What you need to do to renew your Maryland driver's license

To renew your Maryland driver's license through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), you submit proof of identity and residency, pay the renewal fee, and either pass an eye test or provide a vision waiver. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an MVA office. If your license has been expired for more than a year, or if you have certain violations or suspensions on your record, you may have to renew in person instead.

The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose. Online renewal is fastest — your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an MVA office can be completed the same day, but you may wait in line.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online or by mail if your license is current and you have no active suspensions or restrictions that require in-person verification.
  • Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You must pass an eye test or submit a vision waiver form signed by an eye care professional; the MVA does not waive this requirement.
  • If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit an MVA office in person.
  • Maryland licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before your expiration date.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option. You go to the MVA website, create or log into your account, and answer questions about your current address, name, and whether your vision has changed. You upload a photo of yourself or use the camera on your computer. You pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you have unpaid traffic violations or child support arrears; if you are under 21; or if your license expired more than one year ago. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, gender marker, or address outside Maryland. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

After you complete online renewal, the MVA mails your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it as identification.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if you meet the same may be able to access rules as online renewal. You request a renewal form from the MVA website or call 410-787-7758. You fill out the form, include proof of vision (either a passed eye test from an MVA office or a vision waiver form from an eye doctor), and mail everything to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the day the MVA receives your packet. Mail delivery itself can add another week on each end, so plan for 3 to 4 weeks total. This method is slower than online renewal and costs the same amount, so most people choose online if they are may be able to access.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you are changing your name or gender marker, if your license expired more than one year ago, or if you are under 21. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are may be able to access for online or mail renewal.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). You will take an eye test at the office unless you bring a vision waiver signed by an eye care professional within the last 60 days. You pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by card. The MVA will issue your new license on the spot, though you can request it be mailed instead.

Wait times at MVA offices vary widely. Some offices have short lines in the early morning or mid-week; others have waits of an hour or more during lunch and late afternoon. You can check wait times on the MVA website before you go. Some MVA offices accept walk-ins only; others let you reserve a time slot online.

Vision requirements and waivers

Maryland law requires all drivers to meet a minimum vision standard to renew. You can meet this by passing an eye test at an MVA office during your renewal, or by submitting a vision waiver form signed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

The vision waiver form (DL 43) must be signed by a licensed eye care professional and dated within 60 days of your renewal. Your eye doctor does not need to perform a full exam — they can sign the form based on your most recent exam if it was recent enough. You can read the form from the MVA website or ask your eye doctor's office for it. If you renew online or by mail, you upload the signed form or mail it with your other documents.

If you do not have a current vision waiver and you cannot pass the eye test at an MVA office, your renewal will be denied and you will have to schedule another appointment after you see an eye care professional.

Fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard eight-year Maryland driver's license is $70 if you renew online, $75 if you renew by mail, and $80 if you renew in person. The difference reflects the cost of processing and mailing. You can pay by credit card or debit card for online renewal, by check or money order for mail renewal, and by cash, check, or card for in-person renewal.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher. If you are renewing and also requesting a name change, gender marker change, or address change outside Maryland, additional fees may explore. The MVA website lists all current fees.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process as a current license. If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use the mail or online method. You must go to an MVA office in person and may have to retake the written test and eye test, depending on how long it has been expired.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have submitted a renewal process. You should not drive until your new license arrives or is issued. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have a pending renewal, but this does not may provide you will not be cited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Maryland lets you renew up to one year before your expiration date. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid renewing during a busy season. Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date you renew.

What if I moved to a different state?

You cannot renew your Maryland license if you no longer live in Maryland. You must get a driver's license from your new state instead. If you still live in Maryland but moved to a different address within the state, you can renew online or by mail and update your address during the process.

Do I have to take a new photo for renewal?

For online renewal, you upload a new photo of yourself. For mail renewal, you do not submit a photo — the MVA uses your current photo from your existing license. For in-person renewal, the MVA takes a new photo at the office.

What if I have unpaid traffic tickets or child support arrears?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you have unpaid traffic violations or child support arrears. You must resolve these issues first. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the child support enforcement agency to find out how to pay or set up a payment plan. Once the debt is resolved, you can renew.

How long does it take to get my new license if I renew in person?

The MVA issues your new license the same day you renew in person at an office. You can take it with you or request that it be mailed to your address. If you request it be mailed, it arrives within 7 to 10 business days.