Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Maryland driver's license in person at any Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, or online through the MVA website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is fastest — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home — but it's only available if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
If you renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring additional documents like a birth certificate unless your name has changed since your last license was issued.
If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The MVA will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the MVA website takes minutes and works if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical restrictions.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office requires your current license, proof of Maryland residency, and your Social Security number.
- A renewed license is valid for eight years from the date of issue, or until age 65 if you're over 57.
- The renewal fee is $109 for an eight-year license, payable by credit card, debit card, or check at an MVA office.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the expiration date.
Online renewal through the MVA website
The MVA's online renewal system is the fastest route if you're may be able to access. Go to the Maryland MVA website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will confirm whether you can renew online based on your license status and any medical restrictions on file.
Once approved, you'll pay the $109 renewal fee by credit or debit card. The MVA will mail your new license to the address currently on file. If your address has changed, you must renew in person instead, because the online system cannot process address changes.
Your new license arrives in a security envelope within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it expires during that time, because you have proof of your renewal request.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
Visit any Maryland MVA office during business hours with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The MVA website shows current wait times at each office, updated every 15 minutes.
At the office, you'll complete a Driver's License process form (DL 43), have your photo taken, and pay the $109 renewal fee. You can pay by cash, check, or card. The MVA will issue your new license on the spot if you're renewing a standard license, or mail it to you if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).
If your address has changed, tell the MVA staff before you leave — they can update it during your visit. If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
When your license is expired by more than one year
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew in person at an MVA office and bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
The renewal process is identical to a standard in-person renewal — you'll fill out the DL 43 form, have your photo taken, and pay the $109 fee. Your new license will be issued on the spot for a standard license, or mailed for a CDL.
License validity and renewal timing
A renewed Maryland driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. If you're age 57 or older, your license is valid until your 65th birthday instead. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the expiration date to start the process.
Your license expiration date is printed on the front of your card. If you're unsure when yours expires, check the MVA website by entering your license number, or call the MVA at 410-787-7758.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)
If you hold a commercial driver's license, you must renew in person at an MVA office. You cannot renew a CDL online. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and a current medical certificate from a licensed examiner if your CDL has medical restrictions.
The MVA will issue you a temporary CDL receipt on the spot, valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. The renewal fee is $109, the same as a standard license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the MVA before you can renew. Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps are required to restore it.
What if my address changed since my last license?
You must renew in person at an MVA office so the staff can update your address during your visit. The online renewal system cannot process address changes. Bring your current license, proof of your new Maryland residency, and your Social Security number.
How much does it cost to renew?
The renewal fee is $109 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card at an MVA office, or by credit or debit card online. There are no additional fees for a standard renewal.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
You'll need to replace it rather than renew it. Go to an MVA office with proof of residency and your Social Security number. The replacement fee is $30. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it at the normal time using the standard renewal process.
Can I renew my license by mail?
No. Maryland does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew online through the MVA website or in person at an MVA office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access.