Maryland driver licenses expire every five years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) lets you renew your license before it expires without visiting an office if you meet certain conditions. The easiest route for most people is the online renewal system, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for a five-year license. If you cannot renew online — because your license is suspended, you need a Real ID, or you have a commercial license — you will need to go to an MVA office or mail in your process.

Your renewal important date is your birthday in the year your license expires. You can renew up to one year before that date. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have applied for renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the MVA website costs $109 for five years and works only if your license is not suspended and you do not need a Real ID.
  • Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the MVA.
  • In-person renewal at an MVA office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license is suspended, you need a Real ID, or you have a commercial license.
  • You can renew up to one year before your birthday expiration date, but driving on an expired license is illegal even if you have submitted a renewal request.
  • Maryland charges $109 for a standard five-year renewal, with no additional fees for standard processing.

Online renewal through the MVA website

The Maryland MVA online renewal system is the fastest option if your license is valid and you do not need a Real ID. Go to mva.maryland.gov, select "Renew a Driver License," and log in with your email address or create an account. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to verify your address and confirm your vision and medical information.

Payment is $109 by credit or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days. You can drive legally during this waiting period as long as your current license has not yet expired.

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if you are over 70 years old, if you need a Real ID, or if you hold a commercial driver license (CDL). You also cannot renew online if your name, address, or medical information has changed significantly since your last renewal.

Mail renewal for standard licenses

To renew by mail, read the DL-43 process form from the MVA website or request one by phone at 410-768-7000. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any name changes. Enclose your current driver license, a check or money order for $109 made payable to "Maryland MVA," and the completed form in an envelope addressed to:

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Driver License Renewal 6601 Ritchie Highway, NE Glen Burnie, MD 21062

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. Do not send cash. If you need your license sooner, use online or in-person renewal instead.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

Visit an MVA office if your license is suspended, if you need a Real ID, if you hold a commercial license, or if you prefer to renew in person. Bring your current driver license, proof of your 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 the last 60 days). If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The MVA office will take a new photo, verify your vision, and confirm your medical information. The visit usually takes 30 minutes to one hour depending on how busy the office is. You will pay $109 at the counter. Your new license will be mailed to you within seven to ten business days, and you will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

Find your nearest MVA office and check wait times at mva.maryland.gov. You can make an appointment online, which usually reduces your wait time to 15 to 20 minutes.

Real ID and what you need to know

A Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued identification. Maryland Real IDs have a gold star in the upper right corner. You will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025. If your current license does not have the gold star, you cannot renew it online — you must go to an MVA office.

To get a Real ID at an MVA office, bring your current license, proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of your Social Security number, and two proofs of your current address. The cost is the same: $109 for five years. The process takes the same amount of time as a standard renewal.

If you do not fly or enter federal buildings, you do not need a Real ID. A standard Maryland driver license remains valid for all other purposes, including driving and voting.

Commercial driver license (CDL) renewal

Commercial driver licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of citizenship, proof of your Social Security number, two proofs of your current address, and a completed DL-44 process form. You will take a vision test and answer medical questions. If your CDL has any restrictions or endorsements (hazmat, passenger, tanker), the MVA will verify those during your visit.

The cost is $109 for a five-year CDL. The renewal takes about 45 minutes to one hour. Your new license will be mailed to you within seven to ten business days, and you will receive a temporary paper license to use when ready.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew your license online or by mail if it is suspended or revoked. You must visit an MVA office and bring proof that your suspension or revocation has been lifted. This proof depends on why your license was suspended — it might be a letter from the MVA, a court document, proof of payment for unpaid fines, or a certificate showing you completed a required program.

Call the MVA at 410-768-7000 to confirm your suspension status and find out what documents you need before you visit an office. Bring those documents with you, along with your current license, proof of citizenship, proof of your Social Security number, and two proofs of your current address. The MVA will verify that your suspension has been lifted, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive after my license expires while I wait for my renewal?

No. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have submitted a renewal request or received a temporary paper license. Renew before your birthday expiration date to avoid this problem. If your license has already expired, you must visit an MVA office to renew in person before you drive again.

How much does it cost to renew a Maryland driver license?

A standard five-year renewal costs $109, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There are no additional fees for standard processing. Real ID and commercial licenses cost the same amount.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You cannot renew a lost license online. Visit an MVA office with proof of citizenship, proof of your Social Security number, and two proofs of your current address. The MVA will issue a replacement license and process your renewal together. The cost is $109.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online and in-person renewals take seven to ten business days. Mail renewals take four to six weeks. If you need your license faster, renew in person at an MVA office and use the temporary paper license they provide until your new license arrives.

Can I renew my license if I have moved out of state?

No. You must renew your license in the state where you now live. If you still have a Maryland address on file, contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to update your address before you renew, or visit an MVA office in person with proof of your new address.