How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland License Renewal: In-Person, By Mail, or Online

You can renew your Maryland driver's license through three routes: online at mva.maryland.gov, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration office. Which route you take depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether your address or name has changed. Online renewal is fastest and costs nothing extra, but it is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or medical suspensions in the past five years.

Maryland licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew up to one year before expiration, and you have a grace period of up to 30 days after expiration to renew without penalty. After 30 days past expiration, you must renew in person and may face a late fee.

The renewal fee is $70 for a five-year license or $140 for an eight-year license. Payment method depends on your renewal route: online accepts credit or debit card; by mail requires check or money order; in person accepts cash, check, card, or money order.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at mva.maryland.gov takes 10 to 15 minutes and is free to process if you renew before your license expires.
By-mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after MVA receives your process, and you must include a check or money order for the $70 or $140 fee.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license is expired more than 30 days, if you have changed your name or address, or if you have had a medical suspension or serious violation in the past five years.
You do not need a new photo or medical certificate unless you are renewing in person or your license was suspended for medical reasons.
If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your old license until the new one arrives.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

Online renewal is open 24 hours a day and requires only your current Maryland license number, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card. You do not need to upload documents or visit an office. The system will ask you to confirm your address and contact information, then process your payment when ready.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if any of the following explore: your license is already expired, you have had a medical suspension or revocation in the past five years, you have had a serious violation (such as DUI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license) in the past five years, you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), or you are under 21 years old. If any of these conditions explore, you must renew by mail or in person.

After you complete online renewal, you will receive a confirmation number. 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. If your license is expiring within the next week, renew online when ready rather than waiting.

By-Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required

To renew by mail, read the DL/ID Renewal process (Form DL 43) from mva.maryland.gov or request one by calling 410-787-7758. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $70 (five-year license) or $140 (eight-year license) to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash.

Include only what the form asks for: your completed process, your payment, and a copy of your current license if you are renewing a non-Real ID license. You do not need to include a new photo or medical information unless the MVA specifically requests it. Mail your process to the address on the form; do not mail it to a local MVA office.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the MVA receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after that. If you are renewing close to your expiration date, mail your process at least three weeks before your birthday to avoid expiration during processing. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives, even if your license expires during processing.

In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office

You must renew in person if your license is expired more than 30 days, if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal, if you have had a medical suspension or revocation in the past five years, if you have had a serious violation in the past five years, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your photo or if you are under 21 years old.

Bring your current Maryland license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have had a medical suspension, bring a letter from your doctor stating that you are medically fit to drive.

Visit mva.maryland.gov to find an office near you and check wait times. Many offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online. Processing at the office takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Real ID Compliance and License Type Changes

Maryland Real ID licenses are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. If your current license does not have a gold star and you want to renew to a Real ID license, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers).

If you are renewing a standard (non-Real ID) license online or by mail, your new license will also be standard unless you request a Real ID upgrade. You cannot upgrade to Real ID online or by mail; you must do so in person at an MVA office.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person. You will need to pass a vision test and provide medical certification on the FMCSA Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5875). Bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and your medical certificate.

What Happens If Your License Expires

You have a 30-day grace period after your license expires to renew without penalty. During this period, you can still drive legally while you renew online, by mail, or in person. After 30 days past expiration, your license is considered invalid, and you cannot legally drive. You must renew in person, and the MVA may charge a late fee.

If you are more than 30 days past expiration, you will need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test or road test, depending on how long your license has been expired. The MVA will tell you what is required when you arrive at the office.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and will likely need to retake both the written and road tests. Contact your local MVA office before you visit to confirm what documents and tests you will need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is already expired?

Yes, but only if it expired 30 days ago or less. You can renew online, by mail, or in person without penalty. If your license expired more than 30 days ago, you must renew in person and may face a late fee. You cannot legally drive on an expired license after the 30-day grace period ends.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after processing is complete. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, unless you are renewing in person or your license was suspended for medical reasons. Online and by-mail renewals use your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

What if my address has changed since my last renewal?

You can update your address online or by mail during renewal. If you are renewing online, the system will ask you to confirm or update your address. If you are renewing by mail, write your new address on the process form. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days).

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date; your new license will expire one year from your current expiration date, not one year from the renewal date. This means renewing early does not give you extra time on your license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.