How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Where and how to renew your Maryland license

You can renew your Maryland driver's license through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements — your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must be between 16 and 79 years old, and your address on file must be current. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year license.

If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your process using Form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit) along with your current license and payment. Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks. For in-person renewal at an MVA office, you will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or bank statement), and payment. Walk-in appointments are available, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the MVA website is available if your license expired less than one year ago and you are between 16 and 79 years old.
An eight-year Maryland driver's license costs $109 to renew, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Mail renewal requires Form DL-43, your current license, and payment, and takes two to three weeks to process.
In-person renewal at an MVA office requires your current license and proof of your current address, and you can schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting.

What documents you need for each renewal method

For online renewal, you need only your current Maryland driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The MVA will verify your identity using information already on file. You do not need to gather additional documents or visit an office.

For mail renewal, send Form DL-43 (available on the MVA website), your current license, and a check or money order for $109 payable to the Maryland MVA. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — currently the MVA's Glen Burnie office, though you should verify the current mailing address on the official MVA website before sending.

For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of your current Maryland address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment by check, money order, or card. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must provide proof of the new address.

When your license expires and renewal important date

Your Maryland driver's license expiration date is printed on the front of your card. Most licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, which means you can start the process as soon as you receive a renewal notice from the MVA — typically sent about 60 days before expiration.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it by mail or in person, but you cannot use online renewal if it has been expired for more than one year. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, so renew before the expiration date on your card if possible. If your license expired while you were deployed with the military, Maryland may extend the important date — contact the MVA directly to discuss your situation.

Cost and payment methods for renewal

A standard eight-year Maryland driver's license renewal costs $109. This is the fee for most drivers renewing a standard license. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the cost is higher and depends on the class of CDL you hold — contact the MVA for current CDL renewal fees.

You can pay by check, money order, or debit or credit card. For online renewal, you will enter your card information on the find MVA website. For mail renewal, send a check or money order — do not send cash. For in-person renewal, the MVA office accepts all payment methods. If you are renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, the MVA will contact you and may charge an additional fee.

How long renewal takes by each method

Online renewal is the fastest: your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the transaction. You will receive a temporary digital license via email that you can use when ready while waiting for your physical card.

Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your packet. To avoid delays, make sure your Form DL-43 is complete, your signature is present, and your payment is included. If anything is missing, the MVA will return your packet, adding another week or more to the process.

In-person renewal at an MVA office is the slowest for getting your physical license but the fastest for walking out with proof of renewal. If you schedule an appointment, you can usually complete the transaction in 15 to 30 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, but you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days.

Renewing if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged and you need to renew it, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew in person at an MVA office or by mail. For in-person renewal, bring your proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of your current address. The MVA will issue you a replacement license with a new number.

For mail renewal after loss or theft, include Form DL-43, proof of identity, proof of your current address, and payment. If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a report with local police, though this is not required by the MVA. Include a note with your process explaining that your license was lost or stolen so the MVA knows to issue a new number rather than a duplicate.

What happens if you miss the expiration date

If your license expires and you do not renew it before driving, you are breaking Maryland law. A police officer can cite you for driving with an expired license, which carries a fine of up to $500 and possible points on your driving record. Your insurance company may also deny a claim if you were driving on an expired license at the time of an accident.

You can still renew an expired license by mail or in person at any time, even years after expiration. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use online renewal and must visit an MVA office or mail in your process. The renewal fee remains $109 regardless of how long your license has been expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license online if I moved to a different state?

No. Online renewal requires that your address on file with the MVA be your current Maryland address. If you have moved out of state, you must renew in person at an MVA office or by mail, and you will need to update your address on your process. You may also want to consider whether you need a Maryland license if you no longer live in the state.

What if I have a commercial driver's license — can I renew it online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online in Maryland. You must renew in person at an MVA office or by mail. CDL renewal also requires a medical examination form (MCSA-5875) signed by a licensed medical examiner, which you will need to bring or mail with your process. Contact the MVA for the current CDL renewal fee, which is higher than a standard license.

How do I know if my license is about to expire?

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license card. The MVA also mails renewal notices about 60 days before expiration. If you do not receive a notice, check your license directly or log into your MVA account online to see your expiration date. You can renew up to one year before expiration.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my renewed license to arrive?

Yes, but only if you renew in person. The MVA will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new card is being mailed. If you renew online or by mail, you will not receive a temporary license, though online renewal does provide a temporary digital license via email that you can show on your phone.

What if the MVA loses my renewal process in the mail?

If you mailed your process and do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the MVA to check the status. Bring your receipt or proof of mailing if you have it. If your process was lost, the MVA can reprocess it or you can renew in person instead. Always keep a copy of what you mail and consider using certified mail for important documents.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.