Renewing your Maryland license online, by mail, or in person

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) lets you renew your driver's license in three ways: online through the MVA website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at an MVA office. Which route you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant card. Most people under 60 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online in minutes without visiting an office.

The online renewal process is the fastest option. You log into your MVA account, verify your information, pay the renewal fee (currently $109 for an eight-year license for drivers under 65), and receive a temporary digital license when ready. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to take a new photo or pass a vision test unless your license has been expired for more than two years or you have a medical condition flagged in the system.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland drivers under 60 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online at mva.maryland.gov without visiting an office.
  • Online renewal costs $109 for an eight-year license and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail; you get a temporary digital license when ready.
  • Mail renewal is available only if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need a Real ID; the process takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you are 60 or older, or you need a Real ID for federal travel.
  • You will need your Social Security number, current address, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.

Online renewal: the fastest route for most drivers

To renew online, go to mva.maryland.gov and log into your account using your driver's license number and date of birth. If you do not have an account, you can create one on the same page. The system will show you whether you are may be able to access for online renewal; if you are, you will see a "Renew License" button on your dashboard.

During the online process, you will confirm your address, emergency contact, and organ donor status. You will also declare whether your vision, medical condition, or driving record has changed since your last renewal. If you answer yes to any medical or vision question, the system may require you to visit an MVA office for a vision test or medical review. Once you complete the form and pay the $109 fee with a debit or credit card, you will receive a temporary digital license on your screen that you can screenshot or save. This temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for your physical card.

Your new physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The card will have the same number as your current license and will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal (or until age 65 if you are between 57 and 65). You do not need to take a new photo unless your license has been expired for more than two years.

Mail renewal: available only if your license recently expired

Mail renewal is an option only if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need a Real ID. To use this route, you must request a renewal form from the MVA by calling 410-227-1371 or visiting an MVA office. You cannot start a mail renewal directly online; you have to request the form first.

Once you receive the form, fill it out, include a check or money order for $109 payable to "Maryland MVA," and mail it to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license if possible. The MVA will process your renewal and mail your new license back to you within two to three weeks of receiving your completed form.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and requires you to have a form mailed to you first, so most drivers choose the online option instead. Mail renewal also does not give you a temporary license while you wait, so if your current license is already expired, you should not drive until your new card arrives.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, you are 60 or older, you need a Real ID, or the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal. To renew in person, visit any MVA office with your current license (or expired license if it has been less than five years), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable proof of Social Security number includes your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you will also need to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers, plus one additional document proving your current address.

At the office, you will take a new photo, pass a vision test, and pay the renewal fee. The vision test is a straightforward machine test that takes less than a minute. Your new license will be issued on the spot, though the physical card may take a few days to arrive by mail if the office is busy. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for your card.

Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded on weekday mornings and during off-peak hours. You can check current wait times on the MVA website before you go. Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online through the MVA website, which can save you time.

Real ID requirements and when you need one

A Real ID is a federal standard for driver's licenses and state ID cards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current Maryland license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not Real ID-compliant.

You cannot upgrade to a Real ID online or by mail. You must renew in person at an MVA office and bring original or certified proof of your identity, Social Security number, and current address. The documents required are the same as for a standard in-person renewal, except you must bring an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers instead of just a copy.

The Real ID renewal fee is the same as a standard renewal ($109 for eight years). Your new Real ID license will have a gold star and will be valid for federal travel and building access. If you do not need to fly or enter federal buildings, you do not need a Real ID; a standard Maryland driver's license remains valid for driving.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it. You must reapply for a new license, which requires taking the written knowledge test and the road test again. You will also need to visit an MVA office in person, bring proof of identity and address, and pay the full process fee (currently around $109 for an eight-year license).

To reapply, schedule a road test appointment through the MVA website or by calling 410-227-1371. You will need to pass the written test first, which you can take at any MVA office. Once you pass the written test, you can schedule your road test. The road test must be taken within 90 days of passing the written test, or you will have to take the written test again.

If your license expired because you were out of the country or unable to renew due to a medical condition, you may be able to request a waiver of the road test. Contact the MVA directly to ask about this option.

Fees, processing times, and what to expect

The standard renewal fee for a Maryland driver's license is $109 for an eight-year license for drivers under 65. Drivers 65 and older pay $39 for a five-year license. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Processing times vary by method. Online renewal gives you a temporary digital license when ready and your physical card within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your form. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license on the spot and your physical card within a few days to a week, depending on office volume.

You can check the status of your renewal online through your MVA account. If you do not receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact the MVA at 410-227-1371 or visit the website to report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired Maryland license while I wait for my renewal?

If you renewed online or in person, yes — your temporary digital license or paper license is valid for driving. If you renewed by mail and your license is already expired, you should not drive until your new card arrives, because you have no temporary license.

What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?

You can update your address during online renewal. If you are renewing in person or by mail, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The MVA will print your new address on your license.

Do I need a new photo if I renew online?

No, unless your license has been expired for more than two years. Online renewal uses your existing photo. In-person renewal always requires a new photo.

What if the online system says I am not may be able to access to renew online?

The system will tell you why you are not may be able to access — usually because your license expired more than two years ago, you are 60 or older, or you have a medical flag in the system. You will need to renew in person at an MVA office instead.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You must clear the suspension or revocation first by paying any outstanding fines, completing required programs, or meeting other conditions set by the MVA. Contact the MVA to find out what you need to do to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.