How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland driver's license renewal steps and timelines

You can renew your Maryland driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements — it takes about 10 business days from submission to delivery. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an MVA office is when ready if you bring the right documents, though wait times vary by location.

Your license is valid for eight years from the issue date. Maryland sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

The method you choose depends on whether your address has changed, whether you need a REAL ID-compliant license, and how quickly you need the new card. Each path has different document requirements and costs.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal costs $109 for an eight-year license and works only if your address has not changed and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if you are changing your address, upgrading to REAL ID, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.
Mail renewal is available but slower than online; you must include a completed form, payment, and proof of residency if your address changed.
You will need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to renew, plus proof of identity and Maryland residency.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Online renewal: requirements and what you need

Online renewal through the MVA website is the cheapest and fastest option if your circumstances have not changed. You pay $109 for an eight-year license, and the new card arrives by mail in about 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office or mail anything in.

You can only renew online if all of the following are true: your current Maryland license is not suspended or revoked, your address has not changed since your last renewal, you do not need a REAL ID upgrade, and your license has not been expired for more than one year. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person.

To start an online renewal, go to the MVA website (mva.maryland.gov), log in or create an account, and follow the renewal wizard. You will need your current license number, Social Security number or ITIN, and a valid payment method. The system will verify your information against state records. Once approved, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

You must renew in person if your address has changed, if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license, if your license is suspended or revoked, or if your license expired more than one year ago. In-person renewal is also required if you are changing your name or if you need to correct information on your license.

Bring your current Maryland license, proof of Social Security number or ITIN (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current Maryland address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). 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.

Visit an MVA office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some offer Saturday hours. You can check wait times and book an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov. In-person renewal costs $109 for an eight-year license, and you receive the new card when ready if you pass the vision test and your information is verified. A new photo is taken at the office.

Mail renewal: when and how to use it

Mail renewal is an option if your address has not changed and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade, but it is slower than online renewal — expect 2 to 3 weeks. You pay $109 for an eight-year license.

read and complete the process for Renewal of Driver's License or Permit (form DL 43) from the MVA website. Include your current license, a check or money order for $109 made payable to "Maryland MVA," and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

If your address has changed since your last renewal, you must also include proof of your new Maryland address. Mail renewal is slower than the other methods and offers no tracking, so use it only if you have time and your situation is straightforward.

REAL ID upgrade during renewal

A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have this star, you can upgrade during renewal. You must do this in person at an MVA office — it cannot be done online or by mail.

To upgrade to REAL ID, bring your current license, proof of Social Security number or ITIN, proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate), and proof of your current Maryland address. The cost is $109 for an eight-year license, the same as a standard renewal. You receive the new card when ready after your vision test and information verification.

If you do not upgrade during renewal, you can do so at any time by visiting an MVA office with the same documents. The important date to have a REAL ID for domestic flights is May 7, 2025, though this date has been extended multiple times.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office in person. Suspension usually results from unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or a conviction for driving under the influence. Revocation is permanent until you meet specific conditions set by the MVA or the court.

Before you visit an MVA office, contact the office by phone or check your MVA account online to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you must take to restore it. You may need to pay fines, complete a substance abuse program, or provide proof that child support is current. Once those conditions are met, you can renew in person.

Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number or ITIN, proof of Maryland residency, and any documents showing that you have met the conditions for restoration (such as a receipt for paid fines or a certificate of program completion). The MVA will verify your status and issue a new license if everything is in order.

Expired license: how long you have to renew

If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew using any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person — as long as you meet the other requirements for that method. If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

When you renew an expired license in person, you will need to pass a vision test. Depending on how long your license has been expired, the MVA may require you to retake the written knowledge test. Call your local MVA office or check the website to find out what to expect before you visit.

Do not drive with an expired license. Maryland law requires your license to be valid, and driving with an expired license can result in a citation and fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter, along with the other required documents. This applies to all renewal methods.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Maryland license?

You must renew in person at an MVA office and bring proof of your new out-of-state address. Maryland will issue you a new license, but you should also consider getting a license in your new state if you plan to live there permanently. Holding licenses in two states is not illegal, but most states expect you to transfer your license within a certain time frame after moving.

How much does a Maryland driver's license renewal cost?

A standard eight-year renewal costs $109 regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are upgrading to REAL ID during renewal, the cost is still $109. Payment methods vary by renewal method: online accepts credit or debit cards, mail requires a check or money order, and in-person offices accept cash, check, card, or money order.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?

It depends on the ticket. Minor unpaid traffic citations usually do not prevent renewal, but unpaid tickets that have been referred to collections or that resulted in a license suspension will block renewal. Check your MVA account online or call your local MVA office to see if any tickets are affecting your license status before you attempt to renew.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will update your name on the new license. You cannot change your name online or by mail.

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.