Maryland driver's license renewal basics

In Maryland, you renew your driver's license through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The process depends on whether you renew in person, by mail, or online — and which option is available to you depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a new photo.

Most Maryland drivers under 60 can renew online or by mail without visiting an MVA office. If your license expired more than two years ago, or if you need a new photo, you must go in person. The MVA processes renewals at its branch offices across the state, and you can find your nearest location on the MVA website.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland offers online renewal for drivers under 60 whose licenses expired less than two years ago and who do not need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal is available for the same group but takes longer — typically two to three weeks — than online renewal.
  • In-person renewal at an MVA branch is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you are 60 or older, or you need a new photo.
  • Your renewal fee in Maryland is $109 for a five-year license or $161 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check depending on your renewal method.
  • You will need your Social Security number, current address, and a valid form of identification to renew, whether you choose online, mail, or in-person renewal.

Online renewal through the MVA website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are under 60 and your license expired within the last two years. You go to the MVA website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal form. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and current address. Payment is by credit card or debit card only.

The MVA mails your renewed license to the address you provide, usually within five to seven business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive. If you need to verify your renewal status, you can check your MVA account online.

Mail renewal for drivers who cannot go online

If you prefer not to renew online, you can request a renewal form by mail from the MVA or read and print one from their website. You fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your form. Your new license will be mailed to you after processing. Like online renewal, you can drive on your expired license while waiting. If your mail gets lost, you can contact the MVA to confirm whether they received your renewal.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you are 60 or older, or if you need a new photo. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are not required to — some drivers prefer it because they walk out with a temporary license the same day.

To renew in person, bring your expired driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. The MVA will take a new photo, process your renewal, and give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Bring a credit card, debit card, or check to pay the renewal fee.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office — online and mail renewal are not available for licenses that have been expired that long.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you submitted a renewal process, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. If your license has been expired for a long time and you need to drive before you can renew in person, contact your local MVA office to ask about temporary driving permits.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Maryland charges $109 for a five-year driver's license renewal or $161 for an eight-year renewal. You choose which term you want when you renew. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Online renewal accepts credit cards and debit cards. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders. In-person renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and checks. If you pay by check or money order, make it payable to the Motor Vehicle Administration. Do not send cash by mail.

Finding your nearest MVA office and checking wait times

The MVA operates branch offices in most Maryland counties. You can find the address, phone number, and hours of your nearest office on the MVA website. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can vary by time of day and day of week.

The MVA website shows estimated wait times at each branch office, updated throughout the day. If you need to renew in person, checking wait times before you go can help you choose the best time to visit. You can also call ahead to ask about current wait times or to ask questions about what documents you need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If you no longer live in Maryland, you must surrender your Maryland license and get a license from your new state. You cannot renew a Maryland license if you are not a Maryland resident. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency to begin the process there.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must replace it first. Replacement requires an in-person visit to an MVA office with proof of identity and proof of your current address. Once you have your replacement license, you can then renew it using any of the three methods available.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Not always. If you renew online or by mail, the MVA uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, or if you are 60 or older, you must renew in person. The MVA will take a new photo at that time.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore?

Online renewal typically takes five to seven business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license the same day, and your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

What if my name changed since my last license?

If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at an MVA office and bring a certified copy of the document that proves your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will update your name and issue a new license.