Renew your Maryland license online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office
Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) 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 a local MVA office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address change that requires verification. By mail takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at an MVA office takes about an hour from arrival to completion, depending on how busy the office is.
Your renewal timeline depends on when your license expires. Maryland sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person — online and mail renewal are not available for expired licenses.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at mva.maryland.gov works only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and your address on file matches your current address.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form DL-43, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and takes about two weeks; it is available only if you meet the same conditions as online renewal.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license is expired, you have changed your name, or you need to update your address or other information.
- Maryland driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can begin the renewal process up to one year before expiration.
- You will need your current license, proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee, which varies by license type.
Online renewal through mva.maryland.gov
Start at mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Maryland driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The system will pull up your record and show you the information on file — your name, address, and license details.
Online renewal works only if all of the following are true: your license is not expired, you have not changed your name since your last renewal, your address on file is still correct, and you do not need to change your vision correction status or other license restrictions. If any of these conditions do not explore, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead. The online fee is paid by credit card or debit card at the end of the process. You will receive a temporary digital license when ready and a physical card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal using form DL-43
Request form DL-43 (process for Renewal of Driver's License) from mva.maryland.gov, or call the MVA at 410-227-1371 to have one mailed to you. You can also pick one up in person at any MVA office. Complete the form with your current information, sign it, and enclose a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to "Maryland MVA."
Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the form — currently the MVA's mail processing center in Glen Burnie. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the MVA receives your envelope. Like online renewal, mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and your address does not need updating. If you need to change your address or other information, use in-person renewal instead.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
Visit any Maryland MVA office with your current driver's license, proof of Maryland residency, and payment for the renewal fee. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photograph of the document is not accepted.
You do not need an appointment for license renewal at most MVA offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check mva.maryland.gov for office hours and current wait times before you go. The MVA office will take a new photograph, verify your information, process your payment, and issue a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The renewal fee depends on your license type and how long you want it to be valid. A standard eight-year renewal costs $109 for a driver's license. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at an MVA office. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.
Some MVA offices accept payment by phone or online before you arrive, which can speed up your in-person visit. Check the specific office's website or call ahead to confirm what payment methods they accept.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to an MVA office in person. Bring the same documents as you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The process is the same, but the MVA may ask additional questions about why the license expired and whether you have been driving with an expired license.
An expired license is still a valid form of identification for the renewal process, so you can use it to prove who you are. However, you should not drive with an expired license — Maryland law requires a valid license to operate a vehicle on public roads.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
If you have moved since your last renewal, you must update your address. You can do this only in person at an MVA office or by mail if you are using form DL-43 and your new address is in Maryland. Online renewal will not let you proceed if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new Maryland residency — the same documents accepted for standard renewal (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that proves the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot change your name through online or mail renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expires.
How long does it take to get my new license card in the mail?
Maryland typically mails your new license card within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is processed. If you renew online or in person, you receive a temporary digital license or paper temporary license when ready, which you can use while you wait for the permanent card.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. You must go to an MVA office in person and request a replacement license instead of a renewal. Bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of residency. The replacement process is similar to renewal but may have a different fee.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at an MVA office?
Most Maryland MVA offices do not require appointments for license renewal. However, some offices offer appointment slots during busy times. Check mva.maryland.gov or call your local office to see if appointments are available and whether they might reduce your wait time.
What if my vision has changed since my last license?
If you need to update your vision correction status (adding or removing glasses/contacts restrictions), you must renew in person at an MVA office. You may need to pass a vision test. Online and mail renewal do not allow you to change vision restrictions.