Maryland driver's licenses expire every five years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office
Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) gives you three ways to renew: online through the MVA website, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at a local MVA office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had a name change, and how quickly you need the new card. Most people renew online because it's the fastest option and requires no office visit.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal code, which you'll need for online renewal. If you don't receive one, you can still renew, but you'll need your driver's license number and Social Security number instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- You can renew online only if your current license is valid and you have no outstanding violations, suspensions, or name changes.
- Mail renewal uses the form that came with your renewal notice and takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time MVA receives it.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license is expired, suspended, or if you've changed your name.
- You'll need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment (cash, check, or card) if you renew in person.
Online renewal through the MVA website
Go to the Maryland MVA website and select "Renew Your License" from the main menu. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and either your renewal code (from the notice) or your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and ask you to confirm your address. If your address has changed, you can update it during renewal.
The fee for a five-year renewal is $109. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Once payment is processed, you're done—your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license is expired, if you have an active suspension or revocation, if you've changed your name, or if you need to update your photo. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.
Mail renewal using the paper form
Your renewal notice includes a mail-in form. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it to the address printed on the form along with your payment. The fee is the same as online: $109. You can pay by check or money order made out to "Maryland MVA." Do not send cash.
Processing time for mail renewal is 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives your form. To track your process, you'll need the confirmation number printed on your renewal notice. Mail renewal is slower than online but works if you prefer not to use the website or if you don't have a credit or debit card.
Like online renewal, mail renewal is not available if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, or if you've had a legal name change. Those situations require an in-person visit.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you have a suspension or revocation on your record, if you've changed your name legally, or if you need a new photo. Bring your current license (or expired license if your current one is no longer valid), proof of Maryland residency, and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.
The fee is $109 for a five-year renewal. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new photo will be taken at the office, and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed. The permanent card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the MVA website before you go. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you've already started the renewal process. If you're pulled over, you can be cited. However, if you can show proof that you submitted your renewal process before the expiration date—such as a confirmation number from online renewal or a postmark on your mail process—an officer may issue a warning instead of a citation.
If your license has already expired and you haven't renewed yet, you must renew in person at an MVA office. You cannot use online or mail renewal once your license is expired. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal.
Name changes and other updates during renewal
If you've changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your updated name.
If you've straightforward moved within Maryland, you can update your address during online or mail renewal without visiting an office. If you've moved out of state or need to change other information like height or eye color, contact the MVA directly or visit an office to discuss your options.
Finding an MVA office and scheduling an appointment
Maryland has MVA offices in most counties. Use the office locator on the MVA website to find the one nearest you, see current wait times, and check hours of operation. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some offering extended hours or Saturday appointments.
You can schedule an appointment online through the MVA website. Appointments are free and can significantly reduce your wait time. If you don't have internet access or prefer to call, you can contact the MVA by phone to schedule or ask questions about renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than a year?
Yes, but you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The fee is the same as a standard renewal: $109 for five years.
What if I don't receive my renewal notice in the mail?
You can still renew online or by mail without the notice. For online renewal, use your driver's license number and Social Security number instead of the renewal code. For mail renewal, contact the MVA to request a form or visit an office.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date it's issued at the MVA office. Your permanent card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but if it doesn't, you can continue using the temporary license until it expires.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Outstanding traffic violations or unpaid fines may prevent online renewal, but you can still renew in person at an MVA office. The office staff can tell you whether any issues on your record will block renewal.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Only if you renew in person. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken at the office.