How to renew your Maryland driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Maryland driver's license through three routes: online at mva.maryland.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. The online method is fastest and costs $109 for an eight-year license. You must renew before your current license expires, and you can do so up to one year in advance.
Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you have moved, and whether you have had any violations or medical suspensions. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew—you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit and a vision test.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at mva.maryland.gov takes about 10 minutes and is the fastest option if your license is current and you have not moved.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is valid, you have not moved in the past four years, and you have no medical suspensions or violations.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license has expired for more than two years, you have moved, or you need a new photo.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail.
Online renewal: the fastest route
Online renewal through mva.maryland.gov is available if your license is still valid and you have not moved since it was issued. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a credit or debit card. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for an eight-year license.
After you submit your renewal online, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to update your address, photo, or name, you cannot use online renewal—you must go in person.
Mail renewal: when you may have access to
You can renew by mail if all of the following are true: your license is valid and not expired, you have not moved in the past four years, you have no active medical suspensions, and you have no violations on your record. The mail renewal form is available at mva.maryland.gov or at any MVA office. You will need to include your current license, a check or money order for $109, and the completed form in an envelope addressed to the Motor Vehicle Administration.
Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to allow time for processing and delivery. The MVA will mail your new license to the address on file. If your renewal is denied for any reason—such as a medical flag or a violation you were unaware of—the MVA will contact you by mail with next steps.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
You must renew in person if your license has expired for more than two years, if you have moved since your last renewal, if you want a new photo, or if you have any medical suspensions or violations. You will need to bring your current license (or expired license if it has been less than two years), proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Acceptable address documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days.
Visit mva.maryland.gov to find the office nearest you and check current wait times. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait. The in-person visit takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken and will pay $109 for an eight-year license. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. If your license expired more than two years ago, renewal is not an option—you must explore for a new license instead. A new license requires an in-person visit to an MVA office, a vision test, and proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency. The cost is $109 for an eight-year license.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if you have submitted a renewal request. If you are stopped by police, you can show your confirmation number from an online or mail renewal to demonstrate that you have applied, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. The safest approach is to renew before your current license expires.
Fees and what your new license covers
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $109 in Maryland. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic air travel), the cost is the same. You do not need to upgrade to Real ID during renewal unless your current license is not Real ID-compliant and you need it for travel or federal building access.
Your renewed license will be valid for eight years from the issue date. If you are over 65, you may be able to renew for a shorter period—check mva.maryland.gov for current senior renewal options. Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals follow different rules and cannot be done online; you must renew in person at an MVA office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have moved to a different address?
If you moved within Maryland, you can renew in person or by mail if you have not moved in the past four years. If you moved out of state or moved more recently than four years ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office and bring proof of your new address. Online renewal will not work if your address has changed.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
A lost or stolen license cannot be renewed—you must explore for a replacement. Visit an MVA office in person with proof of identity and Social Security number. You will pay a replacement fee (different from a renewal fee) and receive a new license with a new number. Bring a police report if you have one, though it is not required.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is processed. Processing time is usually 1 to 3 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite it, but you can visit an MVA office to request a temporary paper license.
Do I need to take a vision test to renew?
No vision test is required for online or mail renewal. If you renew in person, the MVA will conduct a vision screening as part of the renewal process. If you fail the screening, you may be required to visit an eye doctor and submit a vision report before your license is issued.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Unpaid traffic violations or fines do not automatically block renewal, but certain violations—such as a suspended license or a medical suspension—will. If your renewal is denied, the MVA will send you a notice explaining why. Contact the MVA or the court that issued the violation to resolve it before reapplying.