Maryland Driver's License Renewal: The Basic Path
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 are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for a five-year license. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after you send your documents. In-person renewal at an MVA office is when ready but requires an appointment, which you book through the MVA website.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for it to arrive to start the process, but it contains your renewal code, which you will need for online renewal. If you have lost it, you can request a new notice or proceed with in-person or mail renewal instead.
Maryland does not allow you to renew if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you have unpaid traffic citations or child support obligations. The MVA website has a tool to check your driving record status before you begin.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest method and requires only your renewal code, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
- You must renew before your expiration date; an expired license cannot be renewed and requires a new process instead.
- Mail renewal requires a completed Form DL-43, a copy of your renewal notice, and payment sent to the MVA; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office requires an appointment booked online and takes about 30 minutes, with your new license issued the same day.
- If your address has changed, you must update it during renewal; mail renewal and in-person renewal both handle address changes, but online renewal does not.
Online Renewal: What You Need and How It Works
Online renewal is open to drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked and who have no outstanding traffic violations or child support issues. You will need your renewal code (from your notice), your Social Security number, your current address, and a valid credit or debit card. The MVA website at mva.maryland.gov has a dedicated renewal portal.
Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, enter your renewal code, and answer questions about any changes to your address, medical conditions, or organ donation status. Review your information, pay the $109 fee, and submit. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal does not allow you to change your address. If you have moved, you must use mail renewal or in-person renewal instead. You also cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, if you are over 70 years old, or if you need to update your name or gender marker.
Mail Renewal: Documents and Timeline
Mail renewal requires you to complete Form DL-43 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), which you can read from the MVA website or request by phone at 410-768-7000. You will also need a copy of your renewal notice and a check or money order for $109 payable to the Maryland MVA.
Include a photocopy of one document that proves your current address — a utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. If your address has not changed, you can skip this step. Sign the form and mail everything to the address listed on the renewal notice or on the MVA website.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the MVA receives your packet. Your new license arrives by mail after that. Do not mail cash. If you are changing your address, include a signed statement explaining the change and proof of your new address.
In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office
In-person renewal is the only option if you are over 70, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your name or gender marker, or if you want your new license when ready. You must book an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov or by phone at 410-768-7000. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Bring your current driver's license, your renewal notice (if you have it), and one document that proves your current address if you have moved — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring a check or debit card for the $109 fee.
Appointments typically take 30 minutes. Your new license is printed on site and issued before you leave. You will also receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you as a backup.
Address Changes and Name Updates During Renewal
If you have moved, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, include a photocopy of a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. For in-person renewal, bring the same document to your appointment.
If you are changing your name, you must renew in person. Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will not accept photocopies of name-change documents. Processing takes the same 7 to 10 business days as a standard renewal.
If you are changing your gender marker on your license, you must also renew in person. Maryland allows you to change your gender marker without a court order or medical documentation. Bring your current license and complete the gender marker change section of the process form at your appointment.
Fees, License Validity, and Renewal Timing
A five-year Maryland driver's license costs $109 for renewal. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary by channel: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards; mail renewal requires a check or money order; in-person renewal accepts cash, check, or debit card.
Your renewed license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires, but you cannot renew after it has expired. If your license has already expired, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing, which requires an in-person visit, a new photo, and additional documents.
The MVA recommends renewing 30 to 60 days before your expiration date to avoid delays. If you are traveling and your license will expire while you are away, renew before you leave. A temporary paper license issued at an in-person appointment is valid for 30 days and can be used for travel while your permanent card is mailed.
Common Mistakes and What Stops Your Renewal
The most common reason a renewal is rejected is an outstanding traffic violation or unpaid citation. Check your driving record on the MVA website before you submit your renewal. Suspended or revoked licenses cannot be renewed; you must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying fines, completing a safety course, or meeting other requirements set by the MVA.
Unpaid child support obligations also block renewal. If you are behind on child support, the MVA will not process your renewal until the issue is resolved. You can check your status through the Maryland Department of Human Services or by calling the MVA directly.
For mail renewal, the most common error is forgetting to sign the form or sending a photocopy of your renewal notice instead of the original. The MVA will return unsigned forms without processing. If you are changing your address, forgetting to include proof of your new address will delay your renewal by mail; the MVA will contact you to request it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot renew it; you must explore for a new license instead. A new process requires an in-person visit to an MVA office, a new photo, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You cannot use an expired license to drive legally, even if you have submitted a renewal process.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can request a replacement notice by phone at 410-768-7000 or through the MVA website. For online renewal, you can also proceed without the notice if you have your driver's license number and Social Security number. For mail renewal, you will need the renewal code from your notice, so request a replacement before mailing your documents.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail after the MVA processes your process. In-person renewal is when ready — your license is printed and issued the same day, and you also receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed as a backup.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended license?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension by paying outstanding fines, completing a required safety course, or meeting other conditions set by the MVA. Contact the MVA to find out what is required to lift your suspension before you attempt to renew.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Yes. The MVA requires appointments for all in-person services, including renewal. Book your appointment online at mva.maryland.gov or by phone at 410-768-7000. Walk-ins are not accepted. Appointment availability varies by location and time of year.