Maryland driver's license renewal happens through the Motor Vehicle Administration, and the process depends on whether you renew in person, by mail, or online
Maryland offers three ways to renew your driver's license: online through the MVA website, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail if they are may be able to access, because both are faster than waiting at an office. In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a corrected address, or if the online system flags your record for manual review.
The renewal fee is $70 for a five-year license or $120 for an eight-year license as of 2024, though fees can change. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Processing times vary: online and mail renewals typically take one to two weeks, while in-person renewals are usually completed the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option if your license is current or expired less than two years and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires a completed process form (DL 43), your current license, and a check or money order, and takes one to two weeks.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you need a corrected address or new photo.
- Renewal fees are $70 for five years or $120 for eight years, and you must bring a valid payment method and proof of residency if renewing in person.
- You can find your nearest MVA office location and check wait times on the Maryland MVA website before you go.
Online renewal through the MVA website
Online renewal is the fastest route if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license is not expired or expired less than two years, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and you do not need a new photo or address correction. Go to the Maryland MVA website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
The system will show you the renewal fee and ask for payment by credit card or debit card. Once you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
If the online system cannot verify your information or flags your record, you will be directed to renew by mail or in person. This happens sometimes when an address or name change is pending, or when the MVA system has a question about your record that requires manual review.
Mail renewal with the DL 43 form
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired or expired less than two years. read or request the DL 43 form (process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit) from the MVA website or call the MVA at 410-787-7758. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current license. You do not need a new photo for mail renewal unless your license is more than 15 years old.
Mail your completed form, license, and payment to the address listed on the form. Payment must be by check or money order made out to "Maryland MVA." Do not send cash. Include the renewal fee: $70 for a five-year license or $120 for an eight-year license. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope.
Keep a copy of your completed form and the confirmation number (if you receive one) for your records. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address you listed on the form. If you move before your new license arrives, contact the MVA to update your address.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, if you need to correct your address or name, or if the online or mail system directs you to do so. Bring your current license (or expired license if you no longer have it), a valid payment method (cash, check, debit card, or credit card), and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Find your nearest MVA office on the Maryland MVA website. Many offices allow you to check wait times online before you go. Bring all required documents and arrive during office hours. The MVA will take a new photo, verify your information, process your payment, and issue your renewed license on the spot. You can drive when ready with your new license.
If you cannot locate your current license, bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) instead. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
What to bring and documents you need
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Online | License number, date of birth, last four digits of Social Security number | Credit or debit card |
| Completed DL 43 form, current license | Check or money order | |
| In Person | Current license, proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), valid photo ID if license is lost | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card |
Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days if you renew in person. If you have moved and your license still shows an old address, bring a document that shows both your name and current address. A utility bill in your name is the most straightforward proof.
When you renew by mail, you do not need to provide proof of address unless you are changing it. The MVA will use the address already on file. If your address has changed since your last renewal and you are renewing by mail, you will need to renew in person instead to update it.
Renewal fees and processing times
Maryland renewal fees are $70 for a five-year license or $120 for an eight-year license. These fees were current as of 2024 but may change. The MVA website will show the current fee when you begin your renewal. If you renew online or by mail, the fee is charged at the time you submit your process. If you renew in person, you pay when you arrive at the office.
Processing times differ by method. Online renewals are usually processed within one to two weeks. Mail renewals take one to two weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope, so add time for postal delivery. In-person renewals are completed the same day you visit the office. Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks after in-person renewal, unless you pay an additional fee for a temporary license to use while you wait.
If you need your license faster, ask about the temporary license option when you renew in person. Some MVA offices offer a temporary paper license for a small additional fee, which you can use when ready while your permanent license is being mailed.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and a valid payment method. The MVA will take a new photo and process your renewal the same way as a current license renewal.
If you have been driving with an expired license, you may face a citation. Renewing as soon as possible protects you from legal consequences. If your license has been expired for a very long time (typically five years or more), the MVA may require you to retake the written knowledge test or driving test. Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to ask whether your specific situation requires a test before you go to the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I need to change my address?
No. If you need to correct or change your address, you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days) along with your current license and payment method.
What happens if I renew online but my license arrives with the wrong information?
Contact the MVA when ready at 410-787-7758 or visit an MVA office with your new license and proof of the error. The MVA will issue a corrected license at no additional charge if the error was made by the MVA.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my license?
You do not need a new photo if you renew online or by mail and your license is less than 15 years old. If your license is 15 years old or older, you must get a new photo, which requires in-person renewal. You can also choose to get a new photo in person even if you are not required to.
How long can I drive after my license expires while waiting for my renewal?
Once your license expires, you should not drive. Renew before your expiration date if possible. If your renewal is pending and you have a confirmation number from online or mail renewal, you may be able to drive, but contact the MVA to confirm your specific situation.
What if I lose my license before it arrives in the mail?
Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to report the loss. You can request a replacement or renew in person at an MVA office. Bring a valid photo ID and proof of address. There may be an additional fee for a replacement license.