Maryland License Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your Maryland driver's license online, by mail, or at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an MVA office is required only if your license has been expired for more than 2 years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you do not meet the online renewal requirements.
Your renewal timeline depends on your license type and when it expires. Standard licenses expire on your birthday every 5 years. Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) expire every 5 years but have stricter renewal rules. Maryland sends renewal notices 60 days before your expiration date — check your mail for this notice, as it contains information you will need.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available if your license has been valid for at least 5 years, you have not changed your name or address, and you have no medical restrictions or violations that require in-person review.
- You will need your current Maryland license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice Maryland sends you, a completed Form DL-43, and a check or money order; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office requires a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; bring your renewal notice if you have it.
- The renewal fee is $70 for a 5-year standard license; CDL renewals cost more and require a medical certificate.
Online Renewal: Requirements and Steps
Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website is the quickest path if you meet the may be able to access rules. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than 2 years, if you need to change your name or address, if you have a CDL, if you have medical restrictions, or if your license shows any violations or suspensions that require MVA review.
To renew online, go to the Maryland MVA website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record. You then confirm your address, select your renewal term (5 years), and pay the $70 fee with a debit or credit card. Your new license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your expired license as proof of identity until the new one arrives.
Mail Renewal: Forms and Timeline
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid (not expired more than 2 years) and you do not need to change your name or address. You will need the renewal notice Maryland mailed to you 60 days before expiration. If you did not receive a notice, you can still renew by mail, but you must include a completed Form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License or Identification Card).
Send the renewal notice (or Form DL-43 if you have no notice), a check or money order for $70 made payable to the Maryland MVA, and a copy of proof of residency to the address listed on the renewal notice. Do not send cash. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least 3 weeks before your license expires to avoid a lapse. You can track the status of your renewal on the Maryland MVA website using your license number and date of birth.
In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than 2 years ago, if you need to change your name or address, if you have a CDL, or if you have medical restrictions or violations flagged in the system. Bring your current license (or expired license if current one is not available), a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
You do not need an appointment at most MVA offices, but you can schedule one online to reduce wait time. Walk-in service is available but wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your renewal notice if you received one. The renewal fee is $70 for a 5-year standard license, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license is issued on the spot, though you may receive an updated photo card by mail within 2 weeks if the office prints it off-site.
CDL Renewal: Additional Requirements
Commercial Driver's License renewal in Maryland requires in-person renewal at an MVA office and a current medical certificate. The medical certificate must be issued by a certified medical examiner and must be valid on the date you renew. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, valid medical certificate, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.
CDL renewal fees are higher than standard license fees and vary depending on the endorsements on your license (hazmat, passenger, tanker, etc.). The base CDL renewal is $70, but endorsements add $5 to $10 each. If your medical certificate has expired or will expire within 30 days of your renewal date, you must obtain a new one before you renew. The MVA does not issue medical certificates — you must visit a certified medical examiner on your own.
Name or Address Changes During Renewal
If you need to change your name or address, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to an MVA office in person. Bring your current license, a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency. If you are changing your name, bring a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The MVA will update your record and issue a new license with the corrected information on the spot (or by mail if printed off-site). The renewal fee is still $70 for a 5-year license. If you are moving out of state or to a new address within Maryland, update your address before your license expires to avoid complications with vehicle registration and other documents tied to your license.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing Times
| Renewal Method | Fee | Payment Methods | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $70 | Debit or credit card | 7–10 business days |
| $70 | Check or money order | 2–3 weeks | |
| In person (standard) | $70 | Cash, check, debit, or credit card | Same day or 2 weeks by mail |
| In person (CDL) | $70 + endorsement fees | Cash, check, debit, or credit card | Same day or 2 weeks by mail |
Maryland does not accept payment by phone or email for any renewal method. Online and in-person renewals accept debit and credit cards. Mail renewals require a check or money order — do not send cash through the mail. If you pay by check and it bounces, the MVA will contact you and may void your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
If your license has been expired for more than 2 years, you must renew in person at an MVA office. If it has been expired for 1 to 2 years, you can still renew online or by mail as long as you meet the other may be able to access rules (no name or address change, no CDL, no medical flags). Check the Maryland MVA website or call 410-787-7758 if you are unsure whether you are may be able to access for online renewal.
What happens if I renew online but then need to change my address before the license arrives?
Contact the Maryland MVA before your new license is mailed. You can update your address by phone at 410-787-7758 or by visiting an MVA office in person. If the license has already been mailed to your old address, you can pick it up at the MVA office or request that it be reissued to your new address (this may take an additional 1 to 2 weeks).
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
For online and mail renewal, your photo from your current license is used on your new license — no new photo is taken. If you renew in person at an MVA office, a new photo is taken at the time of renewal. If you want to update your photo during an online or mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.
What if I lose my renewal notice before I can use it?
You can still renew by mail without the notice — just complete Form DL-43 and include it with your payment and proof of residency. You can also renew online if you are may be able to access, or visit an MVA office in person. The renewal notice is a convenience, not a requirement.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
For online and mail renewal, only you can submit the renewal using your license number and personal information. For in-person renewal, you must appear in person — the MVA does not allow a family member or representative to renew on your behalf, even with a power of attorney.