Where to renew and what documents you need
In Maryland, you can renew your driver's license in person at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, or online through the MVA website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had any violations or suspensions in the past five years.
If you renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing online, you will need your license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal.
Your license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person — the online option closes once your license passes the expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland lets you renew online if your license is not expired and you have no violations, suspensions, or medical restrictions in the past five years.
- In-person renewal at any MVA office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
- You can renew up to one year before your birthday, so you have a wide window to avoid driving with an expired license.
- Online renewal costs less and takes about 10 minutes, but you cannot use it if your license has already expired.
- If you have changed your name, address, or medical status, you must renew in person regardless of how recent your violations are.
Online renewal through the MVA website
To renew online, go to the Maryland MVA website and select the online renewal option. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and confirm whether you are may be able to access. If you are, you will pay the renewal fee (currently $70 for an eight-year license) and receive a confirmation number when ready.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. The online system does not issue a temporary license, so if you need to drive before your new card arrives and your current license has expired, you will need to renew in person instead.
If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, it will explain why — usually because of a suspension, violation, or medical flag on your record. In that case, you must go to an MVA office in person.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
Walk into any MVA office during business hours with your documents. You do not need an appointment for standard license renewal, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in Baltimore, Annapolis, and other major cities tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon, so early morning or mid-week visits usually mean shorter waits.
At the counter, tell the staff member you are renewing your license. They will check your documents, take a new photo, and ask you to sign. The entire process takes 15 to 30 minutes if the office is not crowded. You will pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license lets you drive legally during that time. If you move before your new license arrives, contact the MVA to update your address so the card goes to the right place.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Maryland charges $70 for an eight-year license and $35 for a four-year license. You choose the length when you renew. Most people choose the eight-year option because it costs less per year, but if you expect your address or medical status to change soon, a four-year license may make sense.
Your new license is valid from the date you renew until your birthday eight years (or four years) later. If you renew early — up to one year before your birthday — your expiration date does not change; the new license still expires on your actual birthday. This means renewing early does not give you extra time; it just lets you get a new card before the old one fails.
Special situations: name changes, address changes, and medical restrictions
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will not accept a photocopy or a document from your phone.
If you have moved to a new address in Maryland, you can update it during renewal, either online or in person. If you have moved out of Maryland, you cannot renew your Maryland license; you must get a license in your new state instead. Maryland will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state.
If you have new medical restrictions — for example, you now need glasses to drive, or you have a condition that affects your ability to operate a vehicle — you must renew in person so the MVA can note the restriction on your new license. Online renewal does not allow you to add or change medical information.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. The MVA will tell you when you try to renew online or when you go to an office in person. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first — usually by paying fines, completing a safety course, or waiting out a suspension period — before you can renew.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 before you attempt to renew. They can tell you the status of your record and what you need to do to clear it. Attempting to renew when your license is suspended will not make the suspension go away; it will just delay your renewal until the suspension is lifted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maryland license if I live out of state now?
No. Maryland will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state. You must get a license in your new state of residence. If you still own property in Maryland or have other ties to the state, that does not change this rule.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You must renew in person because the MVA needs to verify your identity. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. The staff will issue you a temporary license on the spot and mail your new license within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online without a current license number.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
By mail, 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you get a temporary license valid for 45 days while the permanent card is printed. If you renew online, you get a confirmation number but no temporary card, so you must continue using your current license until the new one arrives.
Do I have to renew on my birthday, or can I do it early?
You can renew up to one year before your birthday. Renewing early does not extend your expiration date — your new license still expires on your actual birthday. The benefit of renewing early is avoiding a rush or a gap if your current license fails.
What if the MVA says I am not may be able to access for online renewal?
The system will tell you why — usually a suspension, violation, or medical restriction. You must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal, and the staff will process your renewal and explain any restrictions or requirements.