do not need to visit an MVA office for a standard renewal — you can complete the entire transaction from home, pay the fee by credit or debit card, and receive your renewed license by mail.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days of approval.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have not had a name change since your last license was issued, and you have no medical or vision restrictions that require an in-person exam.
  • You will need your current Maryland driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
  • The renewal fee for a standard five-year license is $97.50; a six-year license costs $117.
  • If your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you have changed your address, name, or medical status, you must renew in person at an MVA office instead.

Who Can Renew Online

You are may be able to access for online renewal if your current Maryland driver's license is still valid (not expired) and you have not made any changes to your personal information since it was issued. This means your name, address, and date of birth must match what is on file with the MVA.

You cannot renew online if you have a medical restriction code on your license, a vision restriction, or a corrective lens requirement. You also cannot renew online if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or a hazmat endorsement. If any of these explore to you, you must visit an MVA office in person.

If your license expired more than one year ago, online renewal is not available — you will need to explore for a new license at an MVA office and may be required to retake the written and vision tests.

Documents and Information You Will Need

Gather these items before you start the online renewal:

  • Your current Maryland driver's license number
  • Your Social Security number
  • A valid credit card or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover)
  • Your current address

You do not need to upload or mail any documents for an online renewal. The MVA will verify your information against existing state records. However, keep your current license until the new one arrives — you may need it for identification purposes during the waiting period.

Step-by-Step Renewal Instructions

Step 1: Go to the MVA website. Visit mva.maryland.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Renew Your License Online."

Step 2: Enter your license information. Type your Maryland driver's license number and your date of birth. The system will pull up your current record.

Step 3: Review and update your information. Check that your name, address, and other details are correct. If your address has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online — you must visit an MVA office instead. If everything matches, proceed.

Step 4: Choose your license type and term. Select whether you want a five-year license ($97.50) or a six-year license ($117). The six-year option is available only if you are at least 65 years old or if you hold a commercial driver's license (though CDL holders must renew in person).

Step 5: Enter payment information. Provide your credit or debit card details. The MVA will charge the renewal fee when ready. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.

Step 6: Wait for your new license. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Do not expect it to arrive faster — the MVA does not offer expedited mail for online renewals.

Fees and Payment Methods

The renewal fee depends on the license term you choose. A standard five-year license costs $97.50. A six-year license costs $117. These are the only two options for online renewal.

The MVA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. You must pay by card — there is no option to pay by check, money order, or cash through the online system. The charge will appear on your statement as "Maryland MVA" or "State of Maryland."

If your payment is declined, the system will tell you when ready and you can try again with a different card. If you have trouble, you can renew in person at any MVA office and pay by cash, check, or card.

What Happens If You Cannot Renew Online

If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you must visit an MVA office. This is the case if your license has expired, your address has changed, you have a medical or vision restriction, or you hold a CDL or motorcycle endorsement.

To renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. You may also need to pass a vision test. Visit mva.maryland.gov to find an office near you and check current wait times.

If your license expired more than one year ago, you will be treated as a new applicant. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency. You will also need to pass the written test and vision test. Bring all required documents to avoid multiple trips.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common error is attempting to renew online when your address has changed. The online system will reject the renewal if your current address does not match the MVA's records. If you have moved, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address.

Another frequent mistake is trying to renew a license that has already expired. If your license expired more than 30 days ago, the online system will not allow renewal — you must go to an MVA office. Check your license expiration date before you start the online process.

Some people also attempt online renewal with a license that has medical or vision restrictions. The online system will flag this and deny the renewal. If you are unsure whether your license has restrictions, look at the back of your card — restrictions are listed there.

Finally, do not assume your new license will arrive by a specific date. The MVA estimates 7 to 10 business days, but mail delays can extend this. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 with your confirmation number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it has already expired?

No. Your license must be valid (not expired) to renew online. If it expired within the last 30 days, you may still be able to renew online — try the process and the system will tell you. If it expired more than 30 days ago, 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 renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days of approval. Mail delivery typically takes another 3 to 5 days, so expect your new license within 10 to 15 days total. There is no expedited mail option for online renewals.

What if I changed my name since my last license was issued?

You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must visit an MVA office in person and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Bring your current license and payment as well.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at an MVA office. You will need to pass a medical examination and vision test. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and payment.

What should I do if my payment was declined during online renewal?

The system will notify you when ready if your card is declined. Try again with the same card or use a different card. If you continue to have payment issues, renew in person at an MVA office where you can pay by cash, check, or card.