Maryland driver's license renewal options and timelines

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Which option you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photo.

Standard licenses are valid for eight years. You can renew up to one year before expiration or up to two years after it expires. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Real ID compliant licenses (marked with a gold star) are also valid for eight years but have stricter renewal rules. You cannot renew a Real ID online or by mail — you must go to an MVA office in person and bring original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Maryland residency.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland offers online renewal for standard licenses that are not yet expired or expired less than two years ago, with no office visit required.
  • Real ID compliant licenses must be renewed in person at an MVA office with original identity documents, even if your standard license would be may be able to access for online renewal.
  • Mail renewal is available for standard licenses and takes about two weeks, but you cannot update your photo by mail.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to pass the written knowledge test again.
  • You can renew starting one year before your license expires, which gives you a wide window to avoid driving on an expired license.

Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you have a standard Maryland driver's license that is not yet expired or expired within the past two years. You go to the Maryland MVA website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal form. The process takes about 10 minutes.

You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The renewal fee is $109 for an eight-year license. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal does not let you update your photo, so your new license will use the photo from your current license. If you need a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

Mail renewal and what documents to send

You can renew by mail if your standard license is not yet expired or expired within the past two years. read the DL-43 renewal form from the Maryland MVA website, fill it out completely, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $109 to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the MVA receives your envelope. You cannot track your process online, so allow extra time if you need your new license by a specific date. Like online renewal, mail renewal does not include a new photo.

Do not send cash in the mail. Make checks payable to "Maryland MVA." Include your current license in the envelope — the MVA will destroy it and issue your new one.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

You must renew in person if you have a Real ID compliant license, if your standard license expired more than two years ago, or if you want to update your photo or address. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Maryland address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

The MVA will take a new photo during your visit. You will pay $109 for an eight-year license. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, or you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Maryland MVA website before you go. Many offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait.

Real ID renewal requirements and documents

If your license has a gold star in the upper right corner, it is Real ID compliant. Real ID licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail — you must visit an MVA office in person with original documents.

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or passport card. You also need an original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number (W-2, 1099, tax return, or Social Security statement). Bring proof of your current Maryland address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days.

The MVA will take a new photo and issue your renewed Real ID license. The fee is $109 for an eight-year license. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license is expired

You can renew online or by mail if your license expired less than two years ago. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office. The MVA may require you to retake the written knowledge test, depending on how long your license has been expired and your driving record.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you are in the process of renewing. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as your license is may be able to access to avoid this risk.

If your license has been expired for several years, contact the MVA before you go to an office to ask whether you need to retake the written test. You can call the MVA at 410-768-7000 or check their website for specific guidance based on your situation.

Updating your address during renewal

If you moved to a new address in Maryland, you can update it during renewal. Online renewal lets you change your address as part of the renewal form. Mail renewal includes a space on the DL-43 form to enter your new address.

In-person renewal at an MVA office also updates your address. Bring proof of your new address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days. The MVA will print your new address on your renewed license.

If you move out of Maryland, you cannot renew your Maryland license. You must get a license from your new state instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have a standard license that is not yet expired or expired within two years. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you have a Real ID license or your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office in Maryland.

How much does it cost to renew a Maryland driver's license?

The renewal fee is $109 for an eight-year license. This is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You pay by credit card or debit card online, or by check or money order if you renew by mail.

What if I need my new license before the mail arrives?

If you renew in person at an MVA office, you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait for your new license to arrive by mail. The paper license is valid for 45 days. Online and mail renewal do not include this option.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Only if you renew in person. Online and mail renewal use your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must go to an MVA office.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will update your name and issue a new license with your current photo.