How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland MVA Renewal: What You Need to Know

Maryland allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether your address or name has changed. Most people can complete an online renewal in minutes without visiting an office.

Your Maryland license is valid for eight years from the issue date. The MVA will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for that notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the MVA website takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for a standard eight-year license, but only works if your address and name match your current records.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice the MVA sends you, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks; you cannot use a credit card by mail.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is necessary if you have a commercial license, a hazmat endorsement, or if your address or legal name has changed since your last renewal.
You must pass a vision test for any in-person renewal, and bring a valid form of identification plus proof of your current address.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit an MVA office in person.

Online Renewal Through the MVA Website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew at mva.maryland.gov using your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against MVA records and ask you to confirm your address and name.

Online renewal costs $109 for a standard eight-year license. You pay by credit card or debit card during the transaction. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

You cannot renew online if your address has changed, your legal name has changed, you hold a commercial license (CDL), you have a hazmat endorsement, or your current license has been expired for more than one year. If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail Renewal Using Your Renewal Notice

The MVA mails renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. To renew by mail, sign the back of your renewal notice, include a check or money order for $109, and mail both to the address printed on the envelope.

Do not send cash. The MVA does not accept credit cards by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address shown on your renewal notice.

If you lost your renewal notice, you can request a duplicate by calling the MVA at 410-768-7000 or visiting an MVA office. You can also renew online if you have not lost your renewal notice and meet the online requirements listed above.

In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office

You must renew in person if you hold a commercial driver's license, have a hazmat endorsement, your legal name has changed, your address has changed, or your license has been expired for more than one year. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring your current license, a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will be asked to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken. The cost is $109 for a standard eight-year license.

You can schedule an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov to reduce wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted. If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early. Your new license will be issued on the spot, and you can use it when ready as a valid form of identification.

What Documents to Bring for In-Person Renewal

For any in-person visit, bring your current Maryland driver's license or learner's permit. If your license is expired, bring a second form of valid identification such as a U.S. passport, military ID, state ID, or permanent resident card.

Bring proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy. The document must show your name and current address.

If your legal name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If your address has changed, the proof of address document serves as your notification.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

A standard eight-year Maryland driver's license renewal costs $109. This fee applies whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew online or in person, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or cash. If you renew by mail, you must pay by check or money order.

The MVA does not accept partial payments or payment plans. Your renewal is not complete until full payment is received. If you pay by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, the MVA will contact you to request payment before your license is issued.

Timeline and When Your New License Arrives

Online renewal is the fastest: your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. In-person renewal is when ready — you receive your new license the same day you visit the office.

Your old license remains valid until your new license arrives or is issued. You do not need to destroy your old license, but you should not carry both as your primary ID. If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office in person. You may also be required to retake the written knowledge test and driving test depending on how long it has been expired. Contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to confirm what tests you need.

What if my address changed but I do not have a utility bill or lease?

You can use a bank statement, insurance policy, mortgage statement, or any official document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current address. If you do not have any of these, contact the MVA to ask about alternative proof of address documents they will accept.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

If you renew online or by mail, the MVA uses your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, you will have a new photo taken. You cannot request to keep your old photo for an in-person renewal.

Can I renew my commercial license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) can only be renewed in person at an MVA office. You must pass a vision test and have a new photo taken. Bring your current CDL, valid ID, and proof of address.

What happens if I renew online but my address is wrong in the system?

The online system will not let you complete the renewal if your address does not match MVA records. You will be directed to renew by mail or in person instead. If you believe your address is incorrect in the system, visit an MVA office to update it before attempting to renew online again.

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.