Maryland driver's licenses renew every five years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office
Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) lets you renew your license without visiting an office if you meet certain conditions. Most people renew online through the MVA website, which takes about 10 minutes. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal or go to a local MVA office. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you have changed your address, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. Real ID is a federal standard that affects which licenses work for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. If your current license is not Real ID-compliant and you want one, you must renew in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a Real ID upgrade.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks total and costs $109 for a five-year license; you send in your current license and a completed form.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if you need a Real ID, have an expired license, or changed your address.
- Maryland licenses expire on your birthday five years after issue, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- A Real ID-compliant license requires proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address — documents you must bring to an office.
Online renewal: fastest option if you may have access to
Online renewal through the MVA website is the quickest path if your license is current and you do not need a Real ID upgrade. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the $109 renewal fee by credit or debit card, and submit. The MVA sends your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You can renew online only if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, you do not need a Real ID, and you are not a commercial driver. If any of these do not explore to you, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Your temporary license is your current license until the new one arrives. You can use it to drive when ready after you submit your online renewal.
Mail renewal: no office visit required
Mail renewal takes longer than online but works if your license is expired or you have changed your address. You complete the renewal form (DL 43), include your current license, and mail both to the MVA address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $109 payable to the Motor Vehicle Administration.
The MVA processes mail renewals in the order received. Total time is usually two to three weeks from the day they receive your envelope. You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives, even if it is expired, as long as you have mailed in your renewal.
read the DL 43 form from the MVA website or request one by phone at 410-768-7000. Include your current address on the form so the MVA knows where to send your new license.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
You must renew in person if you need a Real ID-compliant license, your license is expired and you changed your address, or you are a commercial driver. MVA offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the MVA website.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you want a Real ID, also bring proof of citizenship or legal residency: a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers.
The MVA does not require an appointment for license renewal, but you can reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis. Processing takes about 15 minutes once you reach the counter.
Real ID: what you need to know for your next renewal
A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current Maryland license does not have the gold star, you can upgrade it during renewal.
Real ID renewal requires an in-person visit. Bring your current license, proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The fee is the same as a standard renewal: $109 for five years.
If you do not need to travel by air or enter federal buildings, you do not have to upgrade to Real ID. A standard Maryland license remains valid for driving within the state and for other purposes.
Renewal fees and what they cover
A five-year Maryland driver's license renewal costs $109, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This is the standard fee for all drivers. There are no additional fees for Real ID upgrade; the cost is the same.
The fee covers your new license card and the processing of your renewal. If you pay by credit or debit card online, the MVA charges no extra processing fee. If you mail in your renewal, send a check or money order; the MVA does not accept credit cards by mail.
What to do if your license is expired or suspended
If your license is expired, you can still renew by mail or in person. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than one year. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it; you must resolve the suspension first by paying fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the MVA.
Contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you must take to restore it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license using any of the three methods.
Timeline and expiration dates
Maryland driver's licenses expire on your birthday, five years after the date of issue. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. For example, if your license expires on March 15, 2025, you can renew it starting March 15, 2024.
Renewing early does not change your expiration date; your new license will still expire five years from the date you renew. If you renew in March 2024, your new license expires in March 2029.
You can check your license expiration date on the front of your card or by logging into your MVA account online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maryland license if I moved out of state?
No. You must be a Maryland resident to hold a Maryland license. If you have moved to another state, you should obtain a license from your new state. If you still live in Maryland but changed your address within the state, you can renew by mail or in person.
What if I lost my license before renewal?
You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online. Go to an MVA office with proof of identity and address, and request a replacement license. The fee is $39 for a replacement. Once you have your replacement, you can renew it normally when it expires.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the MVA will take a new photo unless you request otherwise. You can ask to keep your existing photo if you prefer.
How long does my license stay valid while I wait for the new one?
Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, even if it expires during that time. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to the MVA.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at an MVA office. Bring your current CDL, proof of medical certification (if required), and the same documents as a standard renewal.