How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Renewing Your Maryland License: The Basic Steps

You can renew your Maryland driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you'll get your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at an MVA office is when ready if you need your license the same day, though you may wait in line.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Maryland sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the MVA website costs $109 for an eight-year license and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
You're only may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended, you have no outstanding violations, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the MVA; processing takes about two weeks.
In-person renewal at an MVA office requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and payment, and you'll receive your license when ready.
If your license is suspended or expired for more than one year, you cannot use online or mail renewal and must visit an MVA office in person.

Online Renewal Through the MVA Website

Start at mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Your License Online." You'll need your current Maryland 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.

Online renewal is only available if your license is valid (not suspended or revoked), you have no outstanding traffic violations, your address hasn't changed, and you're not required to take a vision test or new photo. If any of these conditions don't explore, the system will tell you and direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead.

The fee is $109 for an eight-year license. You'll pay by debit card or credit card during the online transaction. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Check your email for a confirmation number.

Mail Renewal: What to Send and Where

To renew by mail, you'll need to complete Form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License), which you can read from mva.maryland.gov or request by phone at 410-787-7758. Sign the form and include your current license, a check or money order for $109 payable to "Maryland MVA," and a copy of proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

Mail your packet to:

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

Processing takes about two weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. Keep your current license until the new one arrives.

In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office

You can walk in to any MVA office during business hours without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your current Maryland license, one form of valid ID (passport, military ID, or Real ID), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $109 in cash, check, or card.

An MVA staff member will take a new photo and verify your information. You'll receive your new license on the spot. If you need to change your address, you can do that during the same visit at no extra cost.

MVA offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Find the office nearest you and current wait times at mva.maryland.gov.

When You Cannot Renew Online or by Mail

If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at an MVA office. The same applies if your address has changed, you need a new photo, you have outstanding traffic violations, or you're required to pass a vision test.

If your license was suspended due to unpaid traffic fines or child support, you'll need to resolve those issues first. Contact the MVA or the court that issued the suspension to find out what's required. Once cleared, you can renew in person.

Real ID Compliance and Your Maryland License

Maryland licenses issued after October 1, 2020, are Real ID compliant by default. This means they meet federal standards for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. When you renew, your new license will automatically be Real ID compliant — you don't need to request it or pay extra.

If you renewed before October 2020 and your license doesn't have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not Real ID compliant. You can renew early to get a compliant license, or continue using it for state ID purposes. For federal purposes (flying, federal building access), you'll need a passport or other federal ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, if it expired less than one year ago. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. If it expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office and may need to retake the written test or vision test depending on how long it's been expired.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. Use mail renewal with proof of your new address, or visit an MVA office in person. In-person renewal is fastest if you need the update when ready.

How much does it cost to renew in Maryland?

The renewal fee is $109 for an eight-year license, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There are no additional fees unless you're changing your address or requesting a duplicate license at the same time.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're traveling or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot use online or mail renewal if you don't have your current license. Visit an MVA office in person with a valid ID and proof of residency. You'll pay $109 for the renewal plus a $20 fee for a duplicate 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.