Maryland driver's license renewal: the basic path

In Maryland, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Most people renew online through the MVA website if their license is not expiring within 30 days and they have not renewed online in the past two years. If you cannot renew online, the mail option takes about two weeks; in-person renewal at an MVA office is fastest if you need your new license quickly.

Your license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. Maryland sends renewal notices to your address on file about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

The cost is $70 for a standard five-year renewal. If you are over 65, the cost is $35. You will need your current Maryland driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to begin any renewal method.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option if your license does not expire within 30 days and you have not renewed online in the past two years.
  • Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires you to send your current license and a completed form to the MVA.
  • In-person renewal at an MVA office is the only option if you need to update your photo, address, or name, or if you are not may be able to access for online or mail renewal.
  • A standard five-year renewal costs $70; drivers over 65 pay $35.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, even if you have not received a renewal notice.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Online renewal is available if your license does not expire within the next 30 days, you have not renewed online in the past two years, and your address on file is current. Go to the Maryland MVA website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

The MVA will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes about 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. The fee is charged to a credit or debit card at the time you complete the transaction.

If your address has changed, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, you must request a renewal form from the MVA or read it from the MVA website. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address shown on the form. Include a check or money order for $70 (or $35 if you are over 65) made payable to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.

Processing takes about two weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license. The MVA will return your old license with your new one.

If you need to update your address, include a copy of proof of your new address with your mailed renewal. Do not send cash through the mail.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

Visit any MVA office with your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address if it has changed. Bring a check, debit card, or credit card to pay the $70 renewal fee ($35 if over 65). You will receive your new license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office.

In-person renewal is required if you want to update your photo, change your name, correct information on your license, or if you are not may be able to access for online or mail renewal. You must also renew in person if your license has been suspended or revoked.

MVA offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the MVA website to find the office nearest you and to see current wait times before you go.

What to bring and what documents you need

For any renewal method, have your current Maryland driver's license and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form) and proof of your current address if it has changed since your last renewal.

Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the past 60 days. A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of address.

If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are over 65 and want the reduced renewal fee, be prepared to show proof of your age.

Renewing a license that has already expired

If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it using the same methods as a standard renewal. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.

You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal. If you are stopped by police, you may face a citation. Renew your license before it expires to avoid this risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must renew your license in person at an MVA office and provide proof of a current Maryland address. If you have moved permanently to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state instead of renewing your Maryland license.

What happens if I renew online but my license expires in 25 days?

The MVA will not process an online renewal if your license expires within 30 days. You must renew by mail or in person. Mail renewal takes about two weeks, so submit it as soon as possible to receive your new license before expiration.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

For online and mail renewals, the MVA uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office. The office will take a new photo at no additional cost.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

Yes, you can renew your license even if you have an outstanding ticket or fine. However, the MVA may suspend your license if you do not pay a court-ordered fine or if you fail to appear in court. Check the status of any tickets before you renew to avoid suspension after renewal.

How long is my new license valid after I renew?

Your renewed license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. You can renew again up to one year before that date expires.