What you need to know about Maryland MVA license renewal
Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. Which method you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew before their license expires, which keeps the process simpler and faster.
Your Maryland license is valid for five years from the date you receive it. The MVA sends a renewal notice to your mailing address about 60 days before expiration. That notice tells you which renewal method works for you and includes a barcode you'll need if you renew online or by mail.
The cost is $70 for a standard five-year renewal. You'll pay the same amount whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use the online or mail method — you must go to an MVA office in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at mva.maryland.gov, by mail using your renewal notice, or in person at any MVA office.
- Online and mail renewal cost $70 and take about two weeks; in-person renewal is when ready but requires an appointment.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
- You need a new photo every 16 years, so most renewals do not require you to visit an office.
- Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before expiration and includes the barcode needed for online or mail renewal.
Online renewal through the MVA website
Online renewal is the fastest method if your license is not yet expired or expired less than two years ago. Go to mva.maryland.gov, click the renewal option, and enter your driver's license number and the barcode from your renewal notice. You'll answer questions about any changes to your address, name, or medical conditions, then pay the $70 fee by credit or debit card.
The entire process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives. Online renewal works only if your current license is still valid or expired less than two years ago.
You cannot renew online if you need a new photo, if your name has changed due to marriage or court order, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail renewal using your renewal notice
Mail renewal uses the same may be able to access rules as online renewal: your license must not be expired more than two years. Fill out the renewal form on the back of your renewal notice, include the barcode, and mail it with a check or money order for $70 to the address printed on the notice.
Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid driving on an expired license. Include a return address so the MVA can send your new license back to you.
Like online renewal, mail renewal does not work if you need a new photo, have a name change, or hold a CDL. You also cannot use mail renewal if you want to change your address to a P.O. box — the MVA requires a street address for driver's licenses.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you have a name change. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are not required to — it is the only method that gives you your new license the same day.
Book an appointment at mva.maryland.gov or by calling 410-768-7000 (TTY 410-768-7001). Bring your expired or expiring 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 60 days). Bring $70 in cash, check, or card.
Appointments typically have wait times of 15 to 45 minutes depending on the office and time of day. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer waits. If you need a new photo, the MVA takes one at the office. Your new license is printed on the spot and you leave with it the same day.
When you need a new photo
Maryland requires a new photo every 16 years. If your current license was issued 16 or more years ago, your renewal notice will tell you that you need a new photo. You cannot renew online or by mail when a new photo is required — you must go to an MVA office.
You also need a new photo if you have had significant facial surgery, if you are transgender and want your photo to reflect your current appearance, or if you straightforward want a new one. The MVA charges no extra fee for a new photo; it is included in the $70 renewal cost.
What to do if your license has expired
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as before expiration. Your renewal notice remains valid even after your license expires.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit an MVA office in person with your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The $70 fee is the same, and you receive your new license the same day.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Maryland. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. If your license has been expired for a long time, renew it as soon as you can.
Changes you can make during renewal
During renewal, you can update your address, change your name (if you have a court order or marriage certificate), add or remove organ donor status, and update your emergency contact. If you are renewing online or by mail, you answer these questions as part of the form. If you are renewing in person, tell the MVA representative about any changes when you arrive.
You cannot change your date of birth, sex, or class of license during renewal. If you need to change any of those, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. Contact the MVA office for instructions on how the process works for a new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
Yes. If you renew online or by mail before your license expires, you can drive on your expired license until your new one arrives. If you renew in person, you receive your new license when ready and can drive right away. Never drive on a license that expired more than two years ago.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online without the notice — just enter your driver's license number and date of birth on the MVA website. If you prefer to renew by mail, call the MVA at 410-768-7000 and ask them to send you a new notice, or visit an MVA office in person.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointments are strongly recommended and can be booked online at mva.maryland.gov or by phone at 410-768-7000. Walk-ins are accepted but typically wait longer. Booking ahead saves you time, especially during busy seasons.
What if my name changed since I got my current license?
Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your name change when you renew in person. You cannot renew online or by mail with a name change — you must visit an MVA office. The $70 fee covers the name change.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew?
Online and mail renewal take 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is when ready — you leave the office with your new license the same day. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before expiration to avoid driving on an expired license.