Maryland's license renewal process depends on your age and when your current license expires

In Maryland, you renew your driver's license through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The process you follow depends on whether you're under 21, between 21 and 64, or 65 and older — each group has different renewal timelines and requirements. You can renew in person at an MVA office, by mail, or online through the MVA website, though not all methods work for every situation.

Your current license shows your expiration date on the front. Maryland sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before that date, but you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Drivers under 21 must renew in person at an MVA office; those 21 to 64 can renew online, by mail, or in person; drivers 65 and older must renew in person.
  • Maryland licenses for drivers 21 to 64 are valid for eight years; licenses for drivers under 21 expire on their 21st birthday; licenses for drivers 65 and older are valid for five years.
  • Online renewal through the MVA website takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal, but you cannot use it if your address has changed or your license was suspended.
  • You will need your current license, proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment by debit card, credit card, or check.
  • If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Renewal timelines based on your age

If you are under 21, your license expires on your 21st birthday. You must renew in person at an MVA office before that date. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. The MVA will not mail you a renewal notice for this type of license, so mark your birthday on your calendar or set a phone reminder.

If you are between 21 and 64, your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option if your address hasn't changed and your license is still valid.

If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for five years. You must renew in person at an MVA office. The MVA requires in-person renewal for this age group because Maryland law mandates vision screening at each renewal for drivers over 65.

Online renewal through the MVA website

The MVA's online renewal system is available at mva.maryland.gov. You can use it if your license is still valid, your address hasn't changed since you got your current license, and you have not had any suspensions or revocations. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person.

To renew online, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a debit or credit card for payment. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving legally during that time.

If your address has changed, your license was suspended or revoked, or you need to update your name, you cannot use online renewal. You must go to an MVA office in person.

Renewing by mail

You can renew by mail if your license is still valid and you meet the same conditions as online renewal: your address hasn't changed and your license has not been suspended. The MVA will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions.

Fill out the form, include your payment (check or money order), and mail it back to the address on the notice. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. Your current license stays valid during this time. If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can still renew by mail — call the MVA at 410-768-7000 to request a renewal form.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

You must renew in person if you are under 21, 65 or older, if your address has changed, if your license was suspended or revoked, or if your license has been expired for more than one year. Bring your current license, proof of Maryland residency dated within 60 days (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement), and payment by debit card, credit card, or check.

MVA offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the MVA website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait time. Bring all required documents — the MVA will not process your renewal without them.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may be required to retake the written knowledge test. The MVA will tell you whether this applies to you when you arrive. If you need to retake the test, bring your current license or an acceptable form of identification such as a passport or state ID card.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. However, if you can show proof that you submitted a renewal process before your license expired, an officer may issue a warning instead of a citation.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot straightforward renew it — you must explore for a new license. This means you will need to retake the written test and the road test, and you will pay the full fee for a new license rather than a renewal fee. To avoid this, renew before your expiration date.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a Maryland driver's license varies depending on how long your new license will be valid. For drivers 21 to 64, an eight-year renewal costs one amount; for drivers 65 and older, a five-year renewal costs less. The exact fee is listed on the MVA website and on renewal notices.

You can pay by debit card, credit card, or check. If you renew online, you must use a debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, you can send a check or money order. If you renew in person, you can use any of the three methods. The MVA does not accept cash at most offices, so bring a card or check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I just moved to Maryland?

No. You must have a Maryland address and proof of residency dated within 60 days to renew. If you just moved, get a utility bill, lease, or bank statement in your name at your new address, then renew in person at an MVA office.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

You cannot renew a lost license. You must explore for a replacement license at an MVA office. Bring proof of identity and residency. A replacement costs less than a new license but more than a renewal. You will receive your replacement license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?

Online renewals are mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license stays valid during this time, so you can drive legally while you wait. If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, contact the MVA.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

If you renew online or by mail, the MVA uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the MVA takes a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must renew in person instead.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at an MVA office and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will update your name and take a new photo.