Renew your Maryland driver license online, by mail, or in person
Maryland lets you renew your driver license through three routes: online at mva.maryland.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online and receive their license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Maryland sends renewal notices to your address on file about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at mva.maryland.gov is the fastest option for most people and takes about 10 minutes if your information has not changed.
- You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you have a commercial driver license.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you do not need a photo update, and takes 7 to 10 business days plus mailing time.
- Bring your current license, proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number to any in-person appointment.
- You can schedule an in-person appointment online to avoid waiting, though walk-ins are accepted at most offices during business hours.
Online renewal: fastest for most drivers
Online renewal through mva.maryland.gov works if your license is not expired, you do not need a new photo, and your name and address have not changed. The process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The renewal fee is $109 for an eight-year license.
After you complete the online form and pay, Maryland mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before it arrives and do not have your old license, you can print a temporary license from your online account.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have a commercial driver license, or if you are renewing a Real ID-compliant license for the first time. In those cases, you must go in person.
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 need a new photo, if you are upgrading to a Real ID license, or if you hold a commercial driver license. Bring your current license, proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).
Maryland has 26 MVA offices across the state. You can walk in during business hours, but scheduling an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov saves time. Appointments are usually available within a few days. The renewal fee is $109 for a standard eight-year license. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you are renewing a Real ID license for the first time, bring an additional document proving your date of birth and legal name (birth certificate, passport, or marriage certificate if your name has changed). Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.
Mail renewal: limited availability
You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. Mail the completed renewal form (DL 43) along with your current license and a check or money order for $109 to the address listed on the form. You can read the form from mva.maryland.gov or request one by calling 410-787-7758.
Mail renewal takes longer than other methods because of postal delivery time in both directions. Plan for 2 to 3 weeks total. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you will be driving on an expired license, which is not legal.
What happens if your license is expired
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to an MVA office in person.
If your license expired while you were out of state or unable to renew for another reason, you can still renew at any time. There is no penalty fee for late renewal in Maryland, but your license will not be valid until you complete the renewal process. If you need to drive before your appointment, ask the MVA about a temporary license.
Real ID compliance and photo requirements
Maryland Real ID licenses have been available since 2009 and are now required for federal building access and domestic air travel. If your current license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not Real ID-compliant. You can upgrade to a Real ID license during renewal, but you must do so in person at an MVA office.
When you renew in person, the MVA will take a new photo unless you request a waiver. You can request a photo waiver if you have a medical, religious, or other documented reason. If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your previous license is carried forward to your new license.
Fees and payment methods
A standard eight-year driver license renewal in Maryland costs $109. This is the fee whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are renewing a Real ID license for the first time, the fee is the same — there is no additional charge for Real ID compliance.
Online and in-person renewals accept debit cards, credit cards, and cash (in person only). Mail renewal requires a check or money order. Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing in person and do not have a payment method with you, most MVA offices have an ATM on site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have moved out of state?
No. You must hold a Maryland address to renew a Maryland license. If you have moved, you need to obtain a driver license from your new state. You can surrender your Maryland license by mail or in person at an MVA office.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.
How long does a temporary license last?
A temporary license issued at an MVA office is valid for 45 days. It allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. If your permanent license does not arrive within 45 days, contact the MVA to request a replacement.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the MVA. Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privilege before you can renew.
What if I lost my current license before renewal?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. You must go to an MVA office in person and bring proof of identity and residency. The MVA will issue a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your old license was not yet expired.