How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland driver's license renewal: what you need to do

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 are renewing before your license expires and meet basic requirements. By mail takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license is already expired, if you need to update your address or name, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Maryland licenses are valid for eight years. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your expiration date. The state will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for it to start.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for a standard eight-year license, but only works if your license is not yet expired and you have not changed your address or name.
Mail renewal requires you to send in your renewal notice, a check or money order, and a new photo, and takes roughly two weeks from the time the MVA receives your packet.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is mandatory if your license has already expired, and you will need to bring your current or expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
Maryland does not require a new vision test or written exam for standard renewals unless you are over 70 or renewing a CDL.
If you miss your expiration date, you can still renew, but you may face a late fee and will need to visit an MVA office in person.

Online renewal: fastest option for current licenses

Online renewal through the MVA website is available if your license has not yet expired, your address and name on file are current, and you are renewing a standard (non-commercial) license. You will need your license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $109 for an eight-year renewal.

After you complete the online form and payment, the MVA will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard processing takes about 10 business days, though it can take longer during peak periods. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal does not work if you need to change your address, name, or license class, or if your license has already expired. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal: two-week turnaround

To renew by mail, use the renewal notice the MVA sends you about 60 days before expiration. If you did not receive one, you can request a renewal packet by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758 or visiting an MVA office. The packet includes a form, instructions, and a return envelope.

You will need to include a new photo (4 by 6 inches, color, taken within the last 30 days) and payment. The fee is $109 for an eight-year license. Pay by check or money order made out to the Motor Vehicle Administration. Do not send cash.

Mail your completed packet to the address shown on the renewal notice. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the MVA receives it. You can drive on your current license while your renewal is being processed. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you should renew in person instead.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

You must renew in person if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address or name, if you are renewing a CDL, or if you are over 70 years old. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are not required to do so.

Bring your current or expired license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current Maryland address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a CDL, bring your current CDL and medical certificate.

The fee is $109 for a standard eight-year license. You will have your photo taken at the office. Processing is when ready; you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times on the MVA website before you go. Some offices offer appointments; check your local office's website to see if you can book one.

What happens if your license has already expired

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is expired. You must visit an MVA office in person. Bring the same documents as for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.

There is no automatic late fee for renewing an expired license in Maryland, but you should renew as soon as possible. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation. Once you renew, your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal, not from your original expiration date.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

CDL renewals must be done in person at an MVA office. You will need your current CDL, a valid medical certificate (FMCSA Form 649-C), proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. If your medical certificate has expired or will expire within 30 days, you must obtain a new one from a certified medical examiner before you renew.

The fee for a CDL renewal is $109 for an eight-year license. You will be required to pass a written knowledge test and a vision test. The MVA will provide study materials if you request them. Processing is when ready; you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

Address or name changes during renewal

If you are changing your address or name, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person or by mail. For mail renewal, include a copy of the document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) or your new address proof (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days).

For in-person renewal, bring the original or certified copy of your name-change document or address proof. The MVA will update your record and issue your new license with the correct information.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can renew online or by mail as long as your license has not expired and your address on file is current. If you need to change your address to an out-of-state address, you must renew in person at an MVA office or contact the MVA to update your address before renewing by mail.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew. You can renew online using your license number and date of birth, or you can request a renewal packet by phone at 410-787-7758 or by visiting an MVA office. The packet will be mailed to you.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Your plastic license will be mailed to you during that time. If it does not arrive within 30 days, contact the MVA to check the status.

Do I need a new vision test to renew?

No, unless you are over 70 years old or renewing a CDL. Drivers over 70 must pass a vision test at an MVA office. CDL holders must pass both a vision test and a written knowledge test.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the MVA to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Call 410-787-7758 or visit an MVA office to find out what steps are required before you can renew.

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.