How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

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) lets you renew your license before it expires without taking a new written test or vision test — as long as your current license is still valid and you meet basic requirements. The fastest route is online through the MVA website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for a five-year license. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal or visit an MVA office in person.

Your license expiration date is printed on the front of your card. The MVA typically sends a renewal notice about 60 days before that date, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option and requires only your current license number, Social Security number, and a payment method.
You can renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed Form DL-43, and a check or money order to the MVA address listed on the form.
In-person renewal at an MVA office requires an appointment, which you can book through the MVA website or by calling 410-787-7758.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail, or you can pick it up when ready at an office if you renew in person.
You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year, or if you need to change your name or address.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Online renewal is available at mva.maryland.gov under the "Renew Your License" section. You will need your current Maryland driver's license number, your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check). The system will verify your identity and pull your driving record automatically.

The fee is $109 for a five-year license. Once you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation number. 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.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended or revoked, if it expired more than one year ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read or request Form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License) from the MVA website or pick one up at any MVA office. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $109 to the address shown on the form.

Mail your packet to the MVA Processing Center, which processes mail renewals. Processing typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives your packet, plus mail delivery time. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file.

Keep a copy of your confirmation or receipt if you have one. If you do not receive your new license within 4 weeks of mailing your renewal, contact the MVA to check the status of your process.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

You can renew your license at any of Maryland's MVA offices, but you must book an appointment first. Go to mva.maryland.gov, click "Schedule an Appointment," and select a date and time that works for you. You can also call 410-787-7758 to schedule by phone.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring a payment method for the $109 fee — cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

At your appointment, an MVA employee will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You can pick up your new license when ready or have it mailed to you. If you pick it up in person, you will have it the same day.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office in person and may be required to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired. The MVA treats licenses expired for more than one year as if they were never issued.

Book an appointment at an MVA office and bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal. Be prepared to spend more time at your appointment if you need to take tests. The fee remains $109 for a five-year license.

Changing your name or address during renewal

If you need to change your name or address, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew in person at an MVA office or by mail.

For a name change, bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your Social Security number and current address. For an address change only, bring your current license and proof of your new address.

If you are renewing by mail with a name change, include a copy of the document proving the name change along with your Form DL-43 and current license.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at an MVA office. Book an appointment through the MVA website or by phone at 410-787-7758.

Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and your medical certificate (CDLIS Medical Certification Form). You may be required to retake the written test and vision test depending on your CDL class and endorsements. The fee is $109 for a five-year license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any outstanding fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the MVA. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew online, by mail, or in person.

What if I move out of state before my license expires?

You do not have to renew your Maryland license if you move. You can obtain a driver's license in your new state instead. If you keep your Maryland address on file and plan to return, you can renew your Maryland license by mail or online from out of state.

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

If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person and pick it up at the office, you get it the same day. If you renew in person but request it be mailed, it takes 7 to 10 business days.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?

Yes, you can renew your license even if you have an unpaid ticket or fine. However, the MVA may suspend your license if you do not pay court-ordered fines. Check your driving record on the MVA website to see if there are any holds on your license before you renew.

What if I lose my new license before it arrives?

Contact the MVA when ready at 410-787-7758 to report it lost. You can request a replacement license at an MVA office or by mail. There is a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. In the meantime, you can drive with your old license if it is still valid.

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.