Maryland driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation
Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) lets you renew your license before it expires through three main routes: online at mva.maryland.gov, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at an MVA office. The method you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before expiration, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your Maryland license is valid for eight years from the issue date printed on the front. You can start the renewal process up to one year before expiration. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to an MVA office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at mva.maryland.gov is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo.
- Renewal by mail takes longer but requires no office visit; request a form at mva.maryland.gov or call 410-787-7758.
- You must renew in person at an MVA office if your license has expired, if you want a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.
- The renewal fee is $109 for an eight-year license, payable by credit card online or by check or money order by mail.
- Processing times vary: online renewals typically complete within two weeks, mail renewals take four to six weeks, and in-person renewals are usually same-day.
Renewing online through the MVA website
Online renewal is the fastest path if your current license is valid and you do not need a new photo. Go to mva.maryland.gov, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and log in with your existing MVA account or create one. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a credit card to pay the $109 fee.
The system will confirm your identity and ask whether you want to keep your current photo or request a new one. If you choose to keep your photo, the renewal is when ready — your new license ships within two weeks. If you request a new photo, you must schedule an in-person appointment at an MVA office to have it taken, which adds time to the process.
Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you are changing your name or address, or if you need a corrected license. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Request a renewal form at mva.maryland.gov or call the MVA at 410-787-7758. The form arrives by mail within five to seven business days. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $109 payable to "Maryland MVA," and mail it back to the address on the form.
Processing takes four to six weeks from the time the MVA receives your form. Your new license will arrive by mail. This method is useful if you prefer not to use a credit card online or if you do not have when ready access to an MVA office.
Do not use mail renewal if your license has expired, if you are changing your name or address, or if you need a new photo. The MVA will reject the form and return it to you, which delays the process.
Renewing in person at an MVA office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you want a new photo, if you are changing your name or address, or if your license was lost or stolen. Bring your current license (or state ID if your license is expired), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Maryland address. Acceptable address documents include a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Visit mva.maryland.gov to find your nearest MVA office and check wait times. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your time in line. Walk-ins are accepted but may face longer waits, especially during peak hours (mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays).
If your license has expired, you will need to pass a vision screening and may be asked to retake the written knowledge test. The MVA staff will take your new photo on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within two weeks. The in-person renewal fee is $109.
What happens if your license expires
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you are in the process of renewing. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license, which requires passing the written test and vision screening at an MVA office.
If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person at an MVA office. You will not need to retake the written test, but you will need to pass the vision screening and have a new photo taken.
Changing your name or address during renewal
If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring legal proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The MVA will issue a new license with your updated name at no extra cost beyond the $109 renewal fee.
If you are moving to a new Maryland address, you can update it online during online renewal, or you can update it in person at an MVA office. If you are moving out of Maryland, you do not need to renew your Maryland license — you should obtain a license from your new state instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
No. If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license at an MVA office, which includes passing the written knowledge test and vision screening. Bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and Maryland residency.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?
Your new license typically arrives by mail within two weeks of completing the online renewal. If you requested a new photo, you must first schedule an in-person appointment to have it taken, which adds time to the overall process.
Do I need an appointment to renew at an MVA office?
Appointments are not required, but they are strongly recommended. You can schedule one online at mva.maryland.gov. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be long, especially during mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?
You must go to an MVA office in person. Bring proof of identity (such as a passport or state ID), your Social Security number, and proof of your Maryland address. The MVA will issue a replacement license and renew it for the full eight-year term for the standard $109 fee.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Outstanding traffic violations or unpaid fines do not prevent license renewal in Maryland. However, if your license was suspended due to unpaid fines or other violations, you must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact the MVA or the court that issued the suspension to learn what steps are required.