Maryland lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
You can renew your Maryland driver's license through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website without visiting an office, but only if your license is not expired and you have not renewed online in the past two years. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $109 for a five-year renewal, and you receive your new card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license has already expired, if you need to change your address, or if you have certain medical conditions on file, you must renew in person at an MVA office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the MVA website works only if your current license is still valid and you have not renewed online within the past two years.
- The fee is $109 for a five-year renewal, paid by credit or debit card during the online transaction.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
- If your license is expired, you need a name change, or you have certain medical restrictions, you must visit an MVA office in person.
- You will need your Social Security number, current Maryland license number, and a valid payment method to complete the renewal online.
Who can renew online and who must go to an office
Online renewal is available only to drivers whose licenses are currently valid—not expired. If your license expired more than 60 days ago, the MVA requires you to renew in person and may require you to retake the written test. You also cannot renew online if you have renewed online within the past two years; Maryland limits online renewals to once every two years to prevent fraud.
You must visit an MVA office in person if you need to change your name, address, or medical information; if you have certain medical conditions that require review; or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). Drivers under 21 also cannot renew online. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for online renewal, you can call the MVA at 410-787-7758 before starting the process.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these documents and information before you log into the MVA website: your current Maryland driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card for the $109 renewal fee. You will also need to confirm your date of birth and answer security questions based on your driving record and personal history.
The MVA website does not accept prepaid cards, gift cards, or checks. If you do not have a credit or debit card, you will need to renew in person at an MVA office. Make sure the name and address on your payment card match the information on your license, or the transaction may be declined.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Go to the MVA website at mva.maryland.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Renew Your License" and choose the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will then confirm whether you are may be able to access to renew online; if you are not, it will tell you why and direct you to schedule an in-person appointment.
If you are may be able to access, review your current information on file—name, address, and medical restrictions. You can update your address during this step if it has changed, but other changes require an in-person visit. Answer the security questions, agree to the terms, and enter your payment information. The MVA will process the payment when ready and send you a confirmation number by email. Do not close the browser until you see this confirmation; if the page times out, contact the MVA to confirm whether your payment went through.
After you submit, the MVA mails your new license to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license during this time. If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 with your confirmation number.
What happens after you renew online
Your new license is mailed to your address on file at the MVA. If you have moved recently and updated your address during the online renewal, your license will go to your new address. If you forgot to update your address and your license goes to your old home, you can contact the MVA to request a replacement card mailed to your current address, though this may involve an additional fee.
Your new license is valid for five years from the date of renewal. You do not need to do anything else—no appointment, no visit to an office. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can use it for identification and driving during the mail delivery period.
If your online renewal is denied or does not go through
If the MVA system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, it will explain why. Common reasons include an expired license, a previous online renewal within two years, an active medical restriction that needs review, or a name change on file. In these cases, you must schedule an in-person appointment at an MVA office.
If your payment is declined, the MVA will notify you when ready and you can try again with a different card. If the website times out or you lose your connection before you see a confirmation number, do not assume the payment failed. Contact the MVA with your license number to confirm whether the transaction went through; if it did, you will receive a confirmation email within a few hours. If it did not, you can restart the renewal process.
Finding an MVA office if you cannot renew online
If you need to renew in person, the MVA website has a location finder at mva.maryland.gov where you can enter your zip code to see nearby offices and their hours. You can schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted. Appointments typically fill up 2 to 4 weeks in advance, so schedule early if you have a important date.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you are renewing after an expiration, bring these documents plus any medical documentation if you have restrictions on file. The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on office traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expires soon?
Yes, as long as your license has not yet expired. You can renew online up to one year before your expiration date. If your license has already expired, even by one day, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
The MVA mails your new license within 2 to 3 business days of your online renewal. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from there. In rare cases, delivery can take up to two weeks. You can drive on your current license during this entire period.
What if I move after I renew online but before my new license arrives?
Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 with your confirmation number and new address. They can redirect your license to your new home if it has not already shipped. If it has shipped to your old address, you may need to request a replacement card, which could involve an additional fee.
Can I renew online if I have a medical restriction on my license?
It depends on the restriction. Some medical conditions require an in-person review by MVA staff. The online system will tell you whether your restriction allows online renewal. If it does not, you must visit an MVA office with any updated medical documentation.
What if my payment fails during online renewal?
The MVA will notify you when ready if your card is declined. You can try again with a different card right away. If your internet connection drops before you see a confirmation number, contact the MVA to verify whether the payment went through before attempting to renew again.