How Maryland Driver's License Renewal Works

In Maryland, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. Most people renew online through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration website — it takes about 15 minutes and costs $109 for a five-year license. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had a name change, and your current address is correct in the system.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal code, which you will need to start the online process. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew online by providing your driver's license number and date of birth.

Maryland licenses expire on your birthday. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same methods — there is no grace period, but the state does not penalize you for renewing late as long as you do not drive with an expired license.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website is the fastest option and takes about 15 minutes if you have your renewal code.
  • You will need a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete online renewal, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail-in renewal is available if you prefer not to go online, but it takes longer — typically two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your form.
  • In-person renewal at an MVA office is required only if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you have had a name change since your last license was issued.
  • Your Maryland license is valid for five years from the date of renewal, and you should renew before your birthday to avoid driving with an expired license.

Renewing Online Through the MVA Website

Online renewal is the quickest and most straightforward path. Go to the Maryland MVA website (mva.maryland.gov) and select the renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and your renewal code (from your notice) or your Social Security number.

The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm your address. If your address has changed, you can update it during this step. You will then review the terms and conditions, pay the $109 renewal fee with a debit or credit card, and submit your process.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it has expired.

Renewing by Mail

If you prefer to renew by mail, use the form that came with your renewal notice. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it to the address printed on the form along with a check or money order for $109 payable to the Maryland MVA.

The MVA typically processes mail-in renewals within two to three weeks of receiving them, though processing times can vary during busy periods. Your new license will be mailed to you once the process is processed. Keep your current license until the new one arrives.

If you did not receive a renewal notice in the mail, you can request a renewal form by calling the MVA at 410-768-7000 or by visiting an MVA office in person.

Renewing In Person at an MVA Office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have changed your name since your last license was issued, or if you need to update your photograph. You will also need to come in person if you want to change your license class or add endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement).

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Visit the MVA office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check hours on the Maryland MVA website. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive your new license on the spot.

What to Do If You Did Not Receive Your Renewal Notice

If your renewal notice did not arrive in the mail, contact the MVA to confirm your address is correct in the system. Call 410-768-7000 during business hours, or visit mva.maryland.gov and use the online chat feature.

You can still renew online without the notice — you will just need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number instead of your renewal code. If you prefer to renew by mail, call the MVA and request a renewal form, or visit an MVA office to pick one up in person.

Renewing an Expired License

If your license has already expired, you can renew it using any of the three methods (online, mail, or in person). Maryland does not require you to take a new written or road test to renew an expired license, as long as you are renewing within a reasonable time after expiration.

However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license. If you are stopped by police, you may be cited. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this risk. The online and mail-in processes are the same for expired licenses as they are for licenses that have not yet expired.

License Renewal Costs and Payment Methods

A five-year Maryland driver's license renewal costs $109. This is the standard fee for all drivers renewing a regular Class D license. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with additional endorsements, the cost may differ — contact the MVA for specific pricing.

For online renewal, you can pay with a debit card or credit card. For mail-in renewal, send a check or money order made payable to the Maryland MVA. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

The MVA does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for standard renewals. The fee is due at the time of renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit an MVA office in person. The office staff will tell you what steps you need to take to clear the suspension or revocation before you can renew.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you submit your online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time, even if it has expired.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

You can update your address during online renewal or mail-in renewal. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and the MVA will update it for you.

Do I need to take a new written or road test to renew my license?

No. Maryland does not require a written or road test for standard license renewal. You only need to take a test if you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, or if you are adding a new license class or endorsement.

Can I renew my license before my renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew online anytime within 60 days before your license expires, even if you have not received your renewal notice yet. You will just need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number instead of your renewal code.