Maryland driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office
Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) lets you renew your license before it expires without visiting an office if you meet certain conditions. The easiest path is online through the MVA website — it takes about 15 minutes, costs $109 for an eight-year license, and you'll receive your new card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't meet the online requirements, you can renew by mail or in person, though each has different rules about what documents you need and how long it takes.
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your current license. Maryland sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the reminder — you can renew anytime within one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the MVA website is fastest and cheapest if your license is not suspended, you have no outstanding tickets or fines, and your address on file is current.
- Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks total and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the MVA; you cannot renew by mail if your license is suspended or expired for more than one year.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office takes one visit and works even if your license is suspended or you have unpaid violations, though you may face additional fees or requirements.
- You must renew before your license expires to avoid driving illegally; an expired license cannot be used for identification or driving, even if you have already paid for the renewal.
- If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it — you must first resolve the suspension through the MVA or the court system that issued it.
Online renewal: the fastest option if you meet the requirements
The MVA's online renewal system is available 24/7 and is the quickest way to get a new license. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay $109 by credit or debit card, and submit. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
You can only renew online if all of the following are true: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no outstanding traffic violations or unpaid fines, your address on file with the MVA is current, and your license has not been expired for more than one year. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person instead.
Before you start, make sure the address the MVA has on file is the one where you want your new license mailed. If you have moved and have not updated your address, you can change it during the online renewal process. If you cannot remember your address on file or are unsure whether it is correct, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 before you renew.
Mail renewal: slower but works from home
You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended and has not been expired for more than one year. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the MVA receives your packet. You will need to send your current license, a completed Form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit), a check or money order for $109 payable to the Maryland MVA, and a photocopy of proof of your current address.
Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, bank statement, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Mail your packet to: Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062.
Do not send your original license in the mail unless you are certain you can wait 4 to 6 weeks without it. Once the MVA receives your renewal, they will mail your old license back to you along with your new one. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you should renew in person instead.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
You can renew in person at any MVA office in Maryland. Bring your current license, proof of your current address (dated within 60 days), and payment of $109 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use to drive when ready, and your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is the only option if your license is suspended, you have unpaid violations, or your license has been expired for more than one year. It is also the best choice if you need to drive right away and cannot wait for mail delivery. You do not need an appointment at most MVA offices, but you can reserve a time slot online to reduce your wait time.
Find your nearest MVA office and check its hours on the MVA website. Some offices have limited hours or are closed on certain days, so confirm before you go. Offices in Baltimore, Annapolis, and other major cities tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the morning or mid-week may mean a shorter wait.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through any method — online, mail, or in person. If your license is suspended, you must first resolve the reason for the suspension. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical suspension, or accumulation of points from traffic violations.
Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to lift the suspension. Some suspensions require you to pay fines or fees; others require a letter from a court or agency confirming the issue is resolved. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew through any method that applies to your situation.
Renewing a license that has been expired for more than one year
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it online or by mail — you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and $109. You will also need to pass an eye test at the office, which is part of the standard in-person renewal process.
If your expired license has been suspended for any reason, you must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Call the MVA to confirm the status of your license before you visit an office.
Cost and payment methods
A standard eight-year Maryland driver's license costs $109 for renewal. This price is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only; mail renewal accepts checks or money orders; in-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards.
If you are renewing a license that has been suspended or revoked, you may owe additional fees beyond the $109 renewal cost. These fees depend on the reason for the suspension. The MVA will tell you the total amount due when you contact them about lifting the suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while my renewal is being processed?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive, even if you have already paid for the renewal and it is in the mail. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, renew in person at an MVA office — you will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid until your permanent card arrives.
What if I move after I renew but before my new license arrives?
Contact the MVA and provide your new address. They can redirect your license to your new home. If the license is already in the mail, it may arrive at your old address first — ask the new resident to write "return to sender" on the envelope and put it back in the mail, or contact the MVA to have it reissued to your new address.
Do I need a Real ID compliant license to renew in Maryland?
No. Maryland's standard driver's license renewal does not require you to upgrade to a Real ID. If you want a Real ID compliant license, you must request it separately and provide additional documents like a birth certificate and proof of Social Security number. Standard renewal keeps your current license type.
What if I lost my license and cannot renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must replace it first. Contact the MVA to report the loss and request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee and provide proof of identity and address. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it normally when it expires.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your own license. For online renewal, you log in with your personal information. For mail renewal, your signature must be on the process form. For in-person renewal, you must visit the office yourself. The MVA does not allow third parties to renew licenses on behalf of another person.