Maryland driver's licenses expire every five years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office
Your Maryland driver's license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. When it expires, you'll need to renew it before you can legally drive. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) offers three main ways to renew: online through their website, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at an MVA office. Which method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address.
The fastest and most convenient option for most people is online renewal, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for a five-year license. If you can't renew online—because your license has already expired or you need a new photo—you'll need to visit an MVA office in person. Mail renewal is available but slower, typically taking four to six weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland driver's licenses expire every five years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation and how soon you need the new license.
- Online renewal costs $109 for a five-year license and takes about 10 minutes, but only works if your current license is still valid and you don't need a new photo.
- If your license has already expired or you need a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office, which requires an appointment and takes about 30 minutes.
- You'll need proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and your Social Security number for any renewal method.
- The MVA sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, but you can renew up to one year early if you prefer.
Online renewal: fastest option if your license is still valid
Online renewal through the MVA website is the quickest way to renew if your license hasn't expired yet. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you'll pay $109 for a five-year license using a credit or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days.
Online renewal has one important limitation: you cannot update your photo. If your current photo is more than 10 years old or you straightforward want a new one, you must renew in person. You also cannot change your name or address online—though you can update your address separately through the MVA website after your license arrives.
To renew online, go to the MVA's official website and select "Renew Your License Online." You'll create or log into your MVA account, answer questions about your driving record and medical history, review the information, and pay the fee. The system will confirm your renewal when ready, and you can print a temporary license receipt if you need proof of renewal while you wait for your new card.
In-person renewal: required if your license has expired or you need a new photo
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online—you must visit an MVA office in person. The same applies if you want a new photo, need to change your name, or have medical conditions that require updating on your license. In-person renewal typically takes 30 to 45 minutes from check-in to completion, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
You'll need to make an appointment through the MVA website before you go. Walk-ins are not accepted at most offices. When you arrive, bring your current license (even if expired), proof of Maryland residency such as a utility bill or lease, and your Social Security number. The MVA will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. The cost is $109 for a five-year license.
If you've lost your license or it was stolen, you'll need to report it to the MVA before renewing. Bring a police report if you filed one. If you're renewing after a suspension or revocation, the MVA will check your driving record and may require additional documentation or a hearing before they'll issue a new license.
Mail renewal: slowest option but works if you can't visit an office
Mail renewal is available if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo. The MVA will send you a renewal form about 60 days before your license expires. You can also request a form by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758 or visiting an MVA office. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $109, and mail it to the address on the form.
Processing takes four to six weeks after the MVA receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail. During this time, your old license remains valid, so you can continue driving legally. Keep track of when you mailed your process so you know when to expect your new license.
Mail renewal is useful if you have mobility issues, live far from an MVA office, or straightforward prefer not to visit in person. However, it's not a good option if your license is about to expire or has already expired, because you won't have a valid license to drive with during the processing period.
What documents and information you'll need
For any renewal method, have your Social Security number ready and your current Maryland driver's license. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of Maryland residency dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address. A government-issued ID like a passport also helps, though it's not always required.
If you've changed your name since your license was issued—through marriage, divorce, or legal change—bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you're a non-citizen, bring your immigration documents. If you have medical conditions that affect your driving, such as vision problems or seizure disorders, the MVA may ask for a doctor's statement.
For online and mail renewal, you won't need to bring physical documents, but you'll need to answer questions about your address, medical history, and driving record. Answer honestly; false information on a license process is a crime.
Timing: when to renew and how early you can
The MVA sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew up to one year before your license expires if you want to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date. Many people renew early to avoid the possibility of their license expiring while they're waiting for a new one in the mail.
If you renew early, your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired. So if you renew six months early, your new license will expire five years from that earlier date. This means you'll need to renew again sooner than if you'd waited.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew, but you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation that can result in a fine and points on your record. If you're pulled over, tell the officer that you've renewed and show them your renewal receipt if you have one.
Special situations: suspension, revocation, and medical conditions
If your license has been suspended or revoked due to unpaid fines, traffic violations, or medical reasons, you cannot straightforward renew it. You'll need to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Contact the MVA to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take. This might include paying fines, completing a driver improvement course, or getting a medical clearance from your doctor.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely—such as vision loss, hearing loss, or a seizure disorder—the MVA may require a statement from your doctor before renewing your license. Some conditions require you to renew more frequently than every five years. If you're unsure whether your condition requires reporting, call the MVA or ask your doctor.
If you're a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder, renewal rules are different and more complex. CDL renewals require a medical examination and may require an in-person visit. Contact the MVA for specific information about CDL renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but you'll need to renew in person at an MVA office. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, so schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Bring your expired license and the same documents you'd bring for a regular in-person renewal.
What if I move out of Maryland after renewing but before my license expires?
Your Maryland license remains valid in other states until it expires. However, if you move to another state and plan to stay there, you should get a driver's license from that state. You don't need to do anything with your Maryland license—just let it expire.
How much does it cost to renew a Maryland driver's license?
A five-year renewal costs $109, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew in person and need a duplicate license at the same time, there's an additional fee. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online accepts credit or debit cards, mail requires a check or money order, and in-person accepts cash, check, or card.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
You can renew your license online or by mail even if you have an outstanding ticket, but the MVA may suspend your license if you don't pay it. If your license is already suspended due to an unpaid fine, you'll need to pay it before renewing in person. Contact the MVA to check your suspension status before you renew.
What if my name has changed since I got my current license?
If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or legal change, bring a certified copy of the document proving the change when you renew in person. You cannot update your name through online or mail renewal; you must visit an MVA office. The new name will appear on your renewed license.