How to Renew Your Driver's License Through Maryland's MVA

What the Maryland MVA Renewal Process Looks Like

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles all driver's license renewals in the state. You can renew in person at an MVA office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the MVA website for standard renewals. The method you use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information.

Most Maryland drivers renew every five years for a standard license, or every eight years if you are 65 or older. The MVA sends renewal notices about 60 days before your expiration date, but you do not have to wait for the notice to begin the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Maryland offers online renewal for standard licenses that have not been expired more than one year, but you must have a valid Social Security number and pass an identity verification check.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address, medical information, or organ donor status.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license has been expired more than one year, if you need a REAL ID-compliant license, or if you want to change your photo.
The renewal fee for a standard five-year license is $109; an eight-year license for drivers 65 and older costs $109 as well.
You must bring proof of residency and a valid form of identification to any in-person renewal appointment.

Online Renewal Through the MVA Website

The fastest way to renew is online at mva.maryland.gov if your license meets the requirements. Your license must not be expired by more than one year, and you must have a valid Social Security number on file with the MVA. You will also need to pass an identity verification check, which typically involves answering security questions based on your credit history or other personal records.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number, then answer verification questions. Once approved, you pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The MVA mails your new license to the address on file, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Online renewal does not allow you to change your address, update your medical information, add or remove organ donor status, or request a new photo. If you need any of these changes, you must renew in person or by mail (for address changes only, in some cases).

Mail Renewal: When It Works and What You Need

You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired, you do not need to change your address, and you do not need to update your medical information or organ donor status. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but requires no appointment or trip to an MVA office.

To renew by mail, use the renewal notice the MVA sends you, or read the process for Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 43) from mva.maryland.gov. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a photocopy of your current driver's license with your process.

Processing by mail typically takes 3 to 4 weeks from the date the MVA receives your process. Your current license remains valid during this time. If you do not receive your new license within 4 weeks, contact the MVA to check the status of your process.

In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a REAL ID-compliant license, if you want a new photo, or if you need to change your address, medical information, or organ donor status. In-person renewal also applies if you are unable to pass the online identity verification check.

Schedule an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov or call 410-768-7000. Walk-in appointments are available at some offices, but appointment wait times are typically shorter. Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if it has been less than five years since expiration), proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of Social Security can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return.

The in-person appointment takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken, answer medical history questions, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days if you need to drive before your new license arrives.

REAL ID Compliance and What Changes for You

Maryland's REAL ID-compliant licenses are required for federal purposes such as boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. A standard Maryland driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant. If you need a REAL ID license, you must renew in person and bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two forms of proof of residency.

The REAL ID license looks the same as a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. The fee is the same as a standard renewal: $109 for a five-year license. If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant and you do not request one during renewal, your new license will also not be REAL ID-compliant. You can upgrade to REAL ID at any time by visiting an MVA office in person.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

The renewal fee for a standard five-year driver's license is $109. Drivers 65 and older pay the same fee for an eight-year license. These fees cover the license itself and are set by Maryland state law; they do not vary by MVA office or renewal method.

For online renewal, you pay by credit or debit card at the time of process. For mail renewal, send a check or money order; do not send cash. For in-person renewal, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the MVA office. If you are renewing by mail and your process is rejected, the MVA will return your payment and notify you of the reason.

What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than One Year

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit an MVA office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You will also need to pass a vision test and answer medical history questions again, as if you were renewing for the first time.

The renewal fee remains $109. Processing takes the same 7 to 10 business days as a standard renewal. You can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days if you need to drive when ready. Note that driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have submitted a renewal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before the expiration date?

Yes. Maryland allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. The MVA will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it. You can start the renewal process as soon as you want using any method — online, by mail, or in person.

What if I moved and need to change my address?

If you moved within Maryland, you can change your address online during renewal if your license is not expired. If your license is expired or you prefer to change your address in person, visit an MVA office with proof of your new residency. Mail renewal allows address changes only in limited cases; contact the MVA to confirm whether your situation qualifies.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and in-person renewals typically result in a new license arriving within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 3 to 4 weeks from the date the MVA receives your process. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives. You can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days at any in-person appointment.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are strongly recommended and can be scheduled online at mva.maryland.gov or by calling 410-768-7000. Some MVA offices accept walk-ins, but appointment wait times are typically much shorter. Check the MVA website to see which offices near you offer walk-in service.

What if I lost my Social Security number or do not have one?

If you do not have a Social Security number, you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and any documentation you have regarding your immigration status or work authorization. The MVA will work with you to complete the renewal without a Social Security number, though some services may be limited.

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.