What You Need to Know About Maryland License Renewal
Maryland driver's licenses expire every five years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have before expiration, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but certain situations — like a name change or a medical condition — require an in-person visit.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal code, which you will need for online or mail renewal. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew, but you will need your driver's license number and other identifying information.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland licenses expire five years from the date of issue, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to six months after.
- Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option and costs $109 for a five-year license, but you cannot change your photo or address online.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same as online, but requires you to mail in your current license and wait for the new one to arrive.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if you need a new photo, have a name change, or want to update your address on your license.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency to any in-person renewal appointment.
Online Renewal Through the MVA Website
The Maryland MVA website allows you to renew your license from home without mailing anything or visiting an office. You will need your renewal code from your notice letter, your driver's license number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal costs $109 for a five-year license and is available only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and your address and name have not changed. If any of these conditions explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail instead. You cannot upload a new photo online, so your new license will use your current photo on file.
To renew online, visit mva.maryland.gov, click "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Keep this number for your records. Your new license will arrive at the address on file, so make sure your mailing address is current before you start.
Mail Renewal: Step-by-Step Process
Mail renewal is an option if you cannot renew online and prefer not to visit an MVA office. You will mail your current license, your renewal notice, and a check or money order to the MVA. The process takes two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your materials.
To renew by mail, complete the renewal notice that arrived in your mailbox and include it with your current driver's license. Write a check or money order for $109 payable to "Maryland MVA." Do not send cash. Mail everything to the address printed on your renewal notice. Keep a copy of the notice for your records, and consider using certified mail so you can track delivery.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license. If you need to change your address, you must renew in person instead. Mail renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you have medical restrictions that need to be reviewed by an MVA examiner.
In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office
You must renew in person if you need a new photo, have changed your name, want to update your address, have medical restrictions, or if your license is suspended or revoked. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at an MVA office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can walk in without an appointment at most offices, but scheduling an appointment online or by phone reduces your wait time.
To schedule an appointment, visit mva.maryland.gov and select "Schedule an Appointment," or call the MVA at 410-768-7000. Appointments are available at all 26 MVA offices across Maryland. If you walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the day or on a weekday to avoid longer waits.
In-person renewal costs $109 for a five-year license. You will receive your new license on the spot with a new photo taken at the office. Bring your current driver's license, your renewal notice (if you have it), and the documents listed in the next section.
Documents You Must Bring to an MVA Office
Maryland requires three types of documents for in-person renewal: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency. Your current driver's license counts as proof of identity. If your license is expired or you do not have it, bring a passport, military ID, or state ID card instead.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return with your full Social Security number. A birth certificate does not count as proof of Social Security number. For proof of Maryland residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Maryland address. A driver's license or ID card with your current address also counts as proof of residency.
| Document Type | Acceptable Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Current driver's license, passport, military ID, state ID card |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2, 1099, tax return |
| Proof of Maryland Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement (within 60 days), or ID with current address |
Renewal Timelines and Expiration Rules
Your Maryland driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, which means you can start the renewal process 12 months early. You can also renew up to six months after expiration, but driving with an expired license is illegal, so do not wait until after your license expires to renew.
If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal or 2 to 3 weeks for mail renewal. Your current license remains valid until your new license arrives, so you can continue to drive legally during this time. If you renew in person, you receive your new license when ready and can drive home with it.
If your license expires and you have not yet received your new one, you can print a temporary license from the MVA website to carry with your expired license. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and shows that you have a renewal in progress. To print it, visit mva.maryland.gov and select "Print Temporary License."
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Renewal
One of the most common mistakes is trying to renew online when your situation requires in-person renewal. If you have a medical condition, a name change, or a suspended license, the online system will reject your renewal and you will have wasted time. Check your renewal notice carefully — it will tell you whether you can renew online or must visit an office.
Another mistake is mailing your renewal materials without keeping a copy or tracking number. If your envelope is lost in the mail, you will not know where your materials went. Use certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof of delivery. Do not send cash — always use a check or money order, and make it payable to "Maryland MVA," not to an individual or office.
If you are renewing in person, bring all three types of documents (identity, Social Security proof, and residency proof) even if you think you only need one. The MVA staff will ask for all three, and if you do not have them, you will have to leave and come back. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for residency documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maryland license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the MVA to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew in person at an MVA office.
What if I changed my name since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will issue a new license with your updated name. You cannot change your name through online or mail renewal.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Online renewals are mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the MVA receives your materials. In-person renewal is when ready — you receive your new license before you leave the office.
Can I renew my license if I moved out of Maryland?
No. Your Maryland license is only valid if you are a Maryland resident. If you have moved to another state, you must obtain a driver's license from that state. You cannot renew a Maryland license if you no longer live in Maryland.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew without the notice. For online renewal, you will need your driver's license number and other identifying information. For mail renewal, contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to request a replacement notice. For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license and the required documents.