How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in Maryland

You can renew your Maryland driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. Online renewal is the quickest option if you're may be able to access — you'll get your new license in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an MVA office is when ready if you bring the right documents, but you'll need an appointment.

You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not expired more than one year, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed. If any of those don't explore to you, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $109 for an eight-year license.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice that came in the mail, a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks to arrive.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is when ready but requires an appointment booked through the Maryland MVA website.
You'll need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and a Social Security number to renew.
If your license is expired more than one year or you have medical restrictions, you cannot renew online and must go in person.

Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website

Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. 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 information against state records.

Online renewal costs $109 for an eight-year license. You'll pay by debit or credit card. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

You cannot renew online if your license expired more than one year ago, if you have medical restrictions or vision corrections that need to be updated, or if your address has changed. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

Mail renewal with your renewal notice

Maryland sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form you fill out and return with payment. Mail your completed form, a check or money order for $109, and your current license to the address printed on the notice.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the MVA receives your envelope. You can drive on your current license while you wait. If you lost your renewal notice, you can request a new one by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758 or visiting an MVA office in person.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

Book an appointment through the Maryland MVA website at mva.maryland.gov. Select your nearest office location and choose an available time slot. You'll receive a confirmation with your appointment date and time.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and be ready to provide your Social Security number. The renewal fee is $109 for an eight-year license. You'll receive your new license on the spot if everything is in order.

Walk-ins are not accepted at most MVA offices. If you cannot book an appointment online, call 410-787-7758 to speak with an MVA representative about availability or to request an appointment by phone.

What documents you need to bring

For any renewal method, have your current Maryland driver's license ready. The MVA will use it to verify your identity and pull your existing record.

If you're renewing in person, bring proof that you still live at the address on your license. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address instead.

You'll also need to provide your Social Security number. If you're renewing online or by mail, the system will ask for the last four digits. In person, you may be asked to provide the full number, so have it available.

If your license is expired or will expire soon

If your license expired fewer than 60 days ago, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. If it expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a road test.

If your license expires within the next 30 days, renew now rather than waiting. Online and mail renewal both take time, and you don't want to be caught driving on an expired license. In-person renewal is your fastest option if you're running short on time.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at an MVA office with an appointment. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

You may also need to pass a medical examination depending on the type of CDL you hold and how long it has been since your last exam. The MVA will tell you during your appointment whether an exam is required. The renewal fee is the same as for a standard license: $109 for an eight-year license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A standard eight-year renewal costs $109. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is the same. Payment is by debit card, credit card, check, or money order depending on your renewal method.

Can I renew my license if I moved to a new address?

No, you cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew by mail or in person. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). By mail, include a note with your new address on the renewal form.

What if I never received my renewal notice in the mail?

Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 and ask them to send you a new notice, or visit an MVA office in person. You can also renew online if you're may be able to access, since you don't need the physical notice to do so. If you choose mail renewal, request the notice be resent before you mail anything in.

Can I renew my license if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes, if your vision correction hasn't changed. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. If you've had eye surgery, your vision has changed significantly, or you're unsure, renew in person so the MVA can test your vision and update your record if needed.

How long can I drive after my license expires while waiting for the new one?

You can drive on your current license until it expires. Once it's expired, you cannot legally drive, even if your new license is in the mail. Renew before your expiration date, not after. If your license has already expired, you must renew when ready and should not drive until the new license arrives.

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.