Maryland driver's licenses renew on a staggered schedule based on your birth month, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office
Your Maryland driver's license expires on your birthday in the year printed on the card. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) sends a renewal notice about 60 days before that date to the address on file. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive — you can renew as soon as you receive it, or up to one year before your license expires. The easiest path for most people is online through the MVA website, which takes about 15 minutes and costs $109 for a standard five-year renewal.
If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your process or visit an MVA office in person. Each method has different requirements and timelines. The choice depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the renewed license in your hands.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland licenses expire on your birthday, and the MVA sends a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration.
- Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option and works if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo.
- If your license is expired or you need a new photo, you must renew by mail or in person at an MVA office.
- A standard five-year renewal costs $109; a REAL ID-compliant license costs $134.
- Mail renewal takes four to six weeks; in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.
Renewing online through the MVA website
Online renewal is available if your current Maryland license is still valid (not expired), you have not had any address changes since your last renewal, and you do not want a new photo on your license. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check).
Go to the MVA website, select "Renew Your License Online," and follow the prompts. You will confirm your personal information, choose your license type (standard or REAL ID), pay the renewal fee, and receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will arrive by mail in about two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal does not work if your license has already expired, if you have moved since your last renewal, or if you want a new photo. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works whether your license is current or expired, and it is the option to choose if you cannot visit an MVA office and do not meet the requirements for online renewal. The MVA will send you a renewal process with your notice, or you can read the DL-43 form from the MVA website and print it yourself.
Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and any required documents (such as proof of address if you have moved). Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the MVA receives your process. You can continue to drive during this time if your current license is still valid.
If your license has expired and you are waiting for your renewal to arrive, you may be stopped by police. Carry your confirmation notice or a copy of your mailed process as proof that you have renewed. Some employers and banks may not accept an expired license even if you have applied for renewal, so check with them before your current license expires.
Renewing in person at an MVA office
In-person renewal is the fastest way to get a renewed license if you need it when ready, and it is required if you want a new photo, if your license has been lost or stolen, or if you have changed your name or address. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Visit any MVA office during business hours. You will fill out the DL-43 form, have your photo taken, pay the renewal fee, and receive your new license on the spot. No appointment is needed, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The MVA website shows current wait times at each office, so you can choose the least busy location.
License types and renewal costs
Maryland offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A standard five-year renewal costs $109. A REAL ID-compliant license, which meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings, costs $134 for five years. Both are valid for driving in Maryland and the rest of the United States.
If you are renewing online or by mail, you will choose which type you want during the process. If you are renewing in person, tell the MVA staff which type you prefer. You do not have to upgrade to REAL ID when you renew, but if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025, you will need either a REAL ID license or a passport.
What to do if your license has expired
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must retest and get a new license. This means taking the written test and the road test again, just as a first-time driver would. Contact your local MVA office to schedule the tests.
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it by mail or in person using the standard renewal process. You do not have to retake the tests. However, you cannot drive legally until your renewed license arrives, so plan ahead if you need your license for work or daily driving.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you have moved since your last renewal, you cannot renew online — you must renew by mail or in person. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. The MVA will not process a name change by mail. Once you have renewed with your new name, your new license will reflect it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before the renewal notice arrives?
Yes. You can renew online, by mail, or in person as soon as you are within 60 days of your expiration date. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive. Check the expiration date on your current license to see when you become may be able to access.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation and fine. If your license has expired and you have mailed in a renewal process, carry a copy of your process or confirmation notice as proof that you have renewed. Some police officers may accept this, but it is not may provide.
How long does it take to get my renewed license by mail?
The MVA typically processes mail renewals in four to six weeks from the date they receive your process. Delivery time varies depending on postal service delays. Plan to mail your process at least six weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, a new photo is optional. If you renew online or by mail, your current photo will be used. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office. You can also request a new photo in person even if you are not renewing your license, though there may be a separate fee.
What is the difference between a standard license and a REAL ID?
Both are valid for driving in Maryland and the rest of the United States. A REAL ID license meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license does not. If you plan to fly domestically after May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or a passport. The REAL ID costs $25 more than a standard renewal.