Maryland Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Do
Maryland lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, 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 to update your photo or address. 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 a new photo, or if you're changing your name or address.
Your Maryland license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. The MVA will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland offers online renewal through the MVA website for licenses that are still valid and do not require a new photo.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office and bring a valid ID, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
- The renewal fee is $70 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check depending on your renewal method.
- Processing times vary: online renewal takes one to two weeks, mail renewal takes two to three weeks, and in-person renewal is when ready.
- If you change your name or address, you must renew in person or update your information before renewing online.
Online Renewal Through the MVA Website
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the home page. You will need your current Maryland driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the $70 renewal fee.
The online system will ask you to confirm your personal information, including your name, address, and date of birth. If any of this information is incorrect, you cannot complete the renewal online — you must renew in person instead. After you submit your renewal, the MVA will mail your new license to the address on file. The new license typically arrives within one to two weeks.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want a new photo. In those cases, you must use mail renewal or in-person renewal.
Mail Renewal for Valid Licenses
If you prefer not to renew online, you can renew by mail. The MVA will send you a renewal notice and process form about 60 days before your license expires. Complete the form, include a check or money order for $70 made payable to "Maryland MVA," and mail it to the address shown on the form.
Do not send cash through the mail. Include your current driver's license with your process so the MVA can match your information. Mail your renewal at least two to three weeks before your license expires to may support it arrives and is processed in time. The MVA will mail your new license to you after processing, which typically takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your process.
You can also request a mail renewal form by calling the MVA at 410-768-7000 or 1-888-769-0100 (toll-free) if you did not receive the renewal notice in the mail.
In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address. Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if it has been more than one year), a valid government-issued ID if your license is expired, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Maryland address.
Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a document issued by the Social Security Administration. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address.
Visit mva.maryland.gov to find the MVA office nearest you and check current wait times. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first. Your new license is issued when ready after your visit, though you may need to wait for the photo to be taken and processed.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Fee | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current driver's license number, date of birth | $70 | Credit or debit card |
| Current driver's license, renewal form | $70 | Check or money order | |
| In-Person | Current or expired license, valid ID, proof of SSN, proof of address | $70 | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card |
The $70 fee covers an eight-year license. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and varies depending on the type of CDL and endorsements you hold. Check the MVA website or call 410-768-7000 for current CDL renewal fees.
If you are renewing in person and paying by card, the MVA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Some MVA offices may have temporary payment restrictions, so call ahead if you plan to pay by card.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process as a valid license. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at an MVA office. You will also need to bring a valid government-issued ID (such as a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license) in addition to your expired Maryland license.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Do not drive until your new license arrives or is issued. If you are pulled over while your license is expired, you can face a citation and fine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not wait until your license expires to start the renewal process. The MVA recommends renewing at least 30 days before your expiration date to avoid delays. If you are renewing by mail, send your process at least two to three weeks early.
Do not send cash through the mail if you are renewing by mail. Use a check or money order instead. Do not forget to include your current driver's license with your mail renewal process — the MVA uses it to verify your identity and match your information.
If you are renewing in person, do not assume your address is correct in the system. Bring proof of your current address even if you think the MVA has the right information. If your address is wrong and you do not correct it during renewal, your new license will be mailed to the old address and you may not receive it.
Do not attempt to renew online if you have changed your name or address. The online system will reject your process if your personal information does not match the records. You must renew in person or update your information at an MVA office before renewing online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maryland license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew by mail or online if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. If you need to renew in person, you must visit an MVA office in Maryland. Some people who have moved out of state choose to renew by mail before their license expires to avoid traveling back to Maryland.
What if I changed my name since my last license?
You must renew in person at an MVA office and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will issue a new license with your updated name. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes one to two weeks. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your process. In-person renewal is when ready — you receive your license the same day you visit the office, though you may wait for the photo to be taken and processed.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the MVA to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Call 410-768-7000 or visit an MVA office for more information about your specific situation.
What if I do not receive my renewed license in the mail?
If you renewed online or by mail and do not receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact the MVA at 410-768-7000. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The MVA can check the status of your renewal and remail your license if it was lost or damaged in transit.