Documents you need to bring to the MVA

To renew your Maryland driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Maryland residency. The MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration) will not process your renewal without these three things, so gather them before you go.

Your current license serves as your identity document. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement — it must show your name and current Maryland address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency dated within 60 days to renew in person at an MVA office.
  • Maryland allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked and who do not need to change their address or name.
  • If you renew online, you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • In-person renewal at an MVA office takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
  • Your license remains valid while your renewal is being processed, so you can drive legally until your new one arrives.

When you can renew online instead of going to an office

Maryland lets you renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you do not need to change your name or address, and your license has not been expired for more than one year. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person.

To renew online, go to the Maryland MVA website, enter your license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts to pay the renewal fee. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can drive legally on your current license until the new one comes.

If you have changed your name, moved to a different Maryland address, or your license has been expired for more than a year, you must renew in person at an MVA office. The same applies if your license is under suspension or revocation.

How to renew in person at an MVA office

Find your nearest MVA office on the Maryland MVA website and check its hours. You can walk in during business hours, or you can schedule an appointment online to skip the walk-in line. Scheduling ahead usually cuts your wait time in half.

Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. If you are changing your name, also bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address, bring a piece of mail showing your new address or a lease agreement.

At the office, a staff member will check your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The whole visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your new card is being made. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

The renewal fee depends on how long you want your license to be valid. A five-year license costs $70, and an eight-year license costs $112. You choose the length when you renew, whether online or in person.

Your new license will expire on your birthday in the year it is set to expire — for example, if you renew for five years, your license will expire on your birthday five years from now. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use the online renewal process. You must renew in person at an MVA office and bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.

The MVA will treat this as a standard renewal, not a new process, so you will not have to take a written test or road test. You will get a new photo taken and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, just like a regular renewal.

If your name or address has changed

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will update your name on your new license.

If you have moved within Maryland, bring a piece of mail showing your new address dated within the last 60 days, or bring your lease agreement or mortgage statement. You can also bring a utility bill. The MVA will update your address on your new license. If you have moved out of Maryland, you cannot renew your Maryland license and will need to get a license from your new state instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes. Your current license remains valid until it expires. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license good for 45 days. If you renew online, your current license stays valid until your new one arrives by mail. You can drive legally the entire time.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a lost license. Instead, you must explore for a replacement at an MVA office. Bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of residency. You will get a new photo taken and receive a temporary license on the spot. The replacement fee is $25.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

Yes. Whether you renew online or in person, the MVA will take a new photo for your license. If you renew online, the photo is taken at an MVA office when you pick up your license, or you can have it mailed to you and take the photo at a later visit. If you renew in person, the photo is taken during your visit.

How long does it take to get my license by mail after I renew?

Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is processed. This timeline is the same whether you renew online or in person. Your current license or temporary paper license remains valid while you wait.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first contact the MVA to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear the suspension. Once it is cleared, you can renew normally.