How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

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. When it expires, you have three ways to renew: online through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at an MVA office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and what changes you need to make to your record.

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it using any of these three methods. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office. The in-person visit takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for a five-year license, but only works if your current license is still valid or expired within the last two years.
Mail renewal requires the DL 43 form, takes two to three weeks, and costs $109, but you do not need to visit an office.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license expired more than two years ago, and you must bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
You can renew online or by mail up to six months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date.
If you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license, you may need to renew in person rather than online.

Renewing online through the 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, select "Renew Your License," and create or log into your MVA account. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against MVA records.

Once verified, you will pay $109 using a credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to change your address before renewing, update it online first through your MVA account, or the new license will go to your old address.

Renewing by mail with the DL 43 form

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid or expired within the last two years. Request the DL 43 renewal form from the MVA website, or call the MVA at 410-768-7000 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $109 to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your form. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so plan to submit your form at least four weeks before your license expires if you need it by a specific date. Like online renewal, your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you can drive on your current license until it arrives.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago. It is also the only option if you need to change your name, correct errors on your license, or update your address and cannot do so online beforehand. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Maryland address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Visit any MVA office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some offer Saturday hours. You can check wait times and make an appointment on the MVA website before you go. The renewal takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license is expired more than two years

If your license has been expired for more than two years, the MVA treats it as a new license rather than a renewal. You must go to an MVA office in person and bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office.

The fee is still $109 for a five-year license. The process takes the same amount of time as a regular renewal, and you will receive a temporary license on the spot. If you have had any changes to your name, address, or other information since your license expired, bring documents that show those changes, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Changing your name or address during renewal

If you are changing your name, you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your current license and a document that proves your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will update your record and issue a new license with your new name.

If you are only changing your address, you can update it online through your MVA account before renewing online or by mail. If you prefer to change your address in person, you can do that at the same time as your renewal. Your new license will reflect the updated address.

Costs and what to expect after renewal

A five-year driver's license renewal costs $109 in Maryland, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This is the standard fee as of the most recent update, though fees can change. If you renew online or by mail, you will pay by credit card or check. In-person renewals accept cash, check, or card.

After you renew, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, contact the MVA to check the status. Keep your temporary license or receipt if you renewed in person, as it serves as proof of your renewal if you are stopped by police.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license online if it is already expired?

Yes, if it expired within the last two years. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office and pass a vision test.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

What if I move to a different address before my license expires?

Update your address through your MVA account online, or visit an MVA office to change it in person. Your next renewal will reflect the new address. You do not have to renew your license early just to change your address.

Do I have to renew my license on the expiration date, or can I renew early?

You can renew up to six months before your license expires. Renewing early does not shorten the five-year validity period — your new license will still be valid for five years from the date it is issued.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must replace it before you can renew it. Visit an MVA office to report it lost and get a replacement. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it using any of the three methods.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.