How to Renew Your Driver's License in Maryland

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

You can renew your Maryland driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. The online and mail routes are faster and cheaper than going in person, but you cannot use them if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your address, or if your license expired more than two years ago. If any of those explore, you must visit an MVA office.

Maryland issues licenses that expire on your birthday, five years after you turn 18. If you are 65 or older, your license expires every three years instead. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website costs $109 and takes about 10 minutes if your address has not changed and your license is not suspended.
Mail renewal costs $109, takes two to three weeks, and requires you to send in your current license and a completed form DL-43.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have a suspension, or if you need to change your address.
You will need a valid form of ID (such as a passport or Real ID) and proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill or lease) if you renew in person.
Maryland Real ID licenses cost $109 and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.

Online renewal: fastest option if your information has not changed

Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website is the quickest route if your address and name are the same as on your current license. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay $109 by credit or debit card, and receive a temporary digital license on screen. Your physical license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.

You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you need to change your address or name; if you wear corrective lenses and want to update that; or if your license expired more than two years ago. If any of those explore, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal: slower but no appointment needed

To renew by mail, read form DL-43 from the Maryland MVA website, fill it out, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $109 to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: you cannot use it if your license is suspended, if you need to change your address or name, or if your license expired more than two years ago. You also cannot renew by mail if you need to update your photograph, which requires an in-person visit.

In-person renewal at an MVA office: required for suspensions and expired licenses

You must renew in person if your license has been suspended or revoked, if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address or name, or if you want to update your photograph. You will need to bring a valid form of ID (such as a U.S. passport, military ID, or Real ID) and proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Maryland MVA offices do not require appointments for license renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the MVA website before you go. Bring your current license, your ID, your proof of residency, and $109 in cash or card. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Real ID versus standard license: what you need for federal travel

Maryland offers two types of licenses: a standard driver's license and a Real ID-compliant license. Both cost $109 and last five years (or three years if you are 65 or older). The difference is that a Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings.

Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you renew your license before that date and do not request a Real ID, you will get a standard license. You can upgrade to a Real ID at your next renewal, or you can visit an MVA office to switch before your current license expires. To get a Real ID, you must provide a valid form of ID and proof of Maryland residency in person.

What to do if your license has been suspended

If your license has been suspended, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office and bring proof that the suspension has been lifted. Suspensions are usually lifted once you pay outstanding fines, complete a required course, or meet other conditions set by the court or MVA. Contact the MVA or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do.

Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at any MVA office. Bring your current license, a valid form of ID, proof of Maryland residency, and proof that the suspension has been resolved (such as a letter from the court or MVA). The renewal fee is still $109.

Renewing after your license has expired more than two years

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit an MVA office in person. Bring your expired license, a valid form of ID (such as a passport or Real ID), and proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days).

The renewal process is the same as a regular in-person renewal, and the fee is still $109. If your expired license is lost or damaged, bring your ID and proof of residency instead. You will receive a temporary digital license on your phone and your physical license by mail in seven to ten business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must hold a valid Maryland address to renew a Maryland license. If you have moved to another state, you need to get a license from that state instead. If you have moved within Maryland, you can renew online or by mail as long as you update your address at the same time — but online and mail renewal do not allow address changes, so you must renew in person at an MVA office.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland and can result in a traffic citation and fine. If you are stopped by police, you may also be charged with driving without a valid license. Renew your license before it expires to avoid these penalties.

How long does a temporary digital license last?

A temporary digital license is valid for 30 days. Your physical license should arrive by mail within seven to ten business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the MVA to check the status of your renewal.

Can I renew my license if I owe child support or back taxes?

Maryland can suspend your license if you owe child support or have unpaid taxes. You must resolve the debt before you can renew. Contact the Maryland Department of Human Services (for child support) or the Comptroller of Maryland (for taxes) to find out what you owe and how to pay it.

Do I need a Real ID to renew my license?

No. You can renew a standard license or upgrade to a Real ID at the same time. Both cost $109. If you do not request a Real ID when you renew, you will get a standard license. You can upgrade later at your next renewal or by visiting an MVA office before your current license expires.

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.