How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in Maryland

You can renew your Maryland driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. Online renewal is the quickest option — you can complete it in minutes from home — but it's only available if your license hasn't expired more than one year ago and you meet a few other conditions. If you can't renew online, mail renewal takes about two to three weeks. In-person renewal at an MVA office is the slowest but guarantees you walk out with a new license the same day.

Your renewal method depends on your license type, how long it's been expired, and whether you've had any changes to your name, address, or medical status since your last license was issued. Maryland groups drivers into different categories based on age and license class, and each has its own renewal timeline and rules.

Key Takeaways

Maryland lets you renew online if your license expired less than one year ago, you have no address changes, and you're not renewing a commercial license.
The online renewal fee is $109 for an eight-year license, and you'll receive your new license by mail in about two weeks.
If you can't renew online, you can mail your process and documents to the MVA, which takes two to three weeks total.
In-person renewal at an MVA office takes one to two hours but gives you a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail within two weeks.
Your renewal timeline depends on your age: drivers under 65 renew every eight years, and drivers 65 and older renew every five years.

Who can renew online in Maryland

Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website is available only if all of these conditions are true: your license expired less than one year ago, you have no changes to your name or address since your last license, you're not renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), and you don't have any medical conditions that require a new medical evaluation. If your license expired more than one year ago, you'll need to renew in person or by mail.

You'll also need a valid email address and a payment method — Maryland accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The online fee is $109 for an eight-year license. Once you complete the online form and pay, you'll receive your new license by mail in about two weeks. You won't get a temporary license online, so if you need to drive before your new license arrives, you'll need to renew in person instead.

Renewing by mail: documents and timeline

To renew by mail, you'll need to send the MVA a completed process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43), your current license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. The fee is $109 for an eight-year license if you're under 65, or $54 for a five-year license if you're 65 or older. Mail your documents to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062.

Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your process. You won't receive a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need to drive during this time. If your license has already expired and you're stopped by police, you may face a citation, so in-person renewal is safer if your license is already past its expiration date.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

Renewing in person at an MVA office is the most direct route if you need a license when ready. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). You'll also need to bring a check or money order, or be prepared to pay by card at the office.

The in-person process usually takes one to two hours depending on how busy the office is. You'll complete the process, have your photo taken, and receive a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks. The MVA recommends scheduling an appointment online before you go, as walk-ins may face longer waits. You can book an appointment at the Maryland MVA website.

License renewal fees and what they cover

Maryland's renewal fees depend on your age and the length of your new license. If you're under 65, an eight-year license costs $109 online or by mail, or $109 in person. If you're 65 or older, a five-year license costs $54 online or by mail, or $54 in person. These fees cover the cost of your new license card and the MVA's processing.

If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, money order, or card. Online and mail renewals accept checks, money orders, and cards only — not cash. If you're renewing a commercial license or have medical restrictions, your fee may be different; contact the MVA directly for those rates.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license has expired, you can still renew it, but the process depends on how long it's been expired. If it expired less than one year ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person using the standard process. If it expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online — you must renew by mail or in person. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you've submitted a renewal process.

If you're stopped by police while your license is expired, you may receive a citation. Renewing as soon as possible protects you from this risk. If your license expired more than five years ago, the MVA may require you to retake the written test and vision test, so contact the MVA before you go to an office to confirm what you'll need to bring.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Maryland

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online. You must renew a CDL in person at an MVA office or by mail. For in-person renewal, bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a medical certificate (MCSA-5876 form) if your CDL is expiring. The medical certificate must be completed by a certified medical examiner and is valid for 24 months.

CDL renewal fees are the same as standard license fees ($109 for eight years if you're under 65, or $54 for five years if you're 65 or older). If you're renewing by mail, include your current CDL, the completed process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43), your medical certificate if required, and a check or money order. Mail it to the same address as standard renewals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license if I've moved to another state?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online if you meet the other requirements (license expired less than one year ago, no name changes, no medical changes). However, if you've changed your address, you cannot renew online — you must renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new address. If you've moved out of state permanently, you should update your address with the MVA before renewing.

What if I lost my current license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew online. You must go to an MVA office in person to report the loss and renew at the same time. Bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. The MVA will issue you a temporary license on the spot and mail your permanent license within two weeks.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?

You'll receive a temporary license when ready when you finish your in-person appointment. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is valid for 45 days.

Can I renew my license early in Maryland?

Yes, you can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or on time.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person or by mail and bring legal documentation of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The MVA will issue a new license with your updated name.

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.