Renewing your Maryland license online, by mail, or in person
Maryland lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at mva.maryland.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at an MVA office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it's been since you last renewed, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your license is valid for eight years from the issue date. Maryland sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, 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
- Online renewal at mva.maryland.gov is the fastest option and works if your license is not expired, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and you don't need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires a renewal notice from MVA and takes about two weeks; you cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you have a commercial driver's license (CDL).
- You will need your current license, proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a valid form of identification to renew in person.
- Renewal fees are $109 for an eight-year license; you can pay online, by mail, or in person depending on your renewal method.
Online renewal through mva.maryland.gov
Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have a valid Social Security number in the MVA system, and you don't need a new photo. You'll answer questions about your address, medical conditions, and whether you've had any traffic violations since your last renewal. The system will tell you when ready if you're not may be able to access for online renewal.
The process takes about 10 minutes. You'll pay the $109 renewal fee with a credit or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
If the online system says you're not may be able to access, it will tell you why and direct you to mail or in-person renewal. Common reasons include an expired license, a missing Social Security number, or a recent address change that needs verification.
Mail renewal with your MVA notice
If you received a renewal notice from MVA in the mail, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. You'll sign the back of your current license, include it with the notice, and mail both back to MVA. Do not send cash; pay by check or money order made out to "Maryland MVA."
Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time MVA receives your envelope. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years. If your license is expired beyond that window, you must renew in person.
You can also request a renewal notice by phone at 410-787-7758 or through mva.maryland.gov if you didn't receive one. Some people prefer mail renewal because they want to avoid the MVA office, even though online is faster.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
You must renew in person if your license is expired, you need a new photo, you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), or the online system tells you that you're not may be able to access for remote renewal. Bring your current license, proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a valid form of identification such as a passport or military ID.
Visit mva.maryland.gov to find your nearest full-service MVA office and check wait times before you go. Some offices are appointment-only; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You can book an appointment online to skip the walk-in line at many locations.
The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you're called. You'll have a new photo taken, answer the same questions as online renewal, and pay the $109 fee by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You'll receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What to bring and documents you'll need
For in-person renewal, bring your current Maryland driver's license and one form of proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, or government mail with your name and address. A PO box does not count as proof of residency.
You'll also need a valid form of identification if your current license is expired or if you're renewing a CDL. A U.S. passport, military ID, or passport card works. If you're a non-U.S. citizen, bring your visa or immigration document along with your passport.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you've changed your address, you can update it during renewal without extra paperwork.
Fees and payment methods
A standard eight-year Maryland driver's license renewal costs $109. If you're 65 or older, the fee is $39 for a five-year license or $54 for an eight-year license. You can pay online with a credit or debit card, by mail with a check or money order, or in person with cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
If you renew online, payment is processed when ready and your new license ships within a few days. If you renew by mail, include your payment with your renewal notice. If you renew in person, you can pay at the counter before you leave.
There are no additional fees for a replacement photo or address change during renewal. If you need to replace a lost or stolen license outside of renewal, that costs $25.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for fewer than two years, you can still renew by mail or in person. If it's been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at an MVA office. You cannot drive on an expired license, even if you have a renewal process pending.
If your license expired while you were out of state or overseas, you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on how long it's been expired. Contact MVA at 410-787-7758 to ask about your specific situation.
Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic citation. If you're stopped by police, explain that you have a renewal in progress. Bring proof of your online renewal submission or your mailed renewal notice if you have it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved out of Maryland?
No. You must be a Maryland resident to hold a Maryland driver's license. If you've moved to another state, you need to get a license from that state. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency to learn about their requirements.
What if I have a CDL or a commercial endorsement?
Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at an MVA office. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and valid identification. The renewal process is the same as for a standard license, but you must appear in person.
How do I renew if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?
During renewal, you'll be asked about medical conditions. If you have a condition that may affect your ability to drive safely, MVA may require a medical report from your doctor or may restrict your license. Answer honestly on the renewal form. If MVA needs more information, they will contact you.
Can I renew early if my license expires soon?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Online and mail renewal work the same way whether you're renewing early or at the last minute. Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date it's issued, not from your old expiration date.
What if I don't receive my renewed license after two weeks?
Contact MVA at 410-787-7758 to check the status of your renewal. Provide your license number and the date you submitted your renewal. If your license was lost in the mail, MVA can reissue it. You can also check the status online at mva.maryland.gov if you renewed online.