How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

What happens when your Maryland license expires

Your Maryland driver's license expires on your birthday, five years after you received it (or eight years if you're over 65). When that date passes, you can no longer legally drive in Maryland or use the license as identification. You have a grace period to renew: Maryland allows you to drive on an expired license for up to 30 days after expiration, but you should not wait that long. If you're pulled over during those 30 days, you may face a citation.

Renewing before expiration keeps you legal and avoids the rush of people renewing after their licenses have already expired. The process itself is straightforward and takes about 15 minutes at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, though you can also renew by mail or online depending on your situation.

Key Takeaways

Maryland driver's licenses expire on your birthday, five years after issue (eight years if you're 65 or older), and you can renew starting 60 days before that date.
You can renew online through the MVA website if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, name changes, or medical condition updates since your last renewal.
Renewing by mail requires a completed DL-43 form, your current license, and a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks to process.
In-person renewal at an MVA office requires your current license, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of Social Security number, and is the fastest option.
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail and must go to an MVA office in person.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew on the Maryland MVA website (mva.maryland.gov) if your license has not yet expired, you have not changed your address or legal name since your last renewal, and you have no medical conditions that would affect your driving. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for a five-year license or $159 for an eight-year license if you're 65 or older.

You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start. You'll answer questions about your address, vision, and whether you've had any traffic violations or medical events since your last renewal. Once you complete the transaction and pay by credit or debit card, your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on your expired license until your new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license has not expired and you meet the same conditions as online renewal: no address change, no name change, and no new medical conditions. You'll need to complete the DL-43 form (process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit), which you can read from the MVA website or request by phone at 410-787-7758.

Mail your completed form along with your current license and a check or money order for $109 (five-year) or $159 (eight-year, age 65+) to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062. Processing takes two to three weeks. During that time, you can still drive on your current license. Your new license will arrive by mail once approved.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

In-person renewal is required if your license has already expired, you've changed your address or name, you have a new medical condition, or you prefer to walk out with a temporary license the same day. You'll need to bring your current Maryland driver's license (or expired license if it's been less than two years), proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).

Visit any MVA office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the MVA website. The renewal takes about 15 minutes. You'll pay $109 for a five-year license or $159 for an eight-year license, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the standard renewal process. You'll need to explore for a new license as if you were getting one for the first time. This means you must visit an MVA office in person, bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Maryland residency, and proof of Social Security number. You'll also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test about Maryland traffic laws.

The cost is the same as renewal ($109 or $159), but the process takes longer because of the testing requirement. If you're unsure whether your license qualifies as expired or lapsed, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 before you visit an office.

Costs and payment methods

A five-year Maryland driver's license costs $109. If you're 65 or older, you can get an eight-year license for $159. These prices cover the license itself; there are no additional fees for renewal. Payment methods vary by how you renew: online and by mail accept credit cards, debit cards, or checks; in-person offices accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail at no extra cost. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved out of state?

No. If you no longer live in Maryland, you cannot renew a Maryland license. You'll need to get a license from your new state. If you're moving soon but still live in Maryland, you can renew now and update your address later if needed.

What if I've lost my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license. You must go to an MVA office in person and bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The office will issue you a replacement license at the same cost as renewal.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for delivery. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 45 days, while your permanent card is mailed. If you need your license faster, in-person renewal is your only option.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. Only in-person renewal at an MVA office includes a new photo, which is required if your license has been expired for more than two years.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your legal name has changed. You must visit an MVA office in person and bring proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will issue a new license with your updated name.

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.