Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Maryland driver's license in person at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, or online through the MVA website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home — but it's only available if your license hasn't been suspended or revoked, you're not required to take a new photo, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
If you renew online, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The fee is $109 for a five-year license or $159 for an eight-year license. You'll receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you renew in person at an MVA office, bring your current Maryland driver's license, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). You'll also need to pass a vision test. In-person renewals take about 15 to 30 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary license to use when ready while your permanent card is mailed to you.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the MVA website takes minutes and costs $109 for five years or $159 for eight years, but only works if your license is valid and your address hasn't changed.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland address, and you'll pass a vision test on the spot.
- Your license expires on your birthday, and you can renew it up to one year before expiration or up to six months after expiration.
- If you need to change your address, add a Real ID designation, or update your photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
- MVA offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have extended hours; check the MVA website to find your nearest office and current wait times.
When your license expires and how early you can renew
Your Maryland driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew it starting one year before your birthday and up to six months after your birthday expires. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for the full term from the date you renew, not from your birthday.
If your license has already expired by more than six months, you cannot renew it — you'll need to reapply as a new driver. This means taking the written test, vision test, and road test again. To avoid this, renew before your license expires or within the six-month grace period.
Renewing in person at an MVA office
Visit any MVA office with your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency. You don't need an appointment at most locations, but you can check wait times and book a time slot on the MVA website before you go. Bring documents in their original form — photocopies are not accepted for proof of residency.
At the office, you'll complete a Driver's License process (DL-43 form), pass a vision screening, and have your photo taken. The vision test checks whether you can read a standard eye chart; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you'll be referred to an eye care professional and can return once you have a corrective lens prescription.
You'll pay the renewal fee on the spot and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within that timeframe, contact the MVA to report it.
Situations that require in-person renewal
Even if you're otherwise may be able to access for online renewal, you must renew in person if your address has changed since your last license was issued. You also must renew in person if you want to add or update your Real ID designation — Maryland's Real ID compliant license is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You'll need to contact the MVA to understand why it was suspended and what steps are required to restore it before you can renew. Similarly, if you've been ordered to install an ignition interlock device, you must handle that through the MVA before renewal.
If you want to change your name, gender marker, or organ donor status, you must renew in person. Bring the supporting documents for any name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your regular renewal documents.
Real ID and what it means for your renewal
Maryland's Real ID compliant driver's license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025. If your current license is not Real ID compliant, you can add the designation during renewal. The Real ID license looks the same as a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner.
To get a Real ID license, you must renew in person and bring proof of your Social Security number and two forms of proof of your Maryland address. The fee is the same as a standard renewal — $109 for five years or $159 for eight years. If you're not ready to switch to Real ID, you can continue renewing your standard license, but you'll need a passport or other federal ID to fly domestically after May 7, 2025.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can request a duplicate in person at an MVA office or online through the MVA website. A duplicate costs $7 and takes 7 to 10 business days by mail. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready if you explore in person.
If your license was stolen, you can also file a report with the MVA to flag it. This prevents someone else from using it to obtain services in your name. Bring a police report if you have one, though it's not required.
MVA office locations and hours
Maryland has MVA offices in every county. Most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours on certain days. A few offices are open on Saturday mornings. The MVA website has a location finder that shows hours, services available at each office, and current wait times.
If you live near the Washington, D.C., or Philadelphia area, you may find it faster to visit an out-of-state office if you have a valid Maryland license — some neighboring states accept Maryland renewals. However, you'll still need to follow Maryland's rules and pay Maryland's fee. Check with the MVA before traveling to confirm this option applies to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I owe unpaid traffic tickets or child support?
Maryland will not renew your license if you owe unpaid traffic fines or child support. The MVA will tell you at the time of renewal if there's a hold on your account. You'll need to pay the outstanding debt or set up a payment plan before you can complete the renewal.
What happens if I renew online but my address changed?
If you attempt to renew online and your address has changed, the system will reject your process and direct you to renew in person instead. You cannot update your address online during renewal — you must do it in person at an MVA office.
How long is my temporary paper license good for after in-person renewal?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date of issue. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but the temporary gives you a buffer in case the mail is delayed. Don't discard it until your permanent license arrives.
Can I renew my license by mail?
No, Maryland does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online or in person at an MVA office, but not through the mail. If you're unable to visit an office, the online option is your fastest choice.
What if I'm a commercial driver (CDL holder)?
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online. You must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal, plus your current CDL and any medical certification documents if required by federal law.