How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Maryland driver's license online through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your renewed license arrives by mail 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, though wait times vary by location.

Not everyone can renew online. You must be renewing a standard Class D license (not a commercial license), have no medical restrictions, and not have changed your name, address, or vision correction status since your last license was issued. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.

Your Maryland license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. The MVA sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to begin the process.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the MVA website is available only if you hold a standard Class D license with no medical restrictions and have not changed your name, address, or vision status.
You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card) to renew online.
Mail renewal requires you to complete Form DL-43, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the MVA; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal at an MVA office requires your current license, proof of Maryland residency, and payment; you receive your renewed license when ready if you pay for expedited service.
The renewal fee is $70 for an eight-year license; expedited in-person service costs an additional $10.

Online Renewal Through the MVA Website

To renew online, go to mva.maryland.gov and select the renewal option from the main menu. You will be asked to enter your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against MVA records and confirm whether you are may be able to access to renew online.

If you are may be able to access, you will be asked to review your current license information and confirm that your name, address, and vision status have not changed. You cannot update any of these details online; if any have changed, you must renew by mail or in person. Once you confirm your information, you will pay the $70 renewal fee by credit or debit card. The MVA will mail your renewed license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Keep your confirmation number from the online transaction. If your renewed license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the MVA with this number to track your order.

Mail Renewal: Form DL-43 and Payment

To renew by mail, read or request Form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit) from the MVA website or pick one up at any MVA office. Complete the form, sign it, and include a check or money order for $70 payable to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Do not send cash.

Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. If you need to update your address, phone number, or other information, you must do so on the form before mailing.

If you do not receive your renewed license within three weeks, contact the MVA by phone at 410-787-7758 (Baltimore area) or 1-888-769-0100 (toll-free) with your license number and the date you mailed your process.

In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office

Visit any MVA office with your current license, proof of Maryland residency, and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. You do not need an appointment for standard renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Pay the $70 renewal fee by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you pay for standard service, your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you pay an additional $10 for expedited service, you will receive your renewed license when ready at the office. Expedited service is the only way to get your license the same day.

The MVA office will take a new photo for your renewed license during your visit. Bring a photo ID if your current license has expired or is about to expire.

When You Cannot Renew Online or by Mail

You must renew in person if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), have medical restrictions on your license, have changed your name since your last license was issued, have changed your address and cannot update it by mail, or have changed your vision correction status. You must also renew in person if your current license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled.

If you have a name change, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate. The MVA will not process a name change without this document. If you have a medical restriction that needs to be removed or changed, bring a letter from your physician or eye care provider stating that the restriction no longer applies.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

The standard renewal fee for an eight-year Maryland driver's license is $70. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Expedited in-person service costs an additional $10, bringing the total to $80 if you want your license the same day.

Online and in-person renewal accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash (in-person only). Mail renewal requires a check or money order. The MVA does not refund renewal fees if you change your mind after paying, so confirm your information before submitting payment.

What Happens If Your License Expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show your renewal confirmation number or receipt as proof that you have applied, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew before your expiration date whenever possible.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. There is no additional penalty fee or late charge — the renewal fee remains $70. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you may be required to retake the written test and vision test, and you will need to visit an MVA office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the MVA, which may require paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or meeting other requirements. Contact the MVA to find out what steps you need to take before you can renew.

What if I moved out of Maryland but still have a Maryland license?

You cannot renew a Maryland license if you no longer live in Maryland. You must obtain a license from your new state of residence. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Maryland resident, you can renew by mail or online if you meet the may be able to access requirements.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license if I pay for expedited service?

Expedited in-person service means you receive your renewed license when ready at the MVA office on the day you explore. You will walk out with your new license in hand after paying the $80 fee (standard $70 plus $10 expedited charge).

Can I renew my license if my name has changed?

Yes, but only in person. Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate. The MVA will not process the renewal without this document.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license number. You must visit an MVA office in person with a photo ID and proof of residency. The MVA will look up your license number in their system and process your renewal at that time.

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.