Maryland Driver's License Renewal: The Basic Process
You can renew your Maryland driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for a five-year license. By mail takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at an MVA office is same-day if you arrive early, but you will wait in line.
Your license is valid for five years from the issue date printed on the front. Maryland sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
The method you choose depends on whether your address has changed, whether you have a Real ID-compliant license, and whether you want to renew online or in person. Not all renewal paths are available to all drivers.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal costs $109 for five years and takes 10 minutes, but only works if your address has not changed and you have a valid credit or debit card.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs $109; you will receive your new license by mail without visiting an MVA office.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if you have changed your address, want to update your photo, or do not meet online renewal requirements.
- You can renew your license up to one year before it expires; Maryland sends renewal notices about 60 days before the expiration date.
- Maryland charges $109 for a five-year license renewal; there is no separate charge for Real ID compliance if you already hold a Real ID license.
Online Renewal: When You Can Use It
Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website is available only if your address has not changed since your current license was issued. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the $109 fee. The process takes about 10 minutes.
You cannot renew online if you have moved, if your name has changed, if you want to update your photo, or if your license is suspended or revoked. You also cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than one year. In any of those cases, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
After you complete online renewal, Maryland will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.
Mail Renewal: Step-by-Step
To renew by mail, you will need to request a renewal form from the Maryland MVA or read it from their website. The form is called the process for Driver's License or Permit (DL 43). Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with a check or money order for $109 to the address listed on the form.
Mail your renewal package to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21061. Include only the completed form and payment — do not send your old license or other documents unless the form specifically asks for them.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your package. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. If you need your license sooner, mail renewal is not the right choice; use online renewal or visit an MVA office in person.
In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office
Visit any Maryland MVA office with your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your address has changed, bring the new address documentation.
Bring your current license and the documents listed above. You do not need to fill out a form in advance; the MVA staff will provide one at the office. The fee is $109 for a five-year license, payable by cash, check, or card.
Arrive early in the day if possible — MVA offices are busiest in the afternoon and near the end of the month. You will receive your new license the same day if you complete the renewal before the office closes. Your old license is returned to you and remains valid until midnight on your expiration date.
What Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, date of birth, valid credit or debit card | $109 | 5–7 business days (mail delivery) |
| By Mail | Completed DL 43 form, check or money order | $109 | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | Current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address (dated within 60 days) | $109 | Same day |
Real ID Compliance and Maryland Licenses
Maryland driver's licenses issued after October 1, 2020, are Real ID-compliant by default. If your current license shows a gold star in the upper right corner, it is already Real ID-compliant. When you renew, your new license will also be Real ID-compliant at no extra cost.
If your current license does not have a gold star, you can request a Real ID-compliant license when you renew in person at an MVA office. You will need to bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of Social Security number in addition to the standard documents. There is no additional fee for Real ID compliance during renewal.
A Real ID-compliant license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025. If you do not have one and do not plan to renew your license before that date, you can obtain a Real ID-compliant license by visiting an MVA office in person.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not attempt online renewal if your address has changed. The system will reject your process, and you will have to start over in person. Check your address on your current license before you begin the online process.
Do not mail your old license with your renewal process. The MVA does not ask for it, and it may get lost in the mail. Keep your old license until your new one arrives.
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to one year early, and doing so avoids the risk of driving with an expired license. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online; you must visit an MVA office and may face additional requirements.
Do not forget to bring proof of your current address if you renew in person. Without it, the MVA cannot process your renewal on the spot. A utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maryland license if I have moved to another state?
No. If you have moved out of Maryland, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state. You cannot renew a Maryland license if you no longer live in Maryland. Contact the motor vehicle agency in your new state to begin the process there.
What happens if my license expires before my renewal arrives?
If you renewed by mail or online and your license expires before the new one arrives, your old license remains valid for an additional 30 days after the expiration date printed on it. Keep your old license with you while you wait for the new one. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, contact the MVA to confirm the status of your renewal.
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Maryland MVA first. Contact the MVA directly to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps are required to restore it.
Do I have to renew in person if I want to change my photo?
Yes. If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The MVA will take a new photo as part of the in-person renewal process.
How much does it cost to renew a Maryland driver's license?
A five-year Maryland driver's license renewal costs $109. This is the standard fee for all renewal methods — online, by mail, or in person. There is no additional charge for Real ID compliance if you already hold a Real ID license.