Maryland driver's licenses expire every five years, and you renew them through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)
Your Maryland driver's license has an expiration date printed on the front. When that date approaches, you have options: renew in person at an MVA office, renew by mail if you meet certain conditions, or renew online through the MVA website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have left, and whether you need to update your address or other information.
The MVA sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date. If your license has already expired, you can still renew, but the process may take longer and you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland licenses expire every five years, and you can renew starting one year before the expiration date on your card.
- Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address or other information in the past five years.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license has expired, if you need to update your address or photo, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is still valid and you meet specific conditions set by the MVA.
- You will need your current Maryland license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency for in-person renewal.
Online renewal through the MVA website
The MVA website allows you to renew online if your license is still valid and you meet the requirements. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer questions about your driving record and medical history, pay the renewal fee, and submit a digital photo or use an existing photo on file. The new license is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal works only if you have not moved, changed your name, or had any significant changes to your medical status since your last license was issued. If any of those things have changed, you must renew in person. The renewal fee for a five-year license is $70 as of 2024, though fees can change. You pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check during the online process.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need to update your address or photo, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license, or if you have medical conditions that require MVA review. Bring your current Maryland license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Walk-in appointments are available at most MVA offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can also schedule an appointment online through the MVA website to reduce your wait time. The in-person process takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken at the office, answer questions about your driving record and medical history, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal for valid licenses
The MVA allows mail renewal only if your license is still valid, you have not moved in the past five years, and you have not had any changes to your medical status or driving record that require review. You cannot renew by mail if your license has expired or if you need to update your photo or address.
To renew by mail, complete the renewal form that comes with your MVA notice or read it from the MVA website. Include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address shown on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives your process. This method is slower than online renewal and offers fewer options, so most people choose online renewal when they are able to.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
If your license expires before your new one arrives, you cannot legally drive. You should not wait until the expiration date to start the renewal process. Begin online or in person at least two weeks before your license expires to may support the new license arrives in time. If your license has already expired and you need to drive, you can still renew, but you must do so in person at an MVA office.
Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and a fine. If you are stopped by police, explain that you have a renewal in progress and show them your old license. Keep any documentation from the MVA showing that you have submitted a renewal process.
Fees and what they cover
The renewal fee for a five-year Maryland driver's license is $70. This fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, the fee is higher. The MVA accepts payment by credit card, debit card, or electronic check online, and by check or money order by mail. In-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
The fee does not change based on how long your license has been expired or whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew before your current license expires, you do not pay a higher fee. The new license is valid for five years from the date it is issued, not from the date your old license expired.
Updating your address or other information during renewal
If you have moved to a new address in Maryland, you must update your address during renewal. You can do this online if you are renewing online, or in person at an MVA office. If you are renewing by mail, you cannot update your address through the mail renewal process—you must renew in person instead.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. You must renew in person to update your name. The same applies if you want to change your gender marker on your license or if you have had any changes to your medical status that the MVA needs to review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
Yes, but you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, and your new license will be valid for five years from the date it is issued.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and in-person renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days for the new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives your process. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary license at an MVA office.
What if I move out of Maryland after I renew?
Your Maryland license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, even if you move to another state. If you move and want to get a license in your new state, you will need to follow that state's process. You do not need to surrender your Maryland license unless your new state requires it.
Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes. Online renewal uses your existing photo on file or allows you to submit a new digital photo. If your vision has changed significantly, you may want to renew in person so a new photo is taken. There is no requirement to update your photo during renewal unless your license has expired or you choose to do so.
What if the MVA loses my renewal process?
If you do not receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact the MVA directly through their website or by phone. Have your process confirmation number or tracking information ready. The MVA can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if needed.