Maryland driver's licenses renew every five years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office

Your Maryland driver's license expires on your birthday in the fifth year after you received it. You do not have to wait until the expiration date to renew — you can start the process up to one year before it expires. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) offers three renewal paths: online through the MVA website, by mail, or in person at a local MVA office. Which one you use depends on whether your address has changed, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the license in hand.

The online and mail routes are faster and require no appointment, but they are only available if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photograph. If either of those things is true, or if you prefer to renew in person, you will go to an MVA office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland licenses renew every five years on your birthday, and you can start the process up to one year early.
  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days if your address has not changed.
  • Mail renewal uses the same form (DL 43) you would get at an MVA office and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your address has changed, you need a new photo, or you want your license the same day.
  • You will need your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency for any renewal method.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the MVA website, select "Renew Your License," and create or log into your MVA account. You will answer questions about your current license, confirm your address, and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. The fee for a five-year renewal is $70. Once you submit, you are done — no appointment needed.

Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is only available if your address has not changed since your last license was issued and you do not need a new photograph. If you have moved or want a new photo, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal uses the same form and documents as in-person renewal but takes longer. You will need to request or read the DL 43 form from the MVA website, fill it out, and mail it along with your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency. The renewal fee is $70, which you can pay by check or money order made out to the Motor Vehicle Administration.

Mail your completed packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives it. Like online renewal, mail renewal does not give you a new photograph — your current photo will be used on your new license. If you need a new photo or your address has changed, go to an MVA office instead.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

In-person renewal is required if your address has changed, you need a new photograph, or you want your license the same day. You do not need an appointment — walk-in service is available at all MVA offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency. The renewal fee is $70, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

The MVA will take a new photograph and issue your renewed license on the spot. You will leave the office with your new license in hand. If you prefer to schedule an appointment rather than wait, you can book one through the MVA website, though this is not required.

Documents you need for any renewal method

All three renewal methods require the same core documents. You must bring or submit your current Maryland driver's license. You also need proof of your Social Security number — an original Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov all work. Do not submit a copy unless the MVA specifically asks for one.

Finally, you need proof of Maryland residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current Maryland address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you are renewing online or by mail and your address has not changed since your last license, you do not need to submit residency proof again.

What happens if your license has already expired

You can still renew an expired license through any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. There is no grace period and no penalty fee for renewing after expiration. However, you cannot legally drive on an expired license, so if you need to drive before your renewal is processed, you should renew in person at an MVA office to get your new license the same day.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may be required to retake the written test and road test. Contact your local MVA office to confirm whether this applies to you before you attempt to renew.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license while renewing

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged and also needs renewal, you can handle both at once. The process is the same as a standard renewal, but you will pay both the renewal fee ($70) and a replacement fee ($20) for a total of $90. You must renew in person or by mail — online renewal is not available for replacements. If you renew in person, you will receive your new license the same day.

When you renew by mail with a lost or damaged license, include a written explanation of what happened to your original license. Mail your packet to the address on the DL 43 form, and your new license will arrive in 2 to 3 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must be a Maryland resident to renew a Maryland license. If you have moved out of state, you will need to obtain a license from your new state instead. Contact that state's motor vehicle agency for their requirements.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew in person at an MVA office or by mail. Bring your current license and a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The renewal fee remains $70.

How long can I drive on my expired license while waiting for my renewal?

You cannot legally drive on an expired license. If you need to drive before your renewal arrives, renew in person at an MVA office to receive your new license the same day. For online or mail renewal, plan ahead so your new license arrives before your current one expires.

Do I need to pass a vision test to renew my Maryland license?

No vision test is required for renewal. However, when you renew in person, the MVA may ask you to read a line on a chart as part of the standard process. If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, wear them during your in-person visit.

What if I want to change my address but do not want a new photo?

You cannot change your address without getting a new photo. If your address has changed, you must renew in person at an MVA office or by mail, and both methods will give you a new photograph. You cannot use online renewal if your address has changed.