What to do if your Maryland driver's license has expired
You can renew an expired Maryland license by mail, online, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. The method you choose depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you need to update your photo or address. If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If it expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew in person.
Maryland does not charge a penalty fee for renewing a license that is past its expiration date, but you cannot legally drive until your renewal is complete. The state processes mail renewals in 7 to 10 business days and online renewals when ready, though you will receive your physical card by mail afterward.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired fewer than 12 months can be renewed by mail or online; licenses expired longer than 12 months require an in-person visit to an MVA office.
- Online renewal takes minutes and your status updates when ready, though your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and payment method (credit or debit card for online, check or money order for mail).
- Maryland charges $70 for a five-year license renewal or $120 for an eight-year renewal; the fee does not change because your license expired.
- If your address or name has changed since your license was issued, you must renew in person and bring proof of the change.
Renewing online if your license expired within the last 12 months
The Maryland MVA online renewal system is the fastest option if your license expired fewer than 12 months ago and your address and name have not changed. Go to mva.maryland.gov, select "Renew a Driver's License," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about traffic violations, medical conditions, and organ donation status. The system will confirm whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
Payment is by credit or debit card only. The renewal fee is $70 for a five-year license or $120 for an eight-year license. Once you submit payment, your renewal is processed when ready and you can print a temporary renewal receipt. Your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot legally drive until you receive the card, even though your online status shows as renewed.
Renewing by mail if your license expired within the last 12 months
Mail renewal takes longer than online but does not require a credit card. read the DL-43 form (process for Renewal of Driver's License) from mva.maryland.gov or pick one up at any MVA office. Fill in your name, address, Social Security number, and current license number. Sign and date the form.
Mail the completed form with a check or money order for $70 (five-year) or $120 (eight-year) to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of proof of your current address if you have moved since your license was issued. The MVA will process your renewal in 7 to 10 business days and mail your new card. Do not mail cash. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Renewing in person if your license expired more than 12 months ago
If your Maryland license expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew at an MVA office in person. You cannot use online or mail renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your name or address has changed since your license was issued, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or deed.
Visit mva.maryland.gov and use the office locator to find the nearest MVA office and check current wait times. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait. Bring payment in cash, check, or debit card. The renewal fee is $70 for five years or $120 for eight years. You will have your photo taken and receive your new license on the spot, though it may take a few minutes to print.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | License Expired | Documents Needed | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Less than 12 months | Driver's license number, date of birth, payment method | when ready (card arrives in 7–10 days) |
| Less than 12 months | Completed DL-43 form, payment, proof of address if moved | 7–10 business days | |
| In Person | More than 12 months | Expired license, proof of SSN, proof of current address, proof of name/address change if applicable | Same day |
Common mistakes to avoid when renewing
Do not assume you can drive on an expired license while your renewal is pending. Maryland law requires a valid license to operate a vehicle, and an expired license is not valid even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show your temporary online renewal receipt, but this does not may provide you will not be cited.
Do not mail cash. The MVA receives thousands of renewal applications weekly, and cash sent through the mail can be lost. Use a check, money order, or renew online with a debit or credit card instead. If you are renewing by mail and your address has changed, include a copy of proof of your new address; many applications are delayed because the MVA cannot confirm the mailing address.
Do not wait until your license is more than 12 months expired if you can renew sooner. Once you cross the 12-month threshold, you lose the option to renew by mail or online and must take time off to visit an office in person. Renew online or by mail as soon as you notice your expiration date approaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired Maryland license while my renewal is being processed?
No. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process or have a temporary receipt. If you are stopped, you can show your online renewal confirmation, but you may still be cited. Do not drive until your new card arrives or you receive it in person at an MVA office.
What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?
If you moved after your license was issued, you must renew in person at an MVA office, even if your license expired fewer than 12 months ago. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and your expired license. The MVA will update your address and issue a new card on the spot.
How much does it cost to renew an expired Maryland license?
The renewal fee is $70 for a five-year license or $120 for an eight-year license. There is no additional penalty fee because your license expired. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
What if my name changed since my license was issued?
You must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your expired license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The MVA will update your name and issue a new card during your visit.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Maryland does not automatically deny renewal for unpaid tickets, but the MVA may flag your account. If you have outstanding fines or court-ordered suspensions, contact the court or the District Court Traffic Division before renewing. You can ask whether your license is currently suspended and whether you need to resolve the ticket before your renewal will be processed.