Maryland driver's license renewal at a glance

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) lets you renew your license online, by mail, or in person, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal. Most people under 60 can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If you are 60 or older, or if your license has been expired for more than a year, you must renew in person. The fee is $109 for a standard eight-year license, and the process takes about two weeks by mail or one to two days online.

You will need your current Maryland license, a Social Security number, and a valid mailing address. If you are renewing online, you also need a credit or debit card to pay the fee. The MVA does not mail renewal notices, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date and starting the process before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland residents under 60 with a valid license can renew online, by mail, or in person; those 60 and older must renew in person at an MVA office.
  • Online renewal takes one to two business days and costs $109; mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires the same fee paid by check or money order.
  • You will need your current license, Social Security number, and a valid mailing address for any renewal method.
  • The MVA does not send expiration reminders, so check your license expiration date and renew at least two weeks before it expires.
  • If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit an MVA office in person.

Online renewal through the MVA website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You must be under 60, your license must not be expired, and you must have held a Maryland license for at least eight years. Go to the MVA website (mva.maryland.gov), select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity.

The system will display your current license information and ask you to confirm or update your address. If you have moved, you must provide your new address; the MVA will mail your new license to that address. Once you review all information, you pay the $109 fee with a credit or debit card. The MVA will email you a temporary digital license that you can use when ready on your phone while your physical card is in the mail, which typically arrives within one to two business days.

If the online system rejects your process, it will tell you why — usually because your license is expired, you are 60 or older, or your identity could not be verified. In that case, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal by sending documents to the MVA

Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. Complete the process for Renewal of License (Form DL 43), which you can read from mva.maryland.gov or request by phone at 410-787-7758. Sign the form and include your current license (or a photocopy if you need to keep it), a check or money order for $109 made payable to the Motor Vehicle Administration, and a copy of proof of your current address — such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease dated within the last 60 days.

Mail the packet to: Motor Vehicle Administration, Licensing Division, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. Do not mail your original license unless you are changing your address; if you do, the MVA will not return it.

Keep a record of what you send and when. If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to confirm receipt of your process.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

You must renew in person if you are 60 or older, your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you need to change your name or address on your license. Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been more than one year), proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Visit any MVA office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some offer Saturday hours. You can check office locations and hours at mva.maryland.gov. Bring the $109 fee in cash, check, or debit card. The MVA will take your photo and issue your new license on the spot; you can use it when ready as your legal ID.

Wait times vary by office and time of day. Offices in Baltimore, Prince George's County, and Montgomery County tend to be busier. If you want to avoid a long wait, go early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process as above. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, the MVA treats it as a new license process rather than a renewal. You must visit an MVA office in person, bring the documents listed above, and pay the $109 fee. You will also need to pass a vision test and provide proof of your Social Security number and current address.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as you realize your license has expired.

License renewal fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year Maryland driver's license costs $109 to renew. This fee applies whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. The MVA does not offer discounts for seniors or other groups. If you are renewing by mail, you must pay by check or money order. If you renew online or in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Do not send cash by mail.

If you renew online and your process is rejected after you have paid, the MVA will refund your fee within 5 to 7 business days. If you renew by mail and your process is rejected, the MVA will return your check or money order with an explanation of why the renewal was denied.

Common mistakes to avoid during renewal

The most common error is waiting until your license expires to start the renewal process. The MVA does not send reminders, so mark your expiration date on a calendar and begin renewal at least two weeks before that date. If you renew by mail, the two-week processing time means your new license may not arrive before your current one expires.

Another frequent mistake is providing an outdated address. If you have moved, update your address during renewal, even if you plan to move again soon. The MVA will mail your new license to the address you provide, and if that address is wrong, your license will be delayed or lost. If you move after submitting your renewal process, contact the MVA when ready at 410-787-7758 to update your address before your new license is mailed.

Do not mail your original license unless you are required to change your address. If you do, the MVA will not return it, and you will have no ID until your new license arrives. If you must mail your license, make a photocopy first and keep it as proof of identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you are under 60 and your license is not expired, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you are 60 or older or your license is expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at an MVA office in Maryland. Some people in this situation ask a family member or friend in Maryland to renew on their behalf, but the MVA requires the license holder to be present for in-person renewal.

What happens if I renew online but my address is wrong?

Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 before your new license is mailed. If you call in time, the MVA can update your address and send the license to the correct location. If your license is already mailed to the wrong address, you can pick it up at the address it was sent to, or contact the MVA to arrange a remail to your correct address.

Do I need a new photo for license renewal?

No, unless you renew in person. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew at an MVA office, the staff will take a new photo as part of the in-person process.

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

Yes. Maryland does not suspend license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if you have an outstanding warrant or your license is suspended for other reasons (such as failure to pay child support), the MVA may deny your renewal. Call 410-787-7758 to check your status before you explore.

How long is a renewed Maryland license valid?

A standard renewed license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Your new expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. If you are 60 or older, your license is valid for five years instead of eight.