How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland driver's licenses renew every five years, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) lets you renew your license without visiting an office if you meet certain conditions. Most people renew online or by mail for a fee of around $70 to $100 — the exact amount depends on whether you add a REAL ID endorsement. If you cannot renew remotely, you will need to visit an MVA office in person, bring specific documents, and pay the renewal fee at that time.

Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal options and a barcode you can use to renew online. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew — check the MVA website for your expiration date or call the MVA at 410-787-7758.

Key Takeaways

Maryland licenses expire five years from the date of issue, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if you have your renewal notice barcode and a valid payment method.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, renewal notice, and a check or money order.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license is suspended, if you have certain medical conditions, or if you are renewing for the first time after moving to Maryland.
REAL ID endorsement costs extra and is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Online renewal is available if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not a commercial driver. You will need your renewal notice (which includes a barcode), your current Maryland license number, and a credit or debit card. Go to the MVA website, select "Renew Your License Online," enter your information, and pay the renewal fee. You receive a temporary digital license when ready, and your physical card arrives by mail in about 10 business days.

If you lost your renewal notice, you can still renew online by entering your license number and date of birth to look up your account. The MVA website will show you whether you are may be able to access for online renewal before you pay.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if you meet the same conditions as online renewal. Complete the renewal form that came with your notice, include your current license, and mail everything along with a check or money order to the address on the form. Do not send cash. Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your envelope, so mail your renewal at least three weeks before your expiration date to avoid driving on an expired license.

Keep a copy of your check or money order number in case the MVA loses your payment. If your renewal is not processed within four weeks, contact the MVA with your tracking information.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical conditions that require MVA review, if you are a commercial driver, or if you are renewing for the first time after becoming a Maryland resident. Bring your current license, proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2). You will also need to pass a vision test and pay the renewal fee in cash, check, or card.

Visit the MVA website to find an office near you and check wait times before you go. Many offices are busier on weekday mornings and Saturdays, so consider visiting on a weekday afternoon if possible. Your new license is issued on the spot, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

Adding REAL ID to your renewal

A REAL ID endorsement is a small star on your license that shows you have met federal identity verification standards. You need it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access certain military bases. REAL ID costs an additional $30 to $35 on top of your renewal fee.

If you renew online or by mail, you can add REAL ID during the renewal process. If you renew in person, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers along with your other documents. The MVA will verify your identity and issue a REAL ID license on the spot.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have already submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited and fined. If your license expires and you have not yet renewed, stop driving and renew when ready — either online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation.

If you are caught driving with a suspended or revoked license (which is different from expired), the penalties are much steeper and may include jail time. Check your license status on the MVA website if you are unsure whether it is straightforward expired or suspended.

Renewing a commercial driver's license

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) in Maryland must be renewed in person at an MVA office. You will need your current CDL, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and medical certification from a Department of Transportation-approved examiner. The medical certificate must be dated within 24 months of your renewal. Bring all documents to an MVA office, pass a vision test, and pay the renewal fee. Your new CDL is issued the same day.

If your medical certificate has expired or you have a medical condition that has changed, you must obtain a new certificate from an approved examiner before you renew your CDL. Driving a commercial vehicle without a valid medical certificate is a federal violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license if I moved out of state?

No. Once you move out of Maryland, your license is no longer valid for renewal through the MVA. You must obtain a license from your new state. If you are still a Maryland resident but moved within the state, you can renew online or by mail without updating your address first — the MVA will use the address on file.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is lost. Visit an MVA office with proof of residency and Social Security number. The MVA will issue a replacement license and renew it at the same time. You will pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.

How much does it cost to renew in Maryland?

A standard five-year renewal costs around $70 to $100 depending on the method and whether you add REAL ID. Online and mail renewal are the same price. In-person renewal may cost slightly more if you are also paying for a replacement. REAL ID adds $30 to $35 to any renewal.

Can I renew early, before my license expires?

Yes. Maryland allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. Your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date, so renewing very early means your new license expires sooner overall.

What if the MVA website says I am not may be able to access for online renewal?

The most common reasons are a suspension or revocation on your record, a medical restriction, or a commercial license. Check your license status on the MVA website or call 410-787-7758 to find out why you are not may be able to access. You will need to 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.