Where to renew and what you need to bring
You can renew your Maryland driver's license in person at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, or online through the Maryland MVA website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address. You do not need to bring your birth certificate or passport unless your name has changed since your last license was issued.
If you are renewing online, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against MVA records. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland allows online renewal for licenses that are not yet expired and have no medical restrictions or address changes.
- In-person renewal at any MVA office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
- Online renewal takes 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewal issues a temporary license on the spot.
- Your Maryland license is valid for eight years from the date of issue, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- If your license is already expired, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test depending on how long it has been expired.
How long the renewal takes and when you can start
You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Starting early gives you time to gather documents and avoid the rush near the expiration date.
If you renew online, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you renew in person at an MVA office, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 45 days while your plastic card is being produced and mailed to you.
In-person appointments at MVA offices typically take 30 to 60 minutes from check-in to completion, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times on the Maryland MVA website before you go. Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded than late afternoons and Saturdays.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it in person at an MVA office without retaking the written or road test. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You cannot renew an expired license online.
If your license has been expired for two years or longer, Maryland treats it as a new license process. You will need to pass the vision test, written test, and road test. You will also need to bring your birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and proof of residency. This process takes longer than a standard renewal and requires scheduling a separate road test appointment after you pass the written exam.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you are in the process of renewing. If you are stopped by police, you can show your temporary paper license (if you renewed in person) or your online renewal confirmation, but these do not override the expired status of your actual license.
Fees and payment methods
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $70 in Maryland. Online renewals cost the same as in-person renewals. If you renew before your current license expires, you pay the full $70 fee; there is no discount for early renewal.
At MVA offices, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. Online renewal requires a debit or credit card. The MVA does not accept checks or money orders for driver's license renewals.
If you need a replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, the fee is $30 and you can do this in person or online if your license is not expired. A replacement is different from a renewal and does not extend your expiration date.
Renewing with a medical condition or restriction
If your current license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or left foot accelerator only), you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at an MVA office. The MVA will review your restrictions and may ask you to provide updated medical documentation from your doctor before issuing your new license.
If you have a new medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you should report it to the MVA before your renewal. You can do this by visiting an MVA office or calling the Medical Review Unit at 410-787-7758. Failing to report a condition that impairs your driving can result in license suspension and liability if you are involved in an accident.
If you are renewing and your doctor has cleared you to drive without restrictions, bring a letter from your doctor stating this. The MVA will remove the restrictions from your new license.
Changing your address during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must go to an MVA office in person and bring proof of your new address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If you have moved but your license has not yet expired, you can update your address without renewing your license. Visit any MVA office and bring proof of your new address. The MVA will issue you a new license with the updated address at no charge if your current license is still valid. This is called an address correction and does not change your expiration date.
If you move out of state and then move back to Maryland, your out-of-state license does not transfer. You will need to explore for a new Maryland license, which requires the full process process including vision, written, and road tests.
Finding an MVA office and scheduling an appointment
Maryland has 25 MVA offices across the state. You can find the location nearest you, check current wait times, and schedule an appointment on the Maryland MVA website at mva.maryland.gov. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but scheduling an appointment in advance reduces your wait time.
Appointments can be scheduled up to 30 days in advance. The website shows available time slots by location and date. If no appointments are available at your preferred location, you can check nearby offices or try scheduling for a different day. Early morning slots and weekday appointments typically have shorter waits.
If you cannot find an appointment that works for you, you can call the MVA Customer Service Center at 410-768-7000 (TTY 410-768-7001). They can help you locate an office, check wait times, or answer questions about what documents you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail?
No, Maryland does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online through the MVA website if you meet the requirements, or you must visit an MVA office in person. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have no address changes or medical restrictions.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?
You can report your license lost and renew in one visit to an MVA office. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. The $70 renewal fee covers both the replacement and the renewal. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to retake the tests.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointments are not required, but they are strongly recommended. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 1 to 2 hours or longer during busy times. You can schedule an appointment up to 30 days in advance on the MVA website, and most appointments are completed within 30 to 60 minutes.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a document showing your name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You must renew in person at an MVA office. The MVA will update your name on your new license. Bring your current license, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and the name-change document.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Outstanding traffic tickets or unpaid fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have an unpaid criminal fine or child support obligation, the MVA may suspend your license. Check your status on the MVA website or call 410-768-7000 to confirm you are clear to renew.