Maryland MVA driver's license renewal: what you need to know

In Maryland, you renew your driver's license through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), either in person at a branch office, by mail, or online depending on your situation and how much time is left before expiration. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how close you are to the expiration date, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people can renew online or by mail if their license hasn't expired yet, but once it's past the expiration date, you must go to an MVA office in person.

Your renewal timeline matters because Maryland processes each method at a different speed. Online renewal is fastest — you'll have your new license in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. In-person renewal is when ready if you need your license right away, though wait times at offices vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses haven't expired, and the process takes about 10 minutes on the MVA website.
  • Mail renewal is available if your license is current and you don't need to change your address, photo, or signature, and takes about two weeks from mailing.
  • In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license has already expired, and you'll need your current ID, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.
  • Maryland driver's licenses are valid for eight years for adults under 65 and five years for drivers 65 and older, so renewal timing depends on your age.
  • The renewal fee in Maryland is $109 for an eight-year license or $68 for a five-year license, and you can pay by card, check, or cash depending on your renewal method.

Online renewal: the fastest option for current licenses

If your Maryland driver's license hasn't expired yet and you don't need to change your address, photo, or signature, you can renew online through the MVA website. The process takes about 10 minutes and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).

Online renewal costs $109 for an eight-year license if you're under 65, or $68 for a five-year license if you're 65 or older. You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you need to update your photo or signature, or if you're changing your address — in those cases, you must visit an MVA office or use mail renewal (if your address hasn't changed).

Mail renewal: when you want to avoid the office

Mail renewal is available if your license is still valid and you don't need to change your address, photo, or signature. You'll mail your current license, a completed renewal form, and a check or money order to the MVA. The process takes about two weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope, so send it at least three weeks before your expiration date to be safe.

To use mail renewal, read and complete Form DL-43 from the MVA website, include your renewal fee ($109 for eight years or $68 for five years), and mail everything to the address listed on the form. The MVA will send your new license by mail. If you're changing your address, you cannot use mail renewal — you must go in person or renew online before your address change takes effect.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

If your license has expired, you need to change your address, update your photo, or change your signature, you must renew in person at an MVA branch. Bring your current or expired license, proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your renewal fee. You can pay by cash, check, card, or money order at the office.

Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. You can check real-time wait times on the MVA website before you go, and many offices allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce your wait. Bring all required documents to avoid making a second trip — the MVA will not process your renewal if you're missing proof of residency or your ID.

What happens if your license has already expired

Once your Maryland driver's license expires, you cannot drive legally, and you must renew in person at an MVA office. You cannot use online or mail renewal after the expiration date has passed. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your renewal fee. If you've been driving with an expired license, you may face a citation, so renew as soon as possible.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, the MVA may require you to retake the written test and vision test in addition to paying the renewal fee. Check the MVA website or call your local branch to confirm what's required before you go in, since requirements can vary based on how long your license has been expired.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Maryland driver's license renewal costs $109 for an eight-year license (for drivers under 65) or $68 for a five-year license (for drivers 65 and older). Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders. In-person renewal at an MVA office accepts cash, check, card, or money order.

The fee covers the new license card and the administrative cost of processing your renewal. If you renew online or by mail, you do not pay any additional shipping or handling fees — the cost listed is the total amount due. If you're renewing in person, ask the MVA office whether they accept all payment types, since some smaller branches may have limited payment options.

How long Maryland licenses are valid

Maryland driver's licenses are valid for eight years if you're under 65 years old, or five years if you're 65 or older. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute. Starting your renewal process three months before expiration gives you time to handle any issues without driving with an expired license.

If you turn 65 before your current license expires, you do not automatically get a shorter license — you'll renew on your normal schedule. When you renew after turning 65, your new license will be valid for five years instead of eight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license if I just moved to the state?

No. You must have a Maryland address and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) before you can renew. If you just moved to Maryland, you should first get a Maryland license by visiting an MVA office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and the required fee. Then you can renew on Maryland's schedule.

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

You'll need to replace your lost license and renew in one visit to an MVA office. Bring proof of residency, your Social Security number, and payment for both the replacement fee and the renewal fee. The MVA will issue you a new license with an updated expiration date.

How do I check my renewal status after I explore online or by mail?

The MVA does not provide a tracking system for online or mail renewals. Online renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days, and mail renewals within two weeks of receipt. If your new license doesn't arrive within that timeframe, contact your local MVA office with your license number and the date you submitted your renewal.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Yes. Unpaid traffic tickets do not prevent you from renewing your license in Maryland. However, if you have an outstanding warrant or suspension related to your driving record, the MVA may not process your renewal. Check the MVA website or call your local office if you're unsure about your driving record status.

What if my address changed since I last renewed?

You must update your address in person at an MVA office — you cannot use online or mail renewal if your address has changed. Bring your current license, proof of your new Maryland address (dated within 60 days), and your renewal fee. The MVA will issue a new license with your updated address.