Renewing Your Maryland Driver's License: The Basic Path
In Maryland, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office at all. Your license is valid for five years from the date it was issued, and Maryland sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration — that notice tells you which method you can use.
The method available to you depends on your license type and how long it has been since your last in-person visit. If you renewed online or by mail last time, you can do it again. If it has been more than eight years since you were last in an MVA office, you must renew in person. The online and mail routes are faster and do not require you to take a new photo or pass a vision test unless Maryland flags your record for review.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland sends a renewal notice 60 days before your license expires; that notice tells you whether you can renew online, by mail, or must visit an MVA office in person.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for a five-year license; you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail renewal requires you to return your current license and a completed form; it costs the same as online and takes slightly longer.
- If you have not been to an MVA office in more than eight years, you must renew in person and will need to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
Renewing Online Through the MVA Website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the Maryland MVA website (mva.maryland.gov), click the renewal link, and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about any changes to your address, medical conditions, or organ donor status. You do not upload a photo — Maryland uses the photo from your current license.
The fee is $109 for a five-year license, and you pay by debit or credit card. After you submit, you receive a confirmation number. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited shipping for an additional fee, though this is rarely necessary since the standard timeline is already quick.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal works if your renewal notice says you are may be able to access. You will receive a renewal form (Form DL-43) in the notice packet. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address shown on the form. Include a check or money order for $109 payable to the Maryland MVA.
Mail renewal takes longer than online — typically 2 to 3 weeks from the time the MVA receives your packet, plus mailing time both ways. You lose your current license when you mail it in, so you cannot drive during the renewal period. For this reason, most people choose online renewal if they are may be able to access. If you do mail your license, keep your renewal notice as proof that you have applied; some employers and insurance companies will accept this as temporary proof of a valid license.
Renewing in Person at an MVA Office
You must renew in person if your renewal notice says so, or if more than eight years have passed since your last in-person visit. Bring your current license, proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. You will have your vision tested and a new photo taken. The fee is $109.
Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. You can make an appointment online through the MVA website, which reserves a specific time slot and usually cuts your wait to 15 to 30 minutes. Walk-ins are accepted but may wait an hour or longer, especially at busy locations. Bring all required documents the first time so you do not have to return. Your new license is printed on the spot and you leave with it that day.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to an MVA office, a vision test, a new photo, and proof of identity and residency. The process is the same as a first-time license process. You will also need to pass the written test and road test unless you hold a valid license from another state or country.
An expired license cannot be renewed by mail or online, even if you were may be able to access before it expired. The MVA treats an expired license as a lapsed license, which requires a full reapplication. For this reason, it is important to renew before your expiration date. You can renew up to one year in advance, so there is no reason to wait until the last moment.
Costs and Timeline for Each Method
| Method | Cost | Time to Receive | In-Person Visit Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $109 | 7–10 business days | No |
| $109 | 2–3 weeks plus mailing time | No | |
| In Person | $109 | Same day | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
No. The MVA will not process your renewal if you have unpaid traffic violations or court fines. You must resolve these before renewing. Contact the court listed on your ticket or the MVA to find out what you owe and how to pay it.
What if I moved to a different address since my last license?
You can update your address during online or mail renewal by answering the address question on the form. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew online or by mail?
No. Online and mail renewals use your current photo unless the MVA requests a new one. If you renew in person, you will have a new photo taken automatically. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must visit an MVA office in person.
How long can I drive after my license expires if I have already renewed?
You can drive on your expired license until your new license arrives in the mail. Once your new license arrives, you must carry it. Driving on an expired license after your new one has arrived is not legal, even if the new one is in your mailbox.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You do not need the notice to renew. You can go to the MVA website and start an online renewal using your license number and date of birth, or you can visit an MVA office. If you want a replacement notice mailed to you, call the MVA at 410-768-7000.