How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

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

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Which method you use depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether your address or name has changed. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an MVA office is when ready if you need your license the same day.

You can renew your Maryland license up to 6 months before it expires or up to 5 years after it expires. If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing, which requires an in-person visit, a vision test, and a written knowledge test.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have not had a name or address change in the past 60 days, and you have a valid email address on file with the MVA.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice sent by the MVA, a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $109 for a 5-year license), and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal at an MVA office requires your current license, proof of residency, and a completed Form DL-43, and you receive your new license on the same day.
If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit an MVA office to reapply.
Maryland charges different fees depending on whether you renew for 5 years ($109) or 8 years ($163), and commercial driver's licenses have separate fees.

Online renewal through the MVA website

Online renewal is the fastest method if you meet the requirements. You must have a valid, unexpired license; no name or address change in the past 60 days; a valid email address on file with the MVA; and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. You do not need to upload documents or provide a new photo — the MVA uses your existing photo on file.

Go to the Maryland MVA website and select "Renew Your License Online." You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and show you the renewal fee based on whether you choose a 5-year or 8-year license. After you pay, your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access, it means one of the requirements above does not explore to you — usually a recent address change or an expired license. In that case, use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail renewal with the MVA renewal notice

Mail renewal requires the renewal notice that the MVA mails to you about 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes a form you must sign and return with payment. Do not attempt to renew by mail without this notice — the MVA will not process it.

Fill out the renewal notice completely, including your signature. Write a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to "Maryland MVA." The fee is $109 for a 5-year license or $163 for an 8-year license. Mail the signed notice and payment to the address printed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.

If you do not receive a renewal notice in the mail, contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to request one. You can also visit an MVA office to pick up a renewal notice in person. Do not send cash in the mail — use a check or money order only.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

Visit an MVA office if you need your license the same day, if you have had a recent name or address change, or if you are not may be able to access for online or mail renewal. Bring your current driver's license, one document proving your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days), and a completed Form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License). You can read Form DL-43 from the MVA website or pick one up at the office.

You do not need to schedule an appointment at most MVA offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The MVA website shows current wait times for each office. Bring cash, a check, or a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. Your new license is printed on the spot and you leave with it the same day. The photo used will be your existing photo on file unless you request a new one.

If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you cannot renew in person using the standard renewal process. You must complete a full reapplication, which includes a vision test and a written knowledge test. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of your legal name (such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate if your name has changed).

Fees and license validity periods

Maryland charges $109 for a 5-year driver's license renewal and $163 for an 8-year renewal. When you renew online or by mail, you choose which term you want. At an MVA office, staff will ask which term you prefer. The fee is the same whether you renew before your license expires or after it has expired (as long as it has not been expired for more than 5 years).

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have different renewal fees and rules. A CDL renewal costs $109 for 5 years or $163 for 8 years, but you must renew in person at an MVA office and pass a medical examination. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail.

If you are renewing a license that includes a Real ID designation (marked with a gold star), the fee is the same. Real ID licenses are valid for travel within the United States and for federal building access. Maryland's Real ID licenses are valid for the same 5 or 8 year terms as standard licenses.

Name or address changes during renewal

If your name or address has changed, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, contact the MVA to request a new renewal notice that reflects your current information, or visit an MVA office to pick one up. For in-person renewal, bring the document proving your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and your proof of current address.

If you have moved within Maryland, your new license will be mailed to your new address as long as you provide it during the renewal process. If you have moved out of Maryland, you must explore for a new license in your new state — you cannot renew a Maryland license if you no longer live in Maryland.

What to do if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally as long as you have proof that you have submitted a renewal process. Keep the receipt or confirmation email from your online renewal, or the tracking number from your mail renewal, in your vehicle. If you are stopped by police, show them your expired license and your renewal proof.

If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you cannot drive legally and cannot renew. You must explore for a new license, which requires an in-person visit to an MVA office, a vision test, and a written knowledge test. The written test covers Maryland traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study using the Maryland Driver's Manual, available free on the MVA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must have a Maryland address to renew a Maryland license. If you have moved to another state, you need to explore for a license in that state instead. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency to learn about their process process.

What if I lost my renewal notice in the mail?

Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 and request a replacement renewal notice, or visit an MVA office in person to pick one up. You can also renew online if you meet the may be able to access requirements, which do not require the physical notice.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, unless your current photo is more than 8 years old or you request a new one. The MVA will use your existing photo on file for online and mail renewals. At an MVA office, you can request a new photo at no extra cost if you want one.

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

You can drive legally only if you have proof that you submitted your renewal before your license expired. Once your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you cannot drive and cannot renew — you must reapply in person with a vision test and knowledge test.

What is the difference between a 5-year and 8-year Maryland license?

The only difference is how long the license is valid. A 5-year license costs $109 and an 8-year license costs $163. Both are accepted for all legal purposes. Choose based on how often you want to renew and your budget.

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.