How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Know

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant card. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but you must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you need to update your photo.

Your Maryland license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, or five years if you are 65 or older. The MVA sends renewal notices about 60 days before your expiration date, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Maryland offers online renewal through the MVA website for most drivers, and the process takes about 10 minutes if your information has not changed.
Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you do not need a Real ID; the MVA processes mail applications in about two to three weeks.
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing a Real ID for the first time.
Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses in Maryland and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.
The renewal fee is $70 for an eight-year license (standard) or $35 for a five-year license (age 65 and older), payable by credit card, debit card, or check.

Online Renewal Through the MVA Website

Online renewal is the fastest option and available to most Maryland drivers. You can renew online if your current license is not expired, you are under 70 years old, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Maryland MVA website, select "Renew Your License," and create or log into your MVA account using your driver's license number and date of birth.

During the online process, you will confirm your personal information, choose whether you want a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The system will display your new license number when ready, and the physical card arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You can use your confirmation number as proof of renewal until the card arrives.

If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access to renew online, it will explain why and direct you to the mail or in-person option. Common reasons include an address change, an expired license, or reaching age 70.

Mail Renewal for Drivers Who Cannot Go Online

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired, you do not need a new photo, and you are not renewing a Real ID for the first time. Complete the process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 43), which you can read from the MVA website or request by phone at 410-227-1371. Do not sign the form until you are ready to mail it.

Include the completed form, your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee ($70 for eight years, $35 for five years), and a stamped envelope with your return address. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. The MVA processes mail applications in about two to three weeks, and your new license will arrive separately.

Keep a copy of your process and the check number for your records. If your mail does not arrive within four weeks, contact the MVA to confirm receipt.

In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, if you are renewing a Real ID for the first time, or if you are 70 or older. You will also need to renew in person if your name, address, or other key information has changed since your last license was issued.

Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been less than two years), proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. If you are renewing a Real ID, also bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).

You can schedule an appointment online through the MVA website or call 410-227-1371. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer wait times. The in-person process takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary license to use until your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Real ID Compliance and What It Means for Your Renewal

Maryland offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID card has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

The cost is the same whether you choose a standard or Real ID license. If you renew online or by mail and do not specifically request a Real ID, you will receive a standard license. If you want to switch to a Real ID during renewal, you can do so online if you meet all other online renewal requirements. If you are renewing a Real ID for the first time (upgrading from a standard license), you must do so in person and bring proof of citizenship and Social Security number.

If your current license is already a Real ID, you can renew it online or by mail without additional documents, as long as you meet the other requirements for that method.

Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing Times

The renewal fee for a standard eight-year license is $70. If you are 65 or older, you can renew for five years at a cost of $35. These are the only two options; there is no shorter renewal period for younger drivers. Payment must be made by credit card, debit card, or check (if renewing by mail). The MVA does not accept cash for mail renewals.

Processing times vary by method. Online renewal shows your new license number when ready, with the physical card arriving in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your process. In-person renewal is completed the same day, and you receive a temporary license on the spot.

If you are renewing before your current license expires, the new expiration date will be eight years (or five years if you are 65 or older) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.

What to Do If Your License Is Expired or Lost

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit an MVA office in person and bring the same documents you would need for a first-time renewal: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of citizenship (if explore for a Real ID), and proof of Social Security number. You will also need to pass a vision test and pay the renewal fee.

If your license is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement by mail, online, or in person. A replacement costs $10 and keeps your current expiration date. If you want to renew at the same time, you pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee. Contact the MVA to report a lost or stolen license so it can be deactivated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The new expiration date will be eight years (or five years if you are 65 or older) from the date you renew, not from your current expiration date. This means renewing early does not extend the total time your license is valid.

What happens if I renew online but my information is wrong on the new license?

Contact the MVA when ready at 410-227-1371 or visit an MVA office. If the error is the MVA's mistake, they will correct it and reissue the license at no charge. If you provided incorrect information during the online process, you may need to pay a replacement fee to correct it.

Do I need a Real ID to drive in Maryland?

No. A standard driver's license is still valid for driving. You only need a Real ID if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025. For driving, a standard license is sufficient.

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

The MVA processes mail applications in about two to three weeks from the date they receive it. Your new license arrives separately by mail after processing is complete. If you do not receive it within four weeks of mailing, contact the MVA to confirm they received your process.

What if I moved to Maryland from another state and my out-of-state license is still valid?

You must obtain a Maryland license within 60 days of establishing residency. You cannot renew an out-of-state license in Maryland. Visit an MVA office with proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and your out-of-state license to explore for a new Maryland license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.