Maryland driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online if you're renewing early or on time, by mail if you prefer not to visit an office, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Which route you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether you need a new photo. Online renewal is fastest — you can complete it in minutes and your new license arrives in about 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no appointment. In-person renewal is necessary if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change information on your license.

Your current Maryland license must not be suspended or revoked, and you must be a Maryland resident. If you've moved, changed your name, or need to update your address, you'll handle that as part of the renewal process depending on which method you choose. Maryland does not require you to pass a written or driving test to renew unless your license has been expired for more than two years.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works if your license expires within 60 days or has been expired for less than two years, and takes about 10 business days from start to finish.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your current license and a completed form to the MVA, and takes three to four weeks total.
  • In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you're changing your name or address.
  • The renewal fee in Maryland is $70 for a five-year license or $140 for a ten-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check depending on your method.
  • You can check your license expiration date and start an online renewal at the Maryland MVA website without creating an account.

Online renewal: fastest option if your license is current or nearly expired

Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website is the quickest method if your license expires within 60 days or has been expired for less than two years. You do not need to create an account. Go to the MVA website, select "Renew Your License Online," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record and show you what information is on file.

Review your name, address, and other details. If everything is correct, you can proceed to payment. Maryland accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for online renewals. The fee is $70 for a five-year license or $140 for a ten-year license. After you pay, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within about 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

If your address has changed, you can update it during online renewal. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot change it online — you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change.

Mail renewal: no appointment needed, but takes longer

Mail renewal is an option if your license has not been expired for more than two years and you do not need a new photo. read or request the process for Renewal of Driver's License form (DL 43) from the Maryland MVA website. Fill it out completely, including your current address. Sign and date the form.

Mail your completed form along with your current driver's license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — $70 for five years or $140 for ten years. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your old license returned to you. The MVA will process your renewal and mail your new license to the address on your process. This process typically takes three to four weeks from the time the MVA receives your materials.

If you need to change your address during mail renewal, write your new address clearly on the form. If you need to change your name, you cannot use mail renewal — you must go in person with proof of the name change.

In-person renewal at an MVA office: when you need it and how to prepare

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, if you're changing your name, or if you want to change your address and prefer to do it face-to-face. You can also choose in-person renewal for any reason. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you've moved and your license shows an old address, bring proof of your new address. The MVA accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement as proof of residency.

Visit the Maryland MVA website to find the office nearest you and check current wait times. You can make an appointment online, which is faster than walking in. Appointments are usually available within a few days. At the office, you'll have your photo taken, review your information, pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by card, and receive your new license on the spot or within a few days by mail, depending on the office location.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your Maryland driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you'll need to pass the written knowledge test and the road test. You'll also need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or document showing your number.

You can schedule a knowledge test appointment online through the MVA website. After you pass the knowledge test, you'll be issued a learner's permit valid for 90 days. During that time, you must pass the road test. Once you pass the road test, you'll receive your new driver's license. This process takes several weeks and requires multiple visits to an MVA office.

Fees, payment methods, and what to expect after you renew

Maryland driver's license renewal costs $70 for a five-year license or $140 for a ten-year license. Online and in-person renewals accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. There are no additional fees for address changes, name changes, or other updates made during renewal.

After you renew online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to your address on file. Online renewals typically arrive within 10 business days. Mail renewals take three to four weeks. In-person renewals may be issued on the spot at some offices, or mailed within a few days. You can continue to drive on your current license until your new one arrives, even if your current license has expired.

Your new license will be valid for five or ten years from the date it is issued, depending on which term you chose. Maryland will send you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your new license expires, reminding you to renew again.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you've moved, you can update your address during any renewal method. For online renewal, you can change your address before you pay. For mail renewal, write your new address on the form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address and the MVA will update it while you're there.

If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person. Bring your current driver's license and a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will issue a new license with your updated name. If you're changing your name, you cannot use online or mail renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license online if it's already expired?

Yes, if it expired less than two years ago. Online renewal works for licenses that expire within 60 days or have been expired for less than two years. If it's been expired for more than two years, you must reapply in person and pass the written and road tests.

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

About 10 business days. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if your current license has expired.

What if I moved and my license still shows my old address?

You can update your address during any renewal method — online, by mail, or in person. For online renewal, change it before you pay. For mail renewal, write your new address on the form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address and the MVA will update it while you're there.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Not unless you want to. If you renew online or by mail, your current photo stays on your license. If you renew in person, you can request a new photo, and the MVA will take one. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and will receive a new photo.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person. Bring your current driver's license and a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name through online or mail renewal.