Where to renew and what you'll need

You renew your Maryland driver's license through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), either online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. The route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how close you are to expiration, and whether you've had any changes to your address or medical status since your last renewal.

Before you start, gather your current 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 bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name or address, bring documentation of that change as well. If you're renewing in person, you'll also need to bring payment—the fee varies depending on the type of license and how long you're renewing it for.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the MVA website works only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
  • Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the MVA.
  • In-person renewal at an MVA office is the fastest option if you need a new photo or have address or medical changes, though wait times vary by location.
  • Your renewed license will be mailed to you unless you renew in person and request it when ready at the office.
  • Renewal fees depend on the license class and term length; standard Class D licenses cost less than commercial licenses.

Online renewal through the MVA website

The MVA allows online renewal at mva.maryland.gov if you meet specific conditions. Your license must not be expired, you cannot have any medical restrictions or vision corrections that require a new photo, your address must not have changed, and you must have a valid email address on file. The process takes about 10 minutes: you'll log in with your license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and receive a confirmation email.

Your renewed license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is the cheapest and fastest option if you're may be able to access, but it only works for standard renewals with no changes to your record.

Mail renewal by sending documents to the MVA

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail. read the process for Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43) from the MVA website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your current license, proof of Social Security number, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form—currently the MVA's Annapolis office, though this can change.

Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to you. Mail renewal works well if you have no address changes and no medical or vision updates, but it is slower than online renewal and requires you to be without your current license for a period of time. Keep a copy of your completed form and a record of when you mailed it in case you need to follow up.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

Visiting an MVA office is necessary if your address has changed, you have new medical restrictions or vision corrections, you need a new photo, or you want your renewed license when ready. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and payment. The MVA accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices.

Wait times vary significantly by location and time of day. The MVA's website shows real-time wait times for each office, so check before you go. If you renew in person, you can request your new license be printed on-site, though this costs extra and is not available at all offices. Otherwise, your renewed license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Bring your Social Security card or an acceptable substitute—a W-2, tax return, or bank statement with your full name and Social Security number printed on it.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license is expired, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to an MVA office in person. Bring the same documents you would for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and payment. You cannot legally drive until your new license is in hand, so plan accordingly.

The MVA may require you to retake the vision test or written knowledge test if your license has been expired for more than a certain period—this varies, so ask when you arrive. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the office, though availability depends on the location.

Renewal fees and license term options

Renewal fees depend on your license class and how long you renew for. A standard Class D (non-commercial) license can be renewed for 5 or 8 years; a 5-year renewal costs less than an 8-year renewal. Commercial licenses and licenses with endorsements (such as for motorcycle or hazmat) cost more. The MVA website lists current fees, which can change. If you're renewing by mail or online, you'll see the exact fee before you pay.

If you're renewing in person, ask the MVA employee which term length makes sense for your situation. Some people renew for the shorter term if they expect their address or medical status to change soon. Others choose the longer term to avoid renewing again sooner. The choice is yours at the time of renewal.

What to do if you've changed your name or address

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must bring legal documentation of the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online if your address has changed; you must renew in person or by mail. If you renew by mail, include a copy of your proof of residency with your packet.

If you renew in person, bring your current proof of residency (dated within the last 60 days) and the MVA will update your address on the spot. Your new license will reflect the updated information. Updating your address is important because it affects where traffic tickets and vehicle registration notices are sent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes, you can drive on your current license until your new one arrives, as long as your current license is not expired. If your license is already expired, you cannot legally drive until your new license is in hand. If you need to drive when ready, request a temporary paper license when you renew in person.

What if I don't receive my renewed license within the expected timeframe?

Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 (Baltimore area) or 1-800-950-1MVA (toll-free). Have your license number and the date you submitted your renewal ready. The MVA can track your renewal and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Not always. If you renew online or by mail and have no medical or vision changes, your existing photo will be used. If you renew in person, the MVA will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail or online, you must renew in person instead.

What if my license has medical restrictions I no longer have?

You must renew in person so the MVA can update your medical status. Bring documentation from your doctor showing that the restriction no longer applies (for example, a letter stating your vision has been corrected). The MVA will remove the restriction from your new license.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your own license in person or submit the renewal yourself by mail or online. The MVA does not accept renewals submitted by a family member or representative, even with a power of attorney.