How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online, by mail, or at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Which one you can use depends on your license type, how much time is left before expiration, and whether you need to update your photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains a renewal code you will need for online or mail renewal. If you do not receive one, you can still renew at an MVA office or request a replacement notice by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758.

Standard Maryland licenses expire on your birthday, five years after issue. Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) expire every five years on the date of issue. Real ID compliant licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and follow the same five-year cycle.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes 10 minutes and costs $109 for a standard five-year license; you receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal uses the renewal notice you receive 60 days before expiration, requires a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if you need a new photo, have a CDL, or want to change your name or address without a supporting document.
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you are over 70 years old (those require in-person renewal).
Real ID compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses and renew through the same channels, but you must bring an original or certified birth certificate if renewing in person for the first time.

Online renewal through the MVA website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you have a standard driver's license that is not suspended or revoked. Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Your License Online." You will need your renewal code from the notice the MVA sent you, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).

The process takes about 10 minutes. You will confirm your personal information, choose whether to keep your current photo or request a new one (new photos cost an extra $10), and pay the renewal fee of $109. If you request a new photo, the MVA will mail you a temporary paper license and your new photo license within 7 to 10 business days. If you keep your current photo, your renewed license arrives in the same timeframe.

Online renewal is not available if you are over 70, if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have a CDL, or if you need to change your name or address without supporting documents. In those cases, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

Mail renewal with your renewal notice

Mail renewal works if you have a standard driver's license and your renewal notice arrived. Complete the renewal form on the back of the notice, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $109 to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. Your renewed license will arrive by mail after that. If you want a new photo, you cannot request it by mail; you must renew online or in person. Mail renewal is also not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you are over 70.

Keep a copy of your renewal notice or the check number in case you need to track your process. If your renewed license does not arrive within 4 weeks, contact the MVA at 410-787-7758.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

Renew in person if you need a new photo, have a CDL, are over 70, have a suspended or revoked license, or need to change your name or address without a supporting document. You can also renew in person if you prefer not to use online or mail options.

Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your identity and Social Security number (such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card). If you are changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address, bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

Visit any MVA office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some offer Saturday hours. You can check office hours and locations at mva.maryland.gov. In-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay $109 for a standard license or $134 for a Real ID compliant license. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new photo license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Real ID compliant license renewal

Maryland's Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. Renewal costs $134 instead of $109, a difference of $25.

If you already have a Real ID license, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a standard license. If you are renewing a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you must renew in person and bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or passport card. You cannot upgrade to Real ID online or by mail.

Real ID licenses expire on the same schedule as standard licenses (five years from issue). If your current Real ID license is not expiring soon but you want to upgrade from a standard license, you can visit an MVA office to request a Real ID license outside of renewal; that costs $109 for the remainder of your current license term.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) renewal

CDLs cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your current CDL, proof of identity and Social Security number, and a current medical certificate (MCSA-5871 form) signed by a licensed medical examiner within the last 12 months.

CDL renewal costs $109 for a five-year license. You will take a vision test and answer questions about your medical history. If your medical certificate has expired or is missing, you cannot renew your CDL until you obtain a new one from a medical examiner. The MVA office can provide a list of approved examiners.

Your CDL expires five years from the date of issue, not on your birthday. Check your license to see the expiration date. You can renew up to one year before expiration.

Fees and payment methods

Standard driver's license renewal costs $109 for a five-year license. Real ID compliant licenses cost $134. CDL renewal costs $109. A new photo costs an extra $10 if you request one during online renewal.

Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made payable to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Do not send cash by mail.

If you renew before your license expires, you do not lose the remaining time on your current license. Your new license will be valid for five years from the date of renewal, so your total validity period extends beyond the original expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my renewal notice did not arrive?

Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 and request a replacement notice. You can also renew in person at any MVA office without the notice. If you want to renew online or by mail, you need the renewal code from the notice, so requesting a replacement is the fastest option.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first. Contact the MVA to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps are required to restore it. Once it is restored, you can renew through any available method.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license?

Online and in-person renewal: 7 to 10 business days by mail. Mail renewal: 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time. If you renew in person and request a new photo, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your photo license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I have to renew on my birthday?

No. Your license is valid until 11:59 p.m. on your birthday. You can renew anytime during the 12 months before expiration. Renewing early does not shorten your license validity; your new license will be valid for five years from the renewal date.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

If you are renewing in person, bring your current license and a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If you are renewing online or by mail, you cannot change your name; you must renew in person at an MVA office.

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.