Maryland License Renewal: In Person, by Mail, or Online
Maryland offers three ways to renew your driver's license: online through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but you must go in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).
The renewal process in Maryland takes different amounts of time depending on the method you choose. Online renewal is the fastest — your new license ships within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an MVA office can be completed the same day, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland allows online renewal for most standard licenses that are not yet expired or expired less than one year, and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice mailed by the MVA, a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the MVA receives your packet.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license expired more than one year ago, you need a new photo, or you hold a commercial license.
- The renewal fee in Maryland is $109 for a five-year standard license and $161 for an eight-year license, paid by check, money order, or card depending on your method.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so plan ahead to avoid driving on an expired license.
Online Renewal Through the MVA Website
Online renewal is the quickest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license is not yet expired or expired less than one year ago, you do not need a new photo, and you hold a standard (non-commercial) license. You will need your current Maryland license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the $109 or $161 renewal fee.
Go to the Maryland MVA website (mva.maryland.gov), select "Renew Your License Online," and follow the prompts. You will answer questions about your address, any name changes, and whether your vision and medical status have changed. The system will ask you to confirm your photo from your current license. Once you submit and pay, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If you move before your new license arrives, you can update your address on the MVA website or at an MVA office. Do not wait until your license expires to renew online — the system will not let you proceed if your license is already expired.
Mail Renewal Using Your Renewal Notice
If you received a renewal notice in the mail from the MVA, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. The notice will include a form (DL-43) and instructions. You do not need to fill out any additional paperwork — the notice itself is your process. Write a check or money order for $109 (five-year license) or $161 (eight-year license) payable to "Maryland MVA," and include it with the notice.
Mail the renewal notice and payment to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. The MVA processes mail renewals in the order they are received, and your new license will be mailed to you within 2 to 3 weeks after they receive your packet. Keep a copy of the notice for your records, and consider using certified mail if you want proof of delivery.
Mail renewal is only available if you have received a renewal notice from the MVA. If you did not receive one and your license is not yet expired, you can renew online instead. If your license has already expired and you did not receive a notice, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office
You must renew in person at an MVA office if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need a new photo, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. You will also need to renew in person if you are changing your name, address, or medical information, or if you want to add or remove endorsements (such as motorcycle or hazmat).
Bring your current Maryland license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring a check, money order, or debit/credit card to pay the renewal fee.
Visit the MVA office during their posted hours. You can check wait times and make an appointment on the MVA website before you go. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. Bring all documents with you — if you are missing anything, you will not be able to complete your renewal that day.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
The documents required depend on whether you are renewing online, by mail, or in person. For online and mail renewal, you need only your current license and payment information. For in-person renewal, you need your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Payment Method | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, SSN, current address on file | Credit or debit card | $109 or $161 | 7–10 business days |
| Renewal notice, current address on file | Check or money order | $109 or $161 | 2–3 weeks | |
| In Person | Current license, SSN proof, address proof, payment method | Check, money order, or card | $109 or $161 | Same day |
The renewal fee is $109 for a five-year standard license and $161 for an eight-year license. Maryland does not charge different fees based on age or license type (except commercial licenses, which have their own renewal process). If you are renewing a commercial license, you must do so in person and the fee is higher — contact your local MVA office for the exact amount.
When Your License Expires and How to Plan Ahead
Your Maryland license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the card. You can renew up to one year before the expiration date, so if your birthday is in June 2025, you can renew starting in June 2024. Renewing early means you will have your new license before the old one expires, so you will never be without a valid license.
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to an MVA office in person. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have a renewal process pending. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your renewal confirmation number or receipt, but this does not may provide you will not be cited.
Check your license now to see when it expires. If it expires within the next three months, plan your renewal this week. If you choose online renewal, your new license will arrive before your current one expires. If you choose mail renewal, send your packet when ready so it arrives at the MVA with time to spare.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is waiting until after your license expires to renew. Once it is expired, you lose the option to renew online or by mail and must visit an MVA office. This takes longer and requires more documents. Renew at least two weeks before your expiration date.
Another frequent error is sending cash in the mail. The MVA will not process a renewal payment sent as cash, and your packet will be returned. Always use a check or money order for mail renewal. For online renewal, use a credit or debit card only — the MVA website does not accept other payment methods.
If you are renewing in person, bring all required documents the first time. Many people show up with only their license and have to leave and come back. Proof of your Social Security number and current address are not optional — you cannot complete your renewal without them. Keep your utility bills, bank statements, and other address documents in one place so you have them ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maryland license if I moved out of state?
No. You must have a Maryland address on file to renew a Maryland license. If you moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state. If you moved within Maryland, update your address through the MVA website or at an MVA office before renewing.
What if my renewal notice got lost in the mail?
You can still renew online if your license is not yet expired, or you can visit an MVA office and ask for a replacement renewal notice. You do not need the original notice to renew in person. If you want to renew by mail and do not have the notice, contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to request a duplicate.
How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew online?
Online renewals are mailed within 7 to 10 business days after you submit your process. This does not include mail delivery time, so plan for 10 to 14 days total from submission to arrival. If you do not receive your license within three weeks, contact the MVA to check the status.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew in Maryland?
Not always. If you renew online or by mail, the MVA uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the MVA will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must renew in person instead.
What if I have a commercial driver's license?
Commercial licenses must be renewed in person at an MVA office. You cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and your medical certificate (MCSA-5875 form). Contact your local MVA office for the current CDL renewal fee and any additional requirements.