What You Need to Renew in Maryland

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license in person, by mail, or online — but which option you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your license is Real ID-compliant. If your license expires within 180 days, you can renew by mail or online. If it expires more than 180 days away, you must renew in person at a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office.

The easiest route for most people is online through the Maryland MVA website, but you can only use it if your current license is Real ID-compliant (marked with a gold star in the top right corner). If your license does not have that star, you will need to go in person to upgrade it at the same time you renew.

Mail renewal is also available if your license is expiring within 180 days and you do not want to go online. You will mail your current license and a completed form to the MVA, and they will mail your new one back.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website is the fastest option if your license has a Real ID star and expires within 180 days.
  • If your license does not have a Real ID star, you must renew in person at an MVA office, even if it is not expiring soon.
  • Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and works only if your license expires within 180 days.
  • In-person renewal at an MVA office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment, and appointments are strongly recommended to avoid long waits.

Online Renewal Through the Maryland MVA Website

To renew online, go to the Maryland MVA website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and confirm that your license is Real ID-compliant and expiring within 180 days.

The fee for online renewal is $109 for a five-year license. You will pay by credit or debit card during the process. Once approved, the MVA will mail your new license to the address on file, which usually takes five to seven business days.

Online renewal does not let you change your address, name, or other information. If you need to update anything besides the expiration date, you must renew in person.

Mail Renewal: What to Send and Timeline

To renew by mail, read the DL/ID-44 form from the Maryland MVA website or request one by calling 410-787-7758. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $109 (made payable to "Maryland MVA").

Mail your packet to: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062. The MVA recommends using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date they receive your packet, and your new license will be mailed to your address on file.

Like online renewal, mail renewal does not allow address or name changes. You also cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled.

In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office

If your license does not have a Real ID star, or if you need to change your address, name, or other information, you must renew in person at an MVA office. You will need your current license, one form of proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $109.

The MVA strongly recommends scheduling an appointment online through their website rather than walking in. Wait times at walk-in locations can be several hours, especially at popular times. You can book an appointment up to 30 days in advance.

At your appointment, an MVA employee will verify your identity, check your vision, and take a new photo. If you are upgrading to Real ID at the same time, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called.

Real ID Upgrade During Renewal

If your current license does not have the gold star, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go in person and upgrade to Real ID at the same time. Real ID compliance is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, so many people upgrade when they renew anyway.

The cost is the same: $109 for a five-year license. You will need the same documents as in-person renewal, plus proof of citizenship and proof of Social Security number. Once you have Real ID, your next renewal can be done online or by mail if you want.

Finding an MVA Office and Scheduling an Appointment

Maryland has MVA offices in most counties. You can find the location nearest you, check hours, and book an appointment on the Maryland MVA website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering Saturday hours. A few offices are open on certain evenings.

Appointments fill up quickly, especially in the weeks before a holiday or at the end of the month. If the date you want is not available, try searching for a different office location or a different time of day. Walk-ins are still accepted, but you will likely wait much longer.

What Happens If Your License Expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can be cited. However, if you can show proof that you submitted a renewal process before the expiration date, an officer may use discretion.

If your license has already expired and you have not renewed it, you can still renew in person at any MVA office. Bring the same documents you would for a regular renewal. There is no additional penalty fee for renewing after expiration, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must be a Maryland resident to hold a Maryland license. If you have moved, you need to get a license from your new state. You can surrender your Maryland license by mail or in person at an MVA office.

How long does a Maryland driver's license last?

A standard Maryland driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to 180 days before it expires.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

You will need to replace it rather than renew it. Go to an MVA office in person with your proof of residency and payment of $109. The MVA will issue a replacement license with the same expiration date as your original.

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

Appointments are not required, but they are strongly recommended. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait several hours. You can book an appointment up to 30 days in advance on the Maryland MVA website.

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended?

No. You must clear the suspension first by paying any outstanding fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the MVA. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew normally.