How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Renewing Your Maryland License: The Basic Steps

You can renew your Maryland driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. Most people renew online or by mail because it takes less time and you don't have to visit a location. You'll need your current license number, a valid email address, and a payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes online.

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can print a temporary license from the MVA website when ready after you renew online. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works just like a physical license for driving.

Maryland sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. You don't have to wait for this notice to renew — you can start the process anytime within 12 months before expiration. Renewing early means your new license arrives well before the old one expires, so you never have a gap.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes 10 minutes and works if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions or address changes.
You can print a temporary license when ready after renewing online, which is valid for 45 days while you wait for your physical license.
Mail renewal takes longer but requires no visit to an MVA office and works for most people with standard licenses.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required only if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you have medical conditions to report.
Maryland licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to 12 months before expiration.

Renewing Online Through the MVA Website

Go to the Maryland MVA website and select "Renew Your License" from the main menu. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system checks that your information matches their records and that you're may be able to access for online renewal.

Online renewal works only if your current license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed. If any of these explore to you, you'll be directed to mail or in-person renewal instead. The system tells you which option you need before you pay anything.

Once approved, you'll pay the renewal fee using a debit card or credit card. Maryland charges $109 for an eight-year renewal. You'll receive a confirmation number and can when ready print your temporary license from the same page. Your permanent license ships within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal starts with the renewal notice Maryland sends you, which includes a prepaid envelope and a form. If you don't have the notice, you can read the renewal form from the MVA website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $109 payable to "Maryland MVA," and mail it to the address on the form.

Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the day the MVA receives your envelope. Mail can add another week on each end, so plan for 5 to 7 weeks total. If you need to drive during this time, mail renewal doesn't give you a temporary license option — you'll need to renew online or in person instead.

Mail renewal works for standard licenses with no address changes, medical conditions, or expired status. If your address has changed, update it online through your MVA account before mailing your renewal, or include a copy of a recent utility bill or lease with your mailed form to prove your new address.

Renewing in Person at an MVA Office

Visit any Maryland MVA office with your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $109. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address.

In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, or if you have medical conditions to report to the MVA. It's also the fastest way to get a physical license — you can receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license within 7 to 10 days.

Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings typically have shorter lines than afternoons or weekends. You can check wait times on the MVA website before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check your local office's policy before visiting.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

You cannot renew an expired Maryland license online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office in person with your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The MVA will take a new photo and issue you a temporary license on the spot, valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed.

An expired license means you cannot legally drive until you renew it. If you're stopped by police, you face a citation. Renewing in person is the fastest way to get back on the road — the whole process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you leave with a temporary license.

If your license has been expired for more than a few months, call your local MVA office before visiting to confirm you don't need additional documents or a vision test. Some offices require a vision screening if your license has been expired for a long time.

Address Changes and Other Updates

If your address has changed, you can update it online through your MVA account without renewing your license. Go to the MVA website, log in, and select "Change Your Address." This takes 5 minutes and costs nothing. Your license remains valid at your old address until you renew it.

When you renew, your new license will show your current address. If you're renewing by mail or online and your address has changed, make sure the system has your new address before you complete the renewal. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

Other changes — such as a name change due to marriage or a medical condition that affects your driving — require in-person renewal at an MVA office. Bring a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, court order, or medical report) along with your current license and proof of residency.

Understanding Maryland License Types and Expiration Dates

Maryland issues standard Class D licenses, which are valid for eight years. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew anytime within 12 months before that date, and your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or a hazmat endorsement, renewal rules are different and may require in-person visits or medical certifications. Check the MVA website or call your local office to confirm the renewal process for your specific license type.

Maryland also issues Real ID-compliant licenses, which have a gold star in the upper right corner. These licenses meet federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. When you renew, you can request a Real ID license if you haven't already, though it requires in-person renewal and additional documents (proof of citizenship and Social Security number).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The MVA will take a new photo and may require a vision test if your license has been expired for a long time. Call ahead to confirm what documents your local office needs.

What if I don't receive my new license within 10 business days?

Contact the MVA with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your license and resend it if it was lost in the mail. Keep your temporary license (if you printed one) until your permanent license arrives. If you renewed by mail and didn't get a temporary license, you can visit an MVA office to request one.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. You only get a new photo if you renew in person at an MVA office. If you want a new photo during an online or mail renewal, you'll need to renew in person instead.

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

No. You must renew your license in the state where you now live. If you've moved to another state, you'll need to get a driver's license from that state. You can surrender your Maryland license to the new state's DMV, or keep it as a non-driving ID if that state allows it.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person at an MVA office and bring a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The MVA will issue a new license with your updated name. Online and mail renewal don't allow 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.