How to Renew Your MVA Driver's License

What MVA License Renewal Means and Where to Start

MVA stands for Motor Vehicle Administration, which is Maryland's licensing and vehicle registration authority. If you hold a Maryland driver's license, you renew it through the MVA, not through a county office or a third-party vendor. The MVA handles all renewals — whether you're renewing in person, by mail, or online — and sets the fees and documents you'll need.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you your expiration date, which renewal method you're allowed to use, and the fee. You don't have to wait for the notice to renew; you can start the process once your license is within six months of expiration.

Maryland offers three renewal paths: online (fastest, if you're may be able to access), by mail (slower but no trip needed), or in person at an MVA office. Which one you can use depends on your age, whether your address has changed, and how long it's been since you last renewed in person.

Key Takeaways

Maryland's MVA allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses expire more than 60 days away and who haven't changed their address.
If you're over 65, have a medical condition code on your license, or haven't renewed in person for more than 16 years, you must renew at an MVA office.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs the same as online renewal, but you cannot use it if your address changed or your license is suspended.
In-person renewal at an MVA office requires a Real ID-compliant document (passport, passport card, or REAL ID driver's license) if you want to use your license for federal purposes like flying.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval, whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Option

Online renewal through the MVA website is available if your license is not suspended, you haven't changed your address, and you meet the age and renewal history requirements. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $109 for an eight-year license (standard for drivers under 65) or $62 for a five-year license (if you're 65 or older).

The process takes about 10 minutes. You answer questions about your name, address, and whether your vision and medical status have changed. Once you submit, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if you're over 65, if you have a medical condition code on your current license, if you've never renewed in person before, or if you haven't renewed in person within the last 16 years. It's also blocked if you've changed your address since your last license was issued.

Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required

If you're not may be able to access for online renewal but your address hasn't changed and your license isn't suspended, you can renew by mail. The MVA sends you a renewal form in your notice packet. You fill it out, include a check or money order for the fee ($109 or $62 depending on age), and mail it to the address printed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives it.

Mail renewal does not allow you to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license. If you need REAL ID compliance for air travel or federal building access, you must renew in person. You also cannot use mail renewal if your address has changed, if your license is suspended, or if you have a medical condition code that requires in-person review.

Keep your confirmation number or a copy of the form you mailed. If your new license doesn't arrive within four weeks, contact the MVA to verify they received your process.

In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office

You must renew in person if you're over 65, if you have a medical condition code on your license, if you've never renewed in person, or if it's been more than 16 years since your last in-person renewal. You may also choose in-person renewal if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license or if you've changed your address.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you want REAL ID compliance, bring one document from the REAL ID list: a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or an enhanced driver's license from another state. A standard birth certificate is not enough on its own for REAL ID.

You can schedule an appointment online through the MVA website or walk in during office hours. Appointments are faster and reduce wait time. Bring your documents, pay the fee ($109 or $62), and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

REAL ID Compliance and What It Means for Your Renewal

A REAL ID-compliant driver's license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building (like a courthouse or military base) starting May 7, 2025. Maryland's standard driver's license does not meet REAL ID standards. To get a REAL ID license, you must renew in person and present one may have access to document: a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state.

If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be a standard license, not REAL ID-compliant. You can still use it to drive, but you won't be able to use it for air travel or federal building access. If you need REAL ID compliance, plan to renew in person instead.

The fee for a REAL ID license is the same as a standard license ($109 for eight years, $62 for five years if you're 65 or older). The main difference is the document you bring and the in-person verification step.

What Happens If Your License Expires Before You Renew

If your license expires before your new one arrives, you are no longer legally allowed to drive. Do not drive on an expired license, even if your renewal is in progress. If you're pulled over, you can be cited for driving with an expired license.

If you're close to expiration and concerned your renewal won't arrive in time, contact the MVA to check the status of your process. If you renewed online or in person, you can ask for a temporary paper license to carry while you wait for the plastic card. If you renewed by mail, the processing time is longer, so plan ahead.

If your license has already expired and you haven't renewed, you'll need to renew before you drive again. The process is the same, but you cannot use online renewal if your license has been expired for more than six months.

Fees, Processing Times, and What to Expect

Maryland driver's license renewal fees depend on your age and the length of the license. A standard eight-year license costs $109. If you're 65 or older, a five-year license costs $62. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. REAL ID compliance does not add an extra fee.

Processing times vary by method. Online renewal shows approval within minutes, and your license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from receipt, plus mail delivery time. In-person renewal is approved on the spot, and your license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. During busy periods (like near the end of the month), mail processing may take longer.

You can drive on your current license while you wait for your new one to arrive, as long as your current license hasn't expired. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to the MVA if they ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, but with limits. If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person using the standard process. If it expired more than six months ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office. You cannot drive on an expired license while waiting for your renewal to process.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You cannot use online or mail renewal if your address changed. You must renew in person at an MVA office and bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Bring your current license and proof of your Social Security number as well.

Do I need a REAL ID license to renew my driver's license?

No. A standard Maryland driver's license is still valid for driving. You only need REAL ID compliance if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building. If you want REAL ID, you must renew in person and bring a passport, passport card, or enhanced license from another state.

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

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval, regardless of how you renewed. Online and in-person renewals are approved the same day or within minutes. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks to process before the license is mailed. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives, as long as your current license hasn't expired.

What if I don't receive my new license within two weeks?

Contact the MVA to check the status of your renewal. Have your confirmation number or process details ready. If the MVA confirms your renewal was approved but the license hasn't arrived, they can investigate the mailing or issue a temporary paper license so you can drive legally while you wait.

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.