How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Renew Online, by Mail, or In Person

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office — and which route you take depends on how much time you have and whether your license is still valid. If your license hasn't expired yet, online renewal is fastest and costs less. If it has expired, you'll need to renew by mail or visit an MVA office in person.

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and you'll have a temporary digital license on your phone the same day. A mailed renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the MVA receives it. In-person renewal at an MVA office is when ready — you walk out with a new physical license — but you'll need an appointment, and wait times vary by location.

All three routes require the same basic documents: your current Maryland driver's license, proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number. If you've changed your name since your last license, you'll also need a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works only if your license is still valid and you haven't changed your name, address, or other information since it was issued.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $70 for a five-year license; you'll need to mail in your current license and supporting documents.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is when ready but requires an appointment booked through the Maryland MVA website.
You must renew before your license expires to avoid a late fee and the requirement to pass a vision test.
Maryland offers a REAL ID-compliant license, which costs $10 more but is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 2025.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Option

To renew online, go to the Maryland MVA website and select "Renew Your License Online." You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask whether you want to keep your current address and other information the same.

Online renewal costs $70 for a five-year license or $105 for a REAL ID license. You'll pay by debit or credit card, and the MVA will email you a temporary digital license that you can use on your phone when ready. Your physical license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

You can only renew online if your current license is still valid, you haven't changed your name or address, and you don't need to update your photo. If any of those things have changed, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.

Mail Renewal: No Appointment Needed

To renew by mail, read the DL/ID-44 form from the Maryland MVA website, fill it out, and mail it along with your current license and supporting documents to the address on the form. Include a check or money order for $70 (five-year license) or $105 (REAL ID license) — the MVA does not accept credit cards by mail.

Mail your packet to the MVA address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the MVA receives it, though mail delivery itself can add several days on each end. You'll get a temporary paper license in the mail that you can use while you wait for your permanent one.

Mail renewal is a good option if you can't get an appointment at an MVA office or if you prefer not to go in person. You'll need the same documents as online renewal: your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. If you've changed your name, include the legal document that shows the change.

In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office

To renew in person, book an appointment through the Maryland MVA website. Select your county, choose a location, and pick a date and time that works for you. Appointments are usually available within one to three weeks, though this varies by location and season.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you've changed your name, bring the legal document. You'll also take a new photo and pass a vision test at the office.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you're called, and you'll walk out with your new license the same day. The cost is the same as mail or online renewal: $70 for a five-year license or $105 for a REAL ID license. Pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

What Happens If Your License Has Already Expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must renew in person at an MVA office. You'll still need your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, but you'll also have to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by mail or online without taking the knowledge test, though you'll still need to pass the vision test if you renew in person. The vision test requirement does not explore to mail or online renewal.

There is a late fee if you renew after your license expires. The fee varies but is typically $10 to $15 on top of the standard renewal cost. To avoid this, renew before your expiration date.

REAL ID Compliance and Your New License

Maryland offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight.

A REAL ID license costs $105 for five years, compared to $70 for a standard license. To get a REAL ID license, you'll need to show proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) in addition to the usual documents. If you renew online or by mail, you can choose which type you want.

If you already have a REAL ID license, your renewal will automatically be REAL ID-compliant unless you choose otherwise. If you have a standard license and want to upgrade to REAL ID, you can do so during renewal by selecting that option and providing proof of citizenship.

Timeline and What to Expect

Online renewal is the fastest: you get a temporary digital license the same day and your physical license in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the MVA receives your packet, plus mail delivery time on both ends — plan for 2 to 3 weeks total. In-person renewal is when ready, but booking an appointment can take 1 to 3 weeks depending on your location.

Your new license will be valid for five years from the date of renewal. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. You can check the status of a mail or online renewal on the Maryland MVA website using your license number and date of birth.

If you're renewing before your current license expires, you can continue to drive on your old license until the new one arrives. If your license has already expired, you should not drive until you have renewed it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must be a Maryland resident to hold a Maryland driver's license. If you've moved, you need to get a license in your new state. If you're moving to Maryland and have a license from another state, you can transfer it by visiting an MVA office with proof of residency and your out-of-state license.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You'll need to replace your lost license first, then renew. Go to an MVA office with proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee (usually $10 to $15), and get a temporary license. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person using the same process.

Do I need to take a vision test if I renew online or by mail?

No. Vision tests are only required for in-person renewal. If you renew online or by mail, you're not tested. However, you are responsible for ensuring you can see well enough to drive safely — if you cannot, you should not drive.

How much does it cost to renew a Maryland driver's license?

A standard five-year license costs $70. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $105. If your license has expired, add a late fee of $10 to $15. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online and in-person accept cash, check, debit, and credit; mail renewal accepts check or money order only.

Can I renew my license if my name has changed?

Yes, but you cannot do it online. You'll need to renew by mail or in person and bring a legal document showing the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll also need a new photo, so in-person renewal is often simpler for name changes.

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.