Maryland driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office
Your Maryland driver's license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the front. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, though you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
The method you use depends on whether you need a new photo, whether your address or name has changed, and how quickly you need the renewed license. Online renewal is the fastest and most common route for people whose information has not changed. Mail and in-person renewal are available if you need a new photo or have updated your personal details.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland licenses expire every eight years on your birthday, and you can renew starting one year before expiration.
- Online renewal through the MVA website takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year license if your photo and information do not need to change.
- If you need a new photo, have changed your name or address, or prefer not to renew online, you must renew by mail or visit an MVA office in person.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is completed the same day but requires an appointment booked through the MVA website.
- You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card) to renew online.
Renewing online through the MVA website
Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal, and you do not need a new photo. Go to mva.maryland.gov, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will display your current information and ask you to confirm it is correct.
The fee for an eight-year renewal is $109, payable by credit or debit card. You will receive a temporary digital license on your phone when ready after payment, valid for 30 days while your physical card is mailed to you. The physical license typically arrives within 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the MVA at 410-768-7000.
Renewing by mail if your information has changed
Use mail renewal if your name or address has changed since your last renewal, or if you prefer not to renew online. read the DL/ID-44 form from mva.maryland.gov, complete it by hand, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $109 to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of a document proving your name change (marriage certificate, court order) or address change (utility bill, lease, bank statement dated within 60 days).
Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to allow time for processing and delivery. The MVA processes mail renewals in the order received; processing typically takes two to three weeks. You will receive your new license by mail at the address you provided on the form. If you need your license sooner, switch to in-person renewal instead.
Renewing in person at an MVA office
Visit an MVA office if you need a new photo, have changed your name or address, or want your license the same day. You must book an appointment through mva.maryland.gov; walk-ins are not accepted. Select your nearest office, choose an available date and time, and print or save your appointment confirmation.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) if you have moved. If your name has changed, bring the document proving the change. The fee is $109 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, or card at the office. Your new license is printed on site and given to you before you leave.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it—you must reapply for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to an MVA office with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency. The process is longer and more involved than renewal.
If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives or is issued. If you need to drive before renewal is complete, you can request a temporary license at an MVA office.
Fees and payment methods
A standard eight-year Maryland driver's license renewal costs $109. This is the only fee for online and mail renewal. At an MVA office, you can pay by cash, check, or card. Online and mail renewal accept credit and debit cards only.
If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and the process differs. Contact the MVA or visit mva.maryland.gov for CDL renewal details.
Tracking your renewed license
If you renewed online or by mail, you can track your license through the MVA website using your license number and date of birth. The tracking tool shows whether your license has been mailed and an estimated delivery date. If your license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, call the MVA at 410-768-7000 to report it.
If you renewed in person, your license is issued when ready and you take it with you. There is no tracking needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?
You can renew your license regardless of unpaid tickets or fines. However, the MVA may suspend your license for other reasons, such as unpaid child support or certain criminal convictions. Check your driving record on mva.maryland.gov before renewing to see if any suspensions are in place.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person or by mail and provide a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online renewal is not available when your name has changed.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, you can keep your current photo if you renew online or by mail. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office. A new photo is required if your license was issued more than 16 years ago.
What if I move out of Maryland after renewing?
Your Maryland license remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. However, you should obtain a license from your new state within the timeframe required by that state's law, usually 30 to 60 days after moving.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by completing any required programs, paying fines, or meeting other conditions set by the MVA. Once cleared, you can renew normally. Contact the MVA to find out what steps are needed to lift the suspension.