What You Can and Cannot Do Online in Maryland
Maryland allows you to renew your driver's license online if you meet specific conditions. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) online renewal system handles standard renewals only — you cannot renew online if your license is expired by more than one year, if you need to change your address, if you require a REAL ID upgrade, or if you have certain medical or legal restrictions on your record.
The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for a five-year license or $161 for an eight-year license. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not meet the online requirements, you must visit an MVA office in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your current license is valid (not expired) and you have not changed your address since it was issued.
- The online renewal fee is $109 for five years or $161 for eight years, paid by credit or debit card during the transaction.
- You need your current Maryland driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the process.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you need a REAL ID, or your address changed, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
Step-by-Step Online Renewal Process
Start at the Maryland MVA website and select "Renew Your License Online." You will be directed to the online renewal portal. Have your current driver's license in front of you — you will need your license number and the date of birth printed on it.
Enter your license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and confirm your name, address, and other details. Review this information carefully. If anything is incorrect — especially your address — stop and visit an MVA office instead, because changing your address requires an in-person visit.
Confirm that your address has not changed since your license was issued. Answer any questions about medical conditions, organ donation, or voter registration. Review the terms and conditions, then proceed to payment. Enter your credit or debit card information. The system will process the payment when ready and provide a confirmation number.
Print or save your confirmation number. You will not receive a temporary license — your current license remains valid while you wait for the new one to arrive by mail.
Who Qualifies for Online Renewal
Your license must not be expired. If your license expired more than one year ago, the online system will reject your process and direct you to an MVA office. If your license expired within the last year but is no longer valid, you still cannot renew online.
Your address must match the address on your current license. If you have moved since your license was issued, you cannot complete the online renewal. You will need to visit an MVA office to update your address and renew at the same time.
You cannot renew online if you are explore for a REAL ID-compliant license for the first time. Maryland's REAL ID licenses require in-person verification of documents such as your birth certificate or passport. If your current license is already REAL ID-compliant, you can renew it online.
If your license has medical restrictions, organ donation status changes, or other notations that require MVA review, you may be directed to an office visit. The online system will tell you if your record requires in-person handling.
Documents and Information You Will Need
Gather these items before you start the online process. You will not upload documents — the system only needs information you enter by keyboard.
| Item | Where to Find It |
|---|---|
| Current Maryland driver's license number | Front of your license |
| Date of birth | Front of your license |
| Last four digits of Social Security number | Your Social Security card or tax documents |
| Valid credit or debit card | Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover |
| Current mailing address | Your license (must match) |
Do not attempt to renew online if you cannot locate your license number or if you are unsure of your Social Security number. The system will not proceed without these details, and you will need to start over or visit an office.
Payment and Fees
Maryland charges $109 for a five-year renewal or $161 for an eight-year renewal. You choose the term length during the online process. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. There is no additional processing fee for paying online.
The payment is processed when ready when you submit your process. If the transaction is declined, the system will prompt you to try a different card or contact your bank. Your process is not submitted until payment clears.
No refunds are issued if you change your mind after payment. If you need to cancel, contact the Maryland MVA directly at 410-787-7758 (Baltimore area) or 1-888-769-6832 (toll-free) within one business day of your transaction.
Timeline for Receiving Your New License
After you complete the online renewal, your new license is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Delivery by U.S. Postal Service typically takes an additional 3 to 5 business days, depending on your location. Plan for up to two weeks total from submission to arrival.
You can continue driving on your current license while you wait. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. You do not need a temporary license or any other document to drive legally during this period.
If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Maryland MVA. Have your confirmation number ready. The MVA can check the status of your order and reissue if necessary.
When You Must Visit an MVA Office Instead
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online. You must visit an MVA office and may be required to retake the written and vision tests. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
If you need to change your address, you must do this in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number. The MVA will update your address and issue a new license on the spot or by mail, depending on whether you are also renewing.
If you are explore for a REAL ID license for the first time, visit an MVA office with your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. REAL ID requires document verification that cannot be done online.
If your license has been suspended, revoked, or restricted, you cannot renew online. Contact the MVA or visit an office to resolve the issue before you can renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired last month?
Yes, as long as your license has not been expired for more than one year. The online system will accept your renewal if your expiration date is within the past 12 months. However, if your license expired more than one year ago, you must visit an MVA office.
What happens if I enter the wrong information during online renewal?
The system will reject your process if your license number, date of birth, or Social Security number does not match the MVA's records. You can try again with the correct information. If you are unsure of any detail, do not guess — visit an MVA office instead.
Can I change my address during online renewal?
No. The online system only renews licenses for people whose address has not changed. If you moved, you must visit an MVA office to update your address. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days.
Do I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?
No temporary license is issued. Your current license remains valid and legal to use while you wait for your new license to arrive by mail. You do not need any additional document to drive during this time.
What if my credit card is declined during the online renewal?
The system will ask you to enter a different card. Your process is not submitted until payment clears. If all your cards are declined, you will need to visit an MVA office and pay in person by cash, check, or card.