How to Renew Your Expired Driver's License in Maryland

Renew online, by mail, or in person depending on how long it has been expired

Maryland lets you renew an expired driver's license in three ways: online through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. Which option you use depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew in person.

The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for a five-year license. You will need your Social Security number, current address, and a valid payment method. The MVA will mail your new license to you within 7 to 10 business days. By-mail renewal follows the same timeline and cost but requires you to print and mail a form. In-person renewal at an MVA office takes about 30 minutes and is the only option if your license has been expired for more than a year.

Key Takeaways

Maryland allows online renewal for licenses expired fewer than 12 months; licenses expired longer than that require an in-person visit to an MVA office.
Online renewal costs $109 for a five-year license and takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery by mail.
You will need your Social Security number, current address, and a payment method to renew online; no new photo is required unless you choose to update it.
If you want a Real ID-compliant license, you must renew in person and bring proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of Social Security number.
Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment to any MVA office if renewing in person; appointments are recommended but walk-ins are accepted.

Online renewal for licenses expired less than one year

If your Maryland driver's license expired within the past 12 months, you can renew online through the MVA website without leaving home. Go to mva.maryland.gov, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm your current address on file; if it has changed, you can update it during the renewal process.

The online renewal uses your existing photo from your last license, so you will not need to take a new one. If you want to update your photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office instead. Payment is by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Once you submit, the MVA will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days; expedited delivery is available for an additional fee if you need it sooner.

By-mail renewal as an alternative to online

Maryland also allows renewal by mail if your license expired fewer than 12 months ago. Request a renewal form from the MVA website or call 410-787-7758 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $109, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of proof of residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement dated within the past 60 days.

By-mail renewal takes longer than online because of postal delivery time. Plan for 2 to 3 weeks from the time you mail the form to when your new license arrives. This option works well if you do not have a credit or debit card or prefer not to use one online. Like online renewal, by-mail renewal uses your existing photo and does not require a new one.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than 12 months. Visit any MVA office with your expired license, proof of Maryland residency, and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days. Bring a check, money order, or card for payment. The renewal fee is $109 for a five-year license.

Walk-ins are accepted at all MVA offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can book an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov to skip the line. Appointments are free and typically available within a few days. The renewal process at the office takes about 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken for your new license, and the MVA will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

Getting a Real ID-compliant license during renewal

If you want your new license to be Real ID-compliant — required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 2025 — you must renew in person. Real ID renewal requires additional documents beyond a standard renewal. Bring proof of identity (your expired license, passport, or birth certificate), proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the past 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).

The Real ID license costs the same as a standard renewal: $109 for five years. The MVA will take a new photo and issue a temporary paper license while your permanent Real ID license is mailed. Your new license will have a gold star in the upper right corner to show it meets federal standards. If you renew online or by mail without requesting Real ID, you will receive a standard license that will not be accepted for federal purposes after May 2025.

What to do if your license has been expired for several years

If your Maryland license expired more than 12 months ago, the renewal process is the same as any in-person renewal, but you may face additional requirements depending on how long it has been expired. Visit an MVA office with your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. If your license has been expired for more than five years, the MVA may require you to pass a vision test or written knowledge test to may support you are still safe to drive. Call 410-787-7758 before your visit to ask whether you will need to test.

Bring your expired license even if it is very old; it helps the MVA pull your record. If you have lost your license, bring an alternative form of ID such as a passport or state ID card. The renewal process and fee remain the same regardless of how long your license has been expired.

Fees and payment methods for Maryland license renewal

A five-year Maryland driver's license renewal costs $109. This is the standard fee for both online and in-person renewal. If you choose expedited mail delivery for an online renewal, there is an additional fee; check the MVA website for the current expedited rate. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. By-mail renewal accepts checks and money orders. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, money orders, and cards.

There are no discounts for senior citizens or other groups on renewal fees in Maryland. If you are renewing a Real ID license, the cost is the same as a standard renewal. If you need a replacement license due to loss or damage before your renewal is due, that is a separate transaction with its own fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license if I moved out of state?

No. Maryland renewal is only for residents. If you have moved to another state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. You can surrender your Maryland license to the MVA by mail or in person, but you cannot renew it remotely if you no longer live in Maryland.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you renewed online or by mail, you can update your name during the renewal process. If you are renewing in person, bring legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name at no additional cost.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date the MVA issues it. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within that time. If it does not, contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to check the status. Do not drive after the 45-day period expires; you must have either your new permanent license or a valid extension.

Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes. Online renewal uses your existing photo, so your vision correction status does not change the process. If you have a vision restriction on your license (such as "corrective lenses required"), it will carry over to your new license. If your vision has changed and you no longer need correction, you must renew in person to update your restrictions.

What if the MVA rejects my online renewal?

The MVA may reject an online renewal if your identity cannot be verified or if your address on file is outdated. If this happens, you will receive a message explaining why. You can then renew by mail or in person. In-person renewal at an MVA office is the most reliable option if online renewal fails.

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.