How to Renew Your Driver's License in Maryland

Maryland driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Which method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a Real ID, and how soon you need the new one. Most people renew online or by mail and receive their license in the mail within two to three weeks. If your license has expired or you need a Real ID upgrade, you must go to an MVA office in person.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. It contains your renewal code, which you need for online or mail renewal. If you don't receive one, you can still renew in person at any MVA office, but you'll need to bring documents to prove your identity and Maryland residency.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest method if your license is current and you don't need a Real ID.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires your renewal notice, a check or money order, and a new photo if you're over 60.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license has expired, you need a Real ID, or you want to change your name or address.
Real ID compliance is now required for domestic air travel and federal building access; Maryland's Real ID costs the same as a standard renewal.
Maryland licenses are valid for eight years for drivers under 65 and five years for drivers 65 and older.

Online renewal through the MVA website

Online renewal is the quickest option if your license is still valid and you don't need a Real ID. Go to the Maryland MVA website, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number and renewal code from your notice. You'll answer questions about your current address, medical conditions, and whether you've had any traffic violations since your last renewal.

You'll pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. Maryland charges $109 for an eight-year renewal (for drivers under 65) or $70 for a five-year renewal (for drivers 65 and older). Your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal does not let you change your name, address, or photo. If you need any of those changes, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal with your renewal notice

Mail renewal works if your license is current and you don't need a Real ID. Fill out the renewal form that came with your notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. If you're over 60, you must include a new photo (passport-style, 2 by 2 inches, taken within 30 days).

Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your process. You can mail your renewal at any time during the 60-day window before your license expires. If you mail it early, your new license will arrive before your current one expires, and you can use either one until the old one expires.

Mail renewal also does not allow address or name changes. If you need to update either, go to an MVA office in person.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, you need a Real ID, you want to change your name or address, or you're renewing for the first time after moving to Maryland. Bring your current driver's license or ID, proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

If you're changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you've had a name change in the past, bring documents showing all previous names. The MVA will take a new photo at the office.

Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the MVA website, which can cut your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the office.

Real ID and what it means for your renewal

A Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to driver's licenses and ID cards. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Maryland's Real ID looks like a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner.

If you renew online or by mail, you'll get a standard license unless you specifically request a Real ID. To get a Real ID, you must go to an MVA office in person and bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of your legal name and date of birth (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document). The cost is the same as a standard renewal.

If your current license is not a Real ID and you fly domestically or visit a federal building before your renewal date, you'll need a passport or other federal ID instead.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to an MVA office in person and bring the same documents you would for a first-time license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You'll also take a new written test and vision test.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by mail or online using your renewal notice, but you should do so as soon as possible. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you've applied for renewal.

If you've lost your renewal notice, call the MVA at 410-768-7000 or visit an office to request a replacement or to renew in person.

Fees and payment methods

Maryland charges $109 for an eight-year renewal (drivers under 65) or $70 for a five-year renewal (drivers 65 and older). These prices are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Real ID renewals cost the same amount.

Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made out to the Maryland MVA. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices, but call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific location.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can renew by mail or online if your license is current and you don't need a Real ID. If you need a Real ID or your license has expired, you must visit an MVA office in person or have someone with power of attorney renew it for you. Contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 for details on the power of attorney process.

What happens if I renew online but then need to change my address?

You can update your address at an MVA office or by mail after your new license arrives. Bring your new license and proof of your new residency. You don't need to pay another fee if you're only changing your address.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew in person?

If you renew in person at an MVA office, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 45 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. You can drive on either one until your new permanent license arrives.

Do I need an appointment to renew at an MVA office?

Appointments are not required, but scheduling one online through the MVA website can reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are welcome, but you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the office and time of day.

What if my renewal notice got lost in the mail?

Call the MVA at 410-768-7000 and request a replacement notice, or visit an MVA office in person. You can also renew in person without your notice if you bring your current license and proof of identity and residency.

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.