What You Need to Do to Renew in Maryland
Maryland lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, 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 one year, if you need to change your address, or if you want to add a Real ID star to your card.
Your Maryland license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. The MVA will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date, 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.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland offers online renewal through the MVA website for most drivers, and it takes about 10 business days to receive your new card by mail.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office with a valid form of identification and proof of Maryland residency.
- Real ID renewal requires an in-person visit and additional documents such as a birth certificate or passport, even if your current license is still valid.
- The renewal fee is $70 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check if renewing by mail.
- You do not need a new photo unless you request one, but the MVA will use your existing photo from your current license unless you choose to update it.
Renewing Online Through the MVA Website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago. Go to the Maryland MVA website and select the renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against MVA records and ask you to confirm your address and any other details on file.
After you complete the online form and pay the $70 renewal fee with a credit or debit card, the MVA will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery usually takes 10 to 15 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it has expired, as long as you have proof that you submitted your renewal online.
Online renewal does not let you change your photo, address, or name. If you need to make any of those changes, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by Mail
To renew by mail, request a renewal process from the MVA by phone at 410-787-7758 or read the form from the MVA website. Fill out the process completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $70 payable to the Maryland MVA. Include a copy of a valid form of identification, such as a passport or government-issued ID, and proof of your current Maryland address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
Mail your completed process and documents to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about three to four weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the process. Like online renewal, mail renewal does not allow you to change your photo or address unless you include a new address on the process itself.
Renewing in Person at an MVA Office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you want to add or update a Real ID, or if you need to change your name or address. Visit any MVA office with your current driver's license (or expired license if it has been less than one year), a valid form of identification such as a passport or birth certificate, and proof of Maryland residency such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The MVA office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the type of renewal.
Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. You can schedule an appointment online through the MVA website to reduce your wait time. Appointments are often available within one to two weeks.
Getting a Real ID-Compliant License
Maryland's Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If your current license does not have the star, you can add it during renewal. Real ID renewal requires an in-person visit to an MVA office.
Bring your current driver's license, a valid passport or birth certificate, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card or a tax return), and proof of Maryland residency dated within the last 60 days. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring the document that proves the change. The MVA will take a new photo and issue your Real ID license on the spot or mail it to you. The fee is the same as a standard renewal: $70 for eight years.
Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current driver's license number, last four digits of SSN, date of birth | $70 | 10–15 business days |
| By Mail | Completed process, copy of valid ID, proof of residency (within 60 days) | $70 | 3–4 weeks |
| In Person (Standard) | Current license, valid ID, proof of residency (within 60 days), Social Security card or document with SSN | $70 | Same day or mailed within 2 weeks |
| In Person (Real ID) | Current license, passport or birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of residency (within 60 days), name change document if applicable | $70 | Same day or mailed within 2 weeks |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Maryland allows renewal up to one year before expiration, and renewing early avoids the risk of driving with an expired license. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use online or mail renewal and must visit an MVA office in person.
Do not assume your address is current in the MVA system. If you have moved, verify your address before renewing online or by mail. If the address is wrong, you will receive your new license at the old address. If you are renewing by mail and need to change your address, write the new address clearly on the process form.
Do not forget to include proof of residency if you are renewing by mail or in person. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of Maryland residency.
Do not overlook the Real ID requirement if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building. Starting in 2025, a standard Maryland driver's license will not be accepted for these purposes. If you need Real ID, you must renew in person and bring a passport or birth certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
Yes. If you renewed online or by mail and your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, you can drive on your current license until your new one arrives. If you renewed in person, the MVA will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is being mailed.
What if I need to change my name during renewal?
You must renew in person at an MVA office and bring a certified copy of the document that proves your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will not process a name change by mail or online.
How much does it cost to renew a Maryland driver's license?
The renewal fee is $70 for an eight-year license. You can pay by credit card or debit card if renewing online or in person, or by check or money order if renewing by mail.
What if my license has been expired for more than a year?
You must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your expired license, a valid form of identification, and proof of Maryland residency. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, unless you are renewing in person or requesting a new photo. If you renew online or by mail, the MVA will use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office.