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. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You have several ways to renew: online through the Maryland MVA website, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at a local MVA office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need to update your address or other information, and how quickly you need the new card.
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online—you must go to an MVA office or explore by mail. If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you have more options. Understanding which path works for your situation will save you time and help you avoid unnecessary trips.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website takes about 10 minutes and costs $97.50 for a five-year license, but only works if your current license is still valid.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal form DL-43, a check or money order, and takes about two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your packet.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office lets you update your address, change your photo, or handle other changes on the same day, though wait times vary by location.
- You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid payment method for any renewal method.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office and may need to retake the written test.
Online renewal through the Maryland MVA website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid or expired within the last two years. Go to the Maryland MVA website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the $97.50 fee for a five-year license. The system will verify your information against MVA records and issue a temporary digital license that you can use when ready while your physical card is being mailed.
Your new license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, you can show the temporary digital license on your phone if you are stopped by police or need to prove your identity. The online system does not allow you to change your photo, update your address, or make other changes to your record—if you need any of those, you must renew in person or by mail.
Mail renewal using the DL-43 form
To renew by mail, read or request the DL-43 renewal form from the Maryland MVA website or call 410-787-7758. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and signature. Enclose a check or money order for $97.50 (for a five-year license) made payable to the Maryland MVA. Do not send cash.
Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your packet. You can track the status of your renewal by visiting the MVA website or calling the renewal status line. Mail renewal works for licenses that are currently valid or expired within the last two years, but if your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
Renewing in person at an MVA office is necessary if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your photo, update your address, or make corrections to your record. Bring your current license (or expired license if it is less than two years past expiration), proof of Social Security number such as a Social Security card or tax return, and proof of Maryland residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need to bring a valid payment method—cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The fee is $97.50 for a five-year license. At the office, you will have your photo taken, answer questions to verify your identity, and receive your new license on the spot. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.
What happens if your license expired more than two years ago
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to an MVA office in person. In addition to the documents listed above, you may be required to retake the written knowledge test to may support you still understand Maryland traffic laws. The MVA will determine whether a test is necessary based on your driving record and how long your license has been expired.
Bring your Social Security card or other proof of your number, proof of residency, and payment for the $97.50 license fee. The entire process, including the written test if required, typically takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. Call ahead to the MVA office nearest you to ask whether you will need to take the test, so you can prepare.
Finding an MVA office and checking wait times
Maryland has MVA offices in most counties. You can find the location, hours, and current wait times on the Maryland MVA website. Some offices are busier than others; offices in larger cities often have longer waits than those in smaller towns. The website shows real-time wait times for many locations, updated every 15 minutes, so you can choose a time and place that works for you.
You do not need an appointment for license renewal at most MVA offices, but some locations offer appointment scheduling through the website. Booking an appointment can reduce your wait time significantly. If you cannot visit an office during regular business hours, some MVA locations have extended evening or Saturday hours—check the website for your nearest office.
Address changes and other updates
If you need to change your address on your license, you can do so during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew by mail or in person. When renewing by mail, write your new address clearly on the DL-43 form. When renewing in person, tell the MVA staff member your new address before they take your photo, and it will be printed on your new license.
If you only need to change your address without renewing your license, you can do that separately at an MVA office or by mail using form DL-43. Address changes are free and do not require a new photo or fee. You have 60 days from moving to update your address with the MVA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. Online renewal only works if your license is currently valid or expired within the last two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office. You may also need to retake the written knowledge test.
How long does it take to get my new license card after I renew online?
Your physical license card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary digital license when ready after completing your online renewal, which you can use on your phone until your card arrives.
What if I need to change my photo during renewal?
You can only change your photo by renewing in person at an MVA office. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. At an MVA office, a new photo will be taken as part of the renewal process at no extra cost.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license at an MVA office?
Appointments are not required for most MVA offices, but they are available and can reduce your wait time. You can book an appointment through the Maryland MVA website. Walk-ins are welcome, but you may wait longer during busy times.
What if my license was lost or stolen instead of just expired?
If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew it—you must report it and get a replacement. Go to an MVA office with proof of identity and residency, and pay a replacement fee. This is different from renewal and requires in-person service.