Maryland lets you renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and how long it has been expired
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) offers three renewal paths: online through the MVA website, by mail using a renewal notice, or in person at an MVA office. Which one you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before expiration, and whether you need a REAL ID-compliant license. Most people renew before expiration and can use the faster online or mail routes. If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, you may need to visit an office in person.
Standard Maryland driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the issue date. You can begin renewing up to one year before your expiration date. The MVA sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, which includes instructions for each renewal method and your renewal code if you choose to renew online.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade.
- Mail renewal requires your renewal notice and takes two to three weeks; you can start this process up to one year before expiration.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you need a REAL ID-compliant license.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and payment method (credit card, debit card, or check for mail) to complete any renewal.
- The renewal fee for a standard eight-year license is $109 in Maryland; REAL ID licenses cost $134.
Online renewal through the MVA website
Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have not renewed online in the past two years, and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade. You will need your renewal code from your renewal notice, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes and your new license ships within five to seven business days.
Visit the MVA website and select the online renewal option. Enter your driver's license number, renewal code, and personal information. Review the renewal notice on screen, confirm your address, and pay the renewal fee. You cannot change your address online; if your address has changed, use mail or in-person renewal instead.
After you complete online renewal, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new physical license will arrive by mail. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives, since the expiration date does not change during renewal.
Mail renewal using your renewal notice
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired or has been expired for fewer than five years. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before expiration. This notice includes a renewal form, payment instructions, and your renewal code.
Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with payment (check or money order) to the address listed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current driver's license or state ID if your address has changed. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your form. You can continue driving on your current license during this time.
If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758 or visiting an MVA office. You can also renew by mail even if you did not receive a notice, but you will need to pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a REAL ID-compliant license, or if you want to change your address or other information on your license. You will need to bring your current driver's license or state ID, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days).
Visit the MVA website to find the office nearest you and check current wait times. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first. Bring all required documents and arrive with time to spare.
At the office, you will complete a renewal process, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license is printed on site and you receive it before you leave. If you need a REAL ID license, you will need to bring additional proof of identity and residency; the MVA website lists the specific documents accepted.
REAL ID compliance and when you need it
A REAL ID-compliant license meets federal security standards and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025. Maryland offers REAL ID licenses, but you must renew in person at an MVA office to obtain one. You cannot upgrade to REAL ID online or by mail.
If you renew online or by mail before the important date, you will receive a standard license. You can upgrade to REAL ID at any time by visiting an MVA office with the required documents. The upgrade fee is $25 in addition to any renewal fee if your license is not yet expired.
To obtain a REAL ID license, bring your current driver's license or state ID, proof of Social Security number, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and two proofs of Maryland residency. The MVA website lists all accepted documents for each category.
What to do if your license has been expired for a long time
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit an MVA office in person and complete a new process as if you were getting a license for the first time. You will need to provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency, and you may need to pass a vision test.
The process is similar to a standard in-person renewal, but the fee structure may differ. Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to confirm what documents you need and whether any additional requirements explore to your situation.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a standard eight-year Maryland driver's license is $109. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $134. If you are renewing by mail and did not receive a renewal notice, add a $20 replacement fee. If you need to renew in person after your license has been expired for more than five years, the fee structure may be different; contact the MVA to confirm.
Online and in-person renewal accept credit cards and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. Do not send cash by mail. If you pay by check and it is returned for insufficient funds, the MVA will contact you to collect payment before processing your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes, if it has been expired for fewer than five years. You can renew online if it is not expired, by mail if it has been expired for fewer than five years, or in person at any time. If it has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and may need to provide additional documents.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes five to seven business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your form. In-person renewal is when ready — you receive your new license before you leave the office.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
You cannot change your address during online renewal. Use mail or in-person renewal instead. For mail renewal, include a copy of your current license with your form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill or lease.
Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Maryland?
No. A REAL ID license is only required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. You can continue driving in Maryland with a standard license. However, you will need REAL ID to fly domestically starting May 7, 2025.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 or visit an office to request a replacement notice. You can also renew by mail without the notice, but you will pay an additional $20 replacement fee on top of the renewal fee.