How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland driver's license renewal basics

Maryland lets you renew your license online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office, depending on your situation. Most people renew online through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year license. If you cannot renew online — because your license is expired by more than a year, you have a medical condition flagged on your record, or you need to change your name or address — you must go to an MVA office in person.

Your Maryland license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. The MVA sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through mva.maryland.gov takes 10 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year license if your license is current and you have not changed your name or address.
If your license expired more than a year ago, you have a medical restriction, or you need to update your name or address, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
Mail renewal is available only if you received a renewal notice from the MVA and your license is not expired.
You will need a valid payment method (debit or credit card) for online renewal, or a check or money order for mail renewal.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval if you renew online.

Online renewal through the MVA website

Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Maryland license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.

Review your personal information — name, address, and date of birth — and correct anything that has changed. If your address has changed, update it now; you cannot change your address by mail. Confirm your vision is still good (the MVA does not require a new vision test unless your license has been suspended or you are over 70), then choose your payment method. Maryland accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

After you pay, the MVA will issue your new license number when ready and send the physical card by mail. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before the new license reaches you and your old one has expired, you can print a temporary license from the confirmation page — this is valid for 30 days.

Mail renewal if you received a notice

If the MVA sent you a renewal notice in the mail and your license has not expired, you can renew by mail. Fill out the notice, include a check or money order for $109 made payable to "Maryland MVA," and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — expect 4 to 6 weeks for processing plus mail time. Your new license will arrive by mail once approved. If you need to drive before it arrives and your current license has expired, you will need to renew in person at an MVA office to get a temporary license.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than a year ago, if you have a medical condition or restriction on your record that the MVA needs to review, or if you need to change your name or address and cannot do so online. Bring your current Maryland license (or an expired license if your current one is missing), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current Maryland address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, bring proof that you have met all requirements, such as completion of a DUI education program or proof of insurance (SR-22 or SR-22A form).

Visit an MVA office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings. You can check wait times and book an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov. The renewal fee is $109 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as a current license. If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you cannot renew online — you must go to an MVA office in person. The MVA will treat this as a new process rather than a renewal, which means you will need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test depending on how long it has been expired.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited and fined. If your license has been expired for a long time and you are unsure what documents you need, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 before you visit an office.

Renewing after suspension or revocation

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to an MVA office in person and bring proof that you have completed all requirements for reinstatement. For a suspension due to unpaid traffic fines or child support, bring proof of payment. For a suspension due to a DUI conviction, bring proof of completion of a DUI education program and proof of insurance (an SR-22 or SR-22A form from your insurance company).

The reinstatement fee varies depending on the reason for suspension — it can range from $100 to $500 or more. Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to confirm what you need to bring and what the fee will be before you visit an office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license if I moved out of state?

No. Maryland requires you to have a current Maryland address to renew. If you have moved out of state, you need to surrender your Maryland license and get a license in your new state. You cannot renew a Maryland license by mail or online if your address is no longer in Maryland.

What if my name changed since I got my license?

You must renew in person at an MVA office and bring a certified copy of the document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name online or by mail. The renewal fee is still $109.

Do I need a new vision test to renew?

No, unless your license was suspended, you are over 70, or the MVA flags your record for a medical reason. If you renew online or by mail, you straightforward confirm that your vision is still good. If you renew in person, the MVA may test your vision depending on your age and driving record.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

The MVA issues your new license number when ready after you pay, and the physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can print a temporary license from the confirmation page if you need to drive before the card arrives.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

You can still renew online or by mail using your license number and personal information. The MVA does not require you to report the loss separately. If you cannot remember your license number, go to an MVA office in person with your Social Security card and proof of address.

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.