How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

What You Need to Renew in Maryland

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, by mail, or online through the MVA website — but which method you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your license is a Real ID or a standard license. If your license expires within 180 days, you can renew by mail or online. If it has already expired, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

The online renewal process is the fastest route if you are may be able to access: you log into the MVA's online system, verify your information, pay the renewal fee, and receive a temporary digital license when ready. A physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The mail renewal takes longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks — but requires no trip to an office. In-person renewal at an MVA office is necessary only if your license has expired, if you need to update your address or name, or if you want to change your license class.

Key Takeaways

Maryland driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew online or by mail if your license is not yet expired.
Online renewal costs $109 for an eight-year license and takes 7 to 10 business days for the physical card to arrive, though you get a temporary digital license when ready.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice mailed by MVA, a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks; do not send cash.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license has expired, and you must bring a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Real ID licenses cost $109 for eight years; standard licenses cost $74 for five years, but Real ID is required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 2025.

Online Renewal: Step-by-Step

To renew online, visit the Maryland MVA website and select the online renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against MVA records and ask you to confirm your address and any other details that need updating.

Once you complete the form and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, the system generates a temporary digital license that you can screenshot or save to your phone. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for most purposes — including driving — while you wait for your physical card. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if your license has expired, if you need to change your address or name, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Mail Renewal: Documents and Timeline

Mail renewal requires the renewal notice that MVA mails to you before your expiration date. If you have not received a notice, contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 before attempting to renew by mail. Include the notice, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a signed letter if you are changing your address or name. Do not send cash.

Mail your renewal packet to the address printed on the renewal notice. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date MVA receives your packet. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal at an MVA office is faster — you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day. Keep a copy of your renewal notice and check for your records until your new card arrives.

In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office

Visit an MVA office if your license has expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to upgrade to a Real ID. Bring a valid photo ID (your expired Maryland license counts), proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You will fill out form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License) at the office. The MVA will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Wait times at MVA offices vary; check the MVA website for current wait times at your nearest location before you go.

Renewal Fees and License Types

A Real ID license costs $109 and is valid for eight years. A standard license costs $74 and is valid for five years. Real ID is required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025. If you currently hold a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person at an MVA office and bring proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) in addition to your regular documents.

If you renew by mail or online, you will receive the same type of license you currently hold — standard or Real ID. To switch types, you must visit an MVA office. The fee covers the eight-year or five-year period from your renewal date, not from your original expiration date.

What Happens If Your License Expires

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If your license has expired, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit an MVA office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: a valid photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number.

If you are pulled over while driving with an expired license, you can be cited. However, if you can show a police officer that you have submitted a renewal process or that your renewal is in process, the officer may issue a warning instead of a citation. Keep a copy of your renewal notice or confirmation email with you while you wait for your new card.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not send cash by mail — use a check or money order only. Do not attempt to renew online or by mail if your license has already expired; you must go to an MVA office. Do not forget to update your address if you have moved; renewing with an old address means your new card arrives at the wrong location. If you are changing your name, do not mail the renewal without a certified copy of the document proving the change — the MVA will reject it and send it back.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Maryland allows renewal up to 180 days before expiration, so renew as soon as you receive your renewal notice. If you miss the window and your license expires, you lose the option to renew by mail or online and must take time off to visit an MVA office. If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access for online or mail renewal, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 before you submit anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you live outside Maryland but hold a Maryland license, you can renew by mail or online as long as your license has not expired. You will need to update your out-of-state address during the renewal process. If your license has expired, you must visit an MVA office in person or contact the MVA about alternative renewal options for out-of-state residents.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 and request a duplicate renewal notice. You can also visit an MVA office and ask for one. If you cannot locate your notice and your license is close to expiration, renewing in person at an MVA office is the fastest option — you do not need the notice to renew in person.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

The temporary paper license issued at an MVA office is valid for 30 days. The temporary digital license issued during online renewal is also valid for 30 days. Your permanent card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but if it does not, contact the MVA to track your renewal.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew in person at an MVA office, yes — the MVA takes a new photo. If you renew by mail or online, the MVA uses your existing photo from your current license. You can request a new photo during mail or online renewal, but there is no additional fee.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license by mail or online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at an MVA office. Bring your current CDL, a valid photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number. You may also need to pass a medical examination depending on your CDL class.

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.