What You Need to Renew in Maryland
Maryland allows you to renew your driver license in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, by mail, or online through the MVA website — but not all renewal types work for all three methods. If your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that changed, you can renew by mail or online. If your license is already expired, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
The renewal process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose. Online and mail renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days after the MVA receives your materials. In-person renewals are usually completed the same day, though wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day.
Maryland licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, and the MVA will mail your new license to the address on file. You do not need to take a new photo or pass a vision test unless your license has been expired for more than one year, or the MVA requests it.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office, but expired licenses must be renewed in person.
- Online and mail renewals cost $109 for an eight-year license and take 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewals are completed the same day.
- You must renew in person if your medical condition or driving restrictions have changed, or if your license has been expired for more than one year.
- The MVA will mail your renewed license to the address on file; you do not need to visit an office unless your situation requires it.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so plan ahead to avoid driving with an expired license.
Online Renewal Through the MVA Website
The fastest way to renew is online at mva.maryland.gov. You will need your current Maryland driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The MVA will verify your identity using this information and pull up your driving record.
Online renewal costs $109 for an eight-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card during the transaction. The MVA will mail your new license to the address currently on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address, you can do that during the online renewal process, and the new address will appear on your license when it arrives.
You cannot renew online if your license is already expired, if you have a medical condition or restriction that changed, or if the MVA has flagged your record for any reason. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.
Mail Renewal: What to Send and Where
To renew by mail, you must request a renewal form from the MVA or read it from the website. The form is called the process for Driver License or Permit (DL 43). You can request it by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758 or 1-888-769-0100, or you can print it from mva.maryland.gov.
Complete the form and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $109 made payable to the Maryland MVA. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license (front and back) or a photocopy of another form of identification. Mail your packet to the MVA office address shown on the form.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the MVA receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address, write the new address clearly on the form, and the MVA will update it. Mail renewal is not available if your license is expired, if your medical condition changed, or if you have restrictions that need updating.
In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office
You must renew in person if your license is already expired, if your medical condition or driving restrictions have changed, or if the MVA requests it. You can also choose to renew in person even if you are not required to. In-person renewals are usually completed the same day.
Bring your current Maryland driver license and one form of identification that shows your current address (such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease). If you have changed your address since your license was issued, bring proof of the new address. You will pay $109 at the time of renewal by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
You do not need to take a new photo unless your license has been expired for more than one year or the MVA requests it. You will not take a vision test unless the MVA determines one is necessary based on your driving record or medical history. Find your nearest MVA office and check wait times at mva.maryland.gov before you go.
When You Must Renew in Person
Three situations require in-person renewal: your license is already expired, your medical condition or driving restrictions have changed since your license was issued, or the MVA has flagged your record. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as vision loss, hearing loss, or a seizure disorder — you must renew in person so the MVA can review your condition and determine whether restrictions are needed.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and you will be required to take a new photo and pass a vision test. You will also need to provide proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return) and proof of your Maryland residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days).
If the MVA has suspended or revoked your license for any reason, or if you have unpaid traffic tickets or child support obligations, you cannot renew until those issues are resolved. Contact the MVA directly to find out what you need to do before you can renew.
Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, last 4 digits of SSN, date of birth | $109 | 7–10 business days |
| Completed DL 43 form, copy of current license or ID, check/money order | $109 | 7–10 business days | |
| In Person | Current license, one form of ID with current address, proof of address if changed | $109 | Same day |
| In Person (Expired 1+ year) | Current license, ID, proof of SSN, proof of residency, vision test | $109 | Same day |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to one year before expiration, and doing so keeps you from driving with an expired license. If you miss the expiration date, you must renew in person and may need to retake your vision test.
Do not send cash in the mail. The MVA will not accept it, and your renewal will be delayed. Use a check or money order instead. If you are renewing online or in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Do not assume your address is current on file. If you have moved since your last renewal, update your address during the renewal process. If you do not, your new license will be mailed to your old address and you will not receive it. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address.
Do not ignore a request from the MVA to renew in person. If the MVA sends you a letter asking you to renew in person, it means your record has been flagged for a reason — usually a medical condition, a restriction change, or an issue with your driving record. Ignoring the request can result in your license being suspended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maryland license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. You do not need to be in Maryland. If you must renew in person, you will need to visit an MVA office in Maryland, or you can contact the MVA to ask about alternatives if you have a medical condition that requires in-person review.
What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for my renewal?
If you renew online or by mail before your license expires, you are legally allowed to drive while your new license is in the mail. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you should not drive until the new license is in your possession.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No, unless your license has been expired for more than one year or the MVA requests it. For standard renewals, the MVA uses your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you can request one in person at an MVA office, though there is an additional fee.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
It depends on the ticket. If you have unpaid traffic fines or a suspended license due to unpaid tickets, you cannot renew until the issue is resolved. Contact the MVA or the court that issued the ticket to find out what you owe and how to pay it.
How do I know if my license is about to expire?
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can also log into your MVA account at mva.maryland.gov to check your license status and expiration date. The MVA does not send renewal reminders by mail, so it is your responsibility to track the date.