Maryland driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office
Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) lets you renew your license before it expires without taking a new road test or vision exam — as long as your vision hasn't changed and you have no medical conditions that would disqualify you. You do not need to visit an office if you renew online or by mail. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year license. You'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Your license expires on your birthday in the year listed on the front. If you're unsure when yours expires, check the card itself or log into your MVA account at mva.maryland.gov. You can renew up to one year before expiration, which gives you flexibility in timing.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland driver's licenses are valid for eight years and renew on your birthday; you can start the process up to one year early.
- Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
- You must renew in person if your address has changed, you need a corrected name, your vision has worsened, or you have a new medical condition.
- The renewal fee is $109 for an eight-year license, and you'll need your current license number and Social Security number to start online.
- If your license is expired, you can still renew by mail or online, but you cannot drive legally until the new one arrives.
Renewing online through the MVA website
The online renewal process is available at mva.maryland.gov under "Renew Your License." You'll need your current Maryland driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address, emergency contact, and organ donor status. You cannot change your address online — if you've moved, you must renew by mail or in person.
After you submit your information and pay the $109 fee, the MVA will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue driving while you wait. If you need to drive out of state before your new license arrives, you can print a temporary renewal receipt from the website to carry with you.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, read the DL-43 form from mva.maryland.gov or pick one up at any MVA office. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $109 (made payable to "Maryland MVA") to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of a document showing your current address if it has changed since your license was issued.
Mail processing takes longer than online renewal — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time the MVA receives your envelope. To avoid delays, use a traceable mailing method like certified mail. Your current license remains valid during this time. If your address has changed, the MVA will mail your new license to the address you provided on the form.
Renewing in person at an MVA office
Visit any MVA office with your current license and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it. Payment is accepted in cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on office traffic. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You must renew in person if your address has changed, your name needs correction, or you have a new medical condition that the MVA needs to review.
When you must renew in person instead of online or by mail
You cannot use online or mail renewal if your address has changed since your current license was issued. You also must visit an office in person if you need to correct your name, add or remove restrictions, or report a new medical condition. If your vision has worsened or you've been diagnosed with a condition that affects your ability to drive safely, the MVA may require you to take a new vision test or medical evaluation before renewing.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through any method until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the MVA directly at 410-787-7758 to find out your license status and what steps you need to take.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If you're caught driving with an expired license, you can be cited. However, you can still renew your license after it expires — the process is the same, and the fee remains $109. Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the original expiration date.
If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, the MVA may require you to take a new written test or vision exam. Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to ask whether your specific situation requires testing before you submit a renewal.
Finding an MVA office and checking wait times
Maryland has MVA offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times at mva.maryland.gov under "Office Locations." Some offices are busier than others, and wait times change throughout the day. Early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter waits than afternoons and Fridays.
A few MVA offices offer appointments for certain services. Check the website for your local office to see if appointments are available for renewals. If you're renewing in person and want to avoid a long wait, consider visiting during off-peak hours or on a weekday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maryland license if I moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Maryland, you must surrender your Maryland license and obtain a license from your new state. You cannot renew a Maryland license if your address is outside Maryland. Contact your new state's motor vehicle agency to start the process there.
What if my name has changed since my license was issued?
You must renew in person and bring a document showing your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will not process a name change through online or mail renewal. Bring your current license and the name-change document to any MVA office.
Do I need to take a new vision test or written test to renew?
No, not for a standard renewal. You only take a new test if the MVA has reason to believe your vision has worsened or you have a medical condition affecting your driving. If you're unsure, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 before you renew.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid until your plastic card arrives by mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with the temporary license during this time. Keep it with you while you drive.
What if I lost my current license before renewing?
You'll need to replace your lost license before you can renew. Visit an MVA office with proof of identity and address to get a replacement. Once you have it, you can renew using any method. The replacement fee and renewal fee are separate charges.