How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

What You Need to Know About Maryland License Renewal

Maryland allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires, and you can do it online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how long it has been since your last renewal, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but certain situations require an in-person visit.

Your Maryland license is valid for eight years if you are between 21 and 65 years old, five years if you are under 21, and also five years if you are 65 or older. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can check your renewal may be able to access and start the process on the Maryland MVA website, where you will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Key Takeaways

Maryland offers online renewal for most drivers, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year license.
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.
Mail renewal is available but slower than online; you must submit your current license, a completed form, and payment by check or money order.
The MVA processes online renewals within one to two weeks; your new card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after processing.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online and must visit an MVA office in person.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route for Most Drivers

Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website is the quickest option if you meet the requirements. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you are not changing your name or address, you do not need a new photo, and your license has not been expired for more than one year. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).

The fee for an eight-year renewal is $109. If you are under 21, the fee is $68 for a five-year license. If you are 65 or older, the fee is also $68 for a five-year license. Once you submit your renewal online, the MVA processes it within one to two weeks. Your new license card is mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days after the MVA approves your renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Go Online

Mail renewal is an option if you cannot or do not want to renew online, but it takes longer than the online process. You must request a renewal form from the MVA by calling 410-768-7000 or visiting an MVA office, or you can read the form from the Maryland MVA website. The form you need is the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form DL 43).

Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and payment (check or money order made out to "Maryland MVA") to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. The MVA will process your renewal and mail your new license to you. Mail renewal typically takes four to six weeks from the time the MVA receives your packet, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. You can drive on your current license while your renewal is being processed.

In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office

You must renew in person at an MVA office if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you are changing your name or address, if you need a new photo, or if your license is suspended or revoked. You will also need to visit in person if you want to change your license class or add endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement). Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).

If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA office will take a new photo, process your renewal, and issue your license on the spot if everything is in order. You will pay the same fee as online renewal ($109 for eight years, $68 for five years). Visit the Maryland MVA website to find the office nearest you and check wait times before you go.

Documents and Fees You Will Need

For any renewal method, you will need your current Maryland driver's license and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. The fee structure is the same regardless of method: $109 for an eight-year license (ages 21 to 65), $68 for a five-year license (under 21 or 65 and older).

If you are renewing by mail, you must include payment by check or money order. Online and in-person renewals accept debit cards, credit cards, and electronic checks. The MVA does not accept cash for mail renewals. If you are renewing in person and need to change your name, bring the certified document that proves the change. If you are adding a motorcycle endorsement or changing your license class, you may need to pass a written test or skills test; the MVA office will tell you what is required when you arrive.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired or Suspended

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office in person and may be required to retake the written knowledge test and the driving skills test, depending on how long it has been expired. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at all until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the MVA to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you must take to restore it.

If your license is about to expire and you know it will be suspended soon (for example, due to unpaid traffic fines or child support), renew it before the suspension takes effect. Once a suspension is in place, you cannot legally drive, and renewing your license will not remove the suspension. You must resolve the underlying issue first, then renew your license afterward.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Renew

The timeline depends on which renewal method you choose. Online renewal is processed within one to two weeks, and your new card arrives within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks total. In-person renewal is the fastest: you receive your new license when ready if you renew at an MVA office, though you may wait 30 minutes to several hours depending on the office and time of day.

Your new license will have the same number as your current license unless you are changing your name or address. If you change your name, you will receive a new license number. Your new license is valid for eight years (or five years if you are under 21 or 65 or older) from the date of issue. You can check the status of an online or mail renewal on the Maryland MVA website by entering your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?

You can renew your license if you have unpaid tickets, but if you owe child support or have certain other court-ordered debts, your license may be suspended. Check with the MVA or the court before you renew. If your license is already suspended, you must resolve the debt first before you can renew.

What if I move out of Maryland before my license expires?

You do not have to renew your Maryland license if you move to another state. You should obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you keep a Maryland address on file, you can continue to renew your Maryland license by mail or online, but you will need to update your address if you want the card mailed to your new location.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew in Maryland?

No. You only need a new photo if you request one, if you are renewing in person for the first time in a long time, or if the MVA determines your current photo is no longer a good likeness. If you renew online or by mail, your current photo is used unless you specifically ask for a new one.

How do I renew if my license was lost or stolen?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office in person and request a replacement license. Bring proof of your identity and proof of your address. The fee for a replacement is the same as a renewal.

Can I renew my license if I am out of the country?

Yes, you can renew online or by mail while you are outside the United States, as long as your license has not been expired for more than one year and you meet the other online renewal requirements. If you need to renew in person, you must do so at an MVA office in Maryland.

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.