How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Maryland driver's license in person at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, or online through the MVA website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is faster — you can complete it in minutes from home — but it's only available if your license hasn't been suspended or revoked, you're not changing your name or address, and your license expires more than 30 days from now.

If you go in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). You do not need to bring your birth certificate unless you're changing your name or address.

For online renewal, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The MVA will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal, but only works if your license is valid, you're not moving or changing your name, and it expires more than 30 days away.
In-person renewal at an MVA office requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Maryland address.
Maryland licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you must renew in person and may face additional requirements depending on the reason.
The renewal fee varies by license type and age, so check the MVA website for your specific cost before you go.

Online renewal step-by-step

Go to the MVA website and select "Renew Your License" under the online services section. You'll enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against MVA records and ask you to confirm your address and other details.

Once you've reviewed everything, you'll pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The MVA does not accept cash or checks online. After payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation number — save this in case you need to check the status of your renewal later.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address before renewing, you must do so in person at an MVA office or update it online through a separate address-change transaction first.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

Find your nearest MVA office on the MVA website and check its hours before you go — some offices have limited hours or are closed certain days. You do not need an appointment for license renewal, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during peak times, especially on weekday mornings and early afternoons.

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Maryland address. If any of your personal information has changed — your name, address, or physical description — bring the documents that support the change (a marriage certificate for a name change, a lease or utility bill for an address change).

At the counter, tell the clerk you're renewing your license. They'll verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your payment. Your temporary license will be printed on the spot, valid until your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

When you must renew in person

You cannot use online renewal if your license is suspended or revoked, if you're changing your name or address, or if your license expired more than one year ago. You also cannot renew online if you're under 21, though Maryland allows 18- to 20-year-olds to renew in person.

If your license was suspended or revoked, the MVA will tell you what you must do to restore it — this might include paying a reinstatement fee, completing a driver improvement course, or providing proof of insurance. These requirements vary by the reason for suspension, so contact the MVA before you visit an office to confirm what documents to bring.

If your license expired more than one year ago, you may be required to pass a vision test and written knowledge test in addition to the standard renewal process. The MVA website lists which offices offer testing, so check before you go.

License validity and renewal timing

Maryland driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license.

If you renew before your current license expires, your new license will be valid for eight years from the expiration date of your old license, not from the date you renew. This means you won't lose any validity by renewing early.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process may take longer and you may face additional requirements like a vision test or knowledge test depending on how long it's been expired.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee depends on your age and license type. Standard driver's licenses cost one amount, while commercial licenses and licenses for drivers over 65 may cost differently. Check the MVA website for the exact fee that applies to you before you renew, as fees can change.

If you renew online, you can pay with a credit or debit card only. If you renew in person, most MVA offices accept cash, checks, and cards, but call ahead to confirm your specific office's payment methods.

If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the process is different and typically requires in-person renewal with additional documentation. Contact the MVA for CDL-specific instructions.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot straightforward renew it — you must request a replacement. A replacement is different from a renewal and requires you to go in person to an MVA office with proof of identity and proof of your Social Security number. The replacement fee is typically lower than a renewal fee.

If your license was stolen, you can report it to the MVA at the time you request the replacement. The MVA will note the theft in their system, which can help protect you if someone tries to use your old license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved out of Maryland?

No. Maryland licenses are only for Maryland residents. If you've moved to another state, you need to get a driver's license from that state. If you've moved within Maryland, you can renew online as long as you don't change your address during the renewal, or you can renew in person and update your address at the same time.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland and can result in a traffic citation and fine. If your license is about to expire, renew it before the expiration date. If it has already expired, renew it as soon as possible and avoid driving until your new license arrives.

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

If you renew online or in person, your new license is mailed to you and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a temporary license at the MVA office if you renew in person, which is valid until your new license arrives. If you renew online, you can print a temporary license from the MVA website after your renewal is processed.

Can I renew my license if I owe child support or have unpaid traffic tickets?

The MVA may suspend your license if you owe child support or have certain unpaid court fines. If your license is suspended for this reason, you cannot renew it online and must resolve the underlying issue before renewing in person. Contact the MVA or the relevant court to find out what you need to do.

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

Yes. Whether you renew online or in person, the MVA will use a new photo on your renewed license. If you renew in person, the MVA takes the photo at the office. If you renew online, the system uses your current license photo, but you can request a new photo be taken at an MVA office if you want to update it.

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.