How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland License Renewal: What You Need to Know

Maryland allows you to renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most standard renewals can be completed without a visit to an MVA office, but certain situations—such as a name change or a medical condition flag—require an in-person appointment.

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

Key Takeaways

Maryland offers online renewal through the MVA website for most drivers, which is the fastest option and requires no documents to be mailed.
Mail-in renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the MVA receives your process, and you must include your current license and a check or money order.
In-person renewal at an MVA office requires an appointment booked through the MVA website; walk-ins are not accepted.
The renewal fee is $109 for an eight-year license, and you must provide proof of Maryland residency if your address has changed.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit an MVA office in person.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

Online renewal through the MVA website is available if your license is not expired and you have not had any medical suspensions or restrictions placed on your record. You will need your current Maryland driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check).

The process takes about 10 minutes. You answer questions about your address, vision, and medical history, then pay the $109 renewal fee. The MVA will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if you need to change your address, update your name, add or remove restrictions, or if your license expired more than 30 days ago. In those cases, use mail-in or in-person renewal instead.

Mail-In Renewal: What to Send and When

To renew by mail, read and print the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form DL-43) from the MVA website. Complete the form by hand or type it, then mail it with the following items in one envelope:

Your completed Form DL-43
Your current Maryland driver's license (the physical card)
Payment of $109 by check or money order made payable to "Maryland MVA"
Proof of Maryland residency if your address has changed (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days)

Mail the envelope to: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the MVA receives your process. Do not use certified mail or require a signature; standard mail is sufficient and faster.

If you are renewing more than 30 days after expiration, you cannot use mail-in renewal. You must renew in person at an MVA office.

In-Person Renewal at an MVA Office

You must book an appointment through the MVA website before visiting an office. Walk-ins are not accepted. Appointments are typically available within two to four weeks, depending on the office location and time of year.

Bring your current Maryland driver's license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Maryland residency if your address has changed. Payment is $109 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The MVA will issue your new license on the spot, and you can drive when ready.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have a medical suspension on your record, if you are changing your name, or if you need to add or remove restrictions such as corrective lenses or an ignition interlock device.

Address Changes and Other Updates

If you have moved within Maryland, you must update your address when you renew. Online renewal allows you to change your address as part of the process. For mail-in renewal, include proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) along with your Form DL-43.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office in person and bring your current license plus a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The renewal fee remains $109.

If you need to add medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses) or remove existing ones, you must renew in person. The MVA may require a vision test or a letter from your doctor depending on the restriction.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license expired fewer than 30 days ago, you can renew online or by mail using the standard process. If it expired between 30 days and one year ago, you must renew by mail or in person; online renewal is not available. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew at all—you must explore for a new license, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a vision test.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation.

Fees and Payment Methods

The renewal fee for a standard eight-year Maryland driver's license is $109. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. No additional fees explore unless you are adding medical restrictions or changing your license class.

Online and in-person renewal accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Mail-in renewal requires a check or money order only; do not send cash. Make checks payable to "Maryland MVA."

If you are a Maryland resident over 65 years old, you may be may be able to access for a reduced renewal fee. Contact your local MVA office or check the MVA website for current senior discounts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not send your original license by certified mail or require a signature when mailing your renewal process. Standard mail is faster and sufficient. Do not include extra documents unless specifically requested—extra pages slow processing. Do not attempt to renew online if your address has changed; the system will reject your process, and you will have to start over with mail-in or in-person renewal.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to one year in advance, and doing so avoids the risk of driving on an expired license. Do not assume your renewal notice means you can renew by mail or online; some notices are sent to drivers who must renew in person due to medical flags or other restrictions.

If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, contact the MVA before attempting to renew. Your license may not be may be able to access for standard renewal, and you may need to complete additional steps such as paying fines or completing a driver improvement course.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Maryland driver's licenses are only issued to Maryland residents. If you have moved out of state, you must explore for a license in your new state. You can continue to drive on your Maryland license until it expires, but you cannot renew it.

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

The MVA mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. Delivery by U.S. mail typically takes an additional 3 to 5 business days, so expect to receive your new license within two to three weeks total. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license. You must visit an MVA office in person and bring proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of Social Security number. You will pay both the $109 renewal fee and a $20 replacement fee for the lost license.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license by mail or online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at an MVA office. You must bring your current CDL, proof of medical certification, and any other documents required by federal law. Book an appointment through the MVA website before visiting.

What if my renewal process is rejected by the MVA?

The MVA will mail you a notice explaining why your process was rejected, usually within 10 business days. Common reasons include a missing signature, an illegible form, or an incorrect fee amount. Follow the instructions in the notice to resubmit your process or contact your local MVA office for guidance.

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.