How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

What you need to do to renew in Maryland

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a Real ID, and how soon you need the new one. Online renewal is the fastest and costs nothing extra — you can do it from home in about 10 minutes. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an MVA office takes a few hours but is necessary if your license has expired by more than a year or if you need to change your address, name, or other information on the card itself.

Your Maryland license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, and five years if you are 65 or older. You can renew up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online, but if it expired more than a year ago, you must go to an MVA office in person and may need to retake the written test.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the MVA website is free and takes about 10 minutes if your license is still valid and you do not need a Real ID.
Mail renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and takes 2 to 3 weeks; you will need to send in your current license and a check or money order.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license expired more than a year ago, or if you need to change your name, address, or other information on the card.
A Real ID costs extra and requires proof of citizenship or legal residency, a Social Security number, and proof of your current address — you cannot get one online.
The renewal fee in Maryland is $70 for an eight-year license (or $43.75 for five years if you are 65 or older), plus $25 extra if you want a Real ID.

Online renewal through the MVA website

Go to mva.maryland.gov and click the "Renew Your License" button. You will need your current Maryland 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 ask you to confirm that your address, name, and other details are still correct. If everything matches, you can pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card. Maryland will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is only available if your license is still valid (not expired), you do not need a Real ID, and you are not changing any information on your card. If you need to update your address, name, or other details, you must renew in person or by mail.

Mail renewal and what to send

read the DL-43 form from the MVA website or call 410-787-7758 to request one by mail. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Make the check payable to "Maryland MVA." Mail everything to the address listed on the form — usually the MVA's central office in Glen Burnie.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the MVA receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you list on the form. If you need your license sooner, use online renewal or go to an MVA office in person. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail, but if it expired more than a year ago, the MVA may require you to visit an office in person.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

Find your nearest MVA office at mva.maryland.gov/locations. You can make an appointment online or call 410-787-7758. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name or address, bring the documents that support the change — a marriage certificate for a name change, or a new lease or utility bill for an address change.

At the office, an MVA staff member will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect the renewal fee. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while you wait for your new card to arrive by mail. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. If you have an appointment, you will typically wait less time than if you walk in without one.

Real ID and what it costs extra

A Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your Maryland license as identification for domestic flights and entry to federal buildings. It costs an extra $25 on top of the regular renewal fee. You cannot get a Real ID online — you must renew in person at an MVA office.

To get a Real ID, bring proof of citizenship or legal residency (a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card), your Social Security number (card or tax document), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days). If you do not have a Real ID and do not plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, you do not need one — a standard Maryland license is still valid for driving and most other purposes.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year license renewal costs $70. If you are 65 or older, a five-year renewal costs $43.75. A Real ID costs an extra $25. You can pay by debit card or credit card online, or by check or money order if you renew by mail. At an MVA office, you can also pay with cash or a debit card.

The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. There are no hidden charges or additional fees unless you are replacing a lost or stolen license (which costs more) or requesting an expedited mailing (which some MVA offices offer for an extra fee). If you renew online and your payment is declined, the MVA will contact you by email or phone to ask you to try again.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired less than a year ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person without any penalty. If your license expired more than a year ago, you may need to visit an MVA office in person, and the office staff may ask you to retake the written test to make sure you still know the rules of the road. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have already sent in your renewal process. Do not drive until your new license arrives. If you are stopped by police, you can show them the temporary paper license you received at the MVA office, or proof that you submitted your renewal process online or by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If you no longer live in Maryland, you must surrender your Maryland license and get a license from your new state. You cannot renew a Maryland license if your address is outside Maryland. If you moved temporarily but still live in Maryland, update your address at the MVA office or by mail before renewing.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

The MVA mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of your online renewal. Delivery by U.S. mail usually takes another 3 to 5 business days, so plan for 10 to 15 business days total. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at an MVA office and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot.

Do I need an appointment to renew at an MVA office?

Appointments are not required, but they are strongly recommended because they reduce wait times. You can make an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov or by calling 410-787-7758. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 1 to 2 hours depending on how busy the office is.

What if my name changed since my last license?

Bring proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — to an MVA office in person. You cannot change your name online or by mail. The staff will update your records and issue a new license with your current name. This counts as a renewal, so you will pay the standard renewal fee.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Maryland does not suspend your license for unpaid traffic tickets or fines alone. You can renew your license even if you have outstanding tickets. However, if your license was suspended for other reasons — such as a DUI conviction or failure to pay child support — you must clear the suspension before you can renew. Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to learn about your license is suspended.

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.