Where to renew and what you'll need
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 online route is faster — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes — but it's only open to people whose licenses are still valid or expired less than one year ago, and who don't need to update their address, name, or other information on the card itself.
If you renew online, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $109 for an eight-year renewal. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you must go in person — because your license is expired more than a year, you're changing your address or name, or you prefer to handle it face-to-face — bring your current license, proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. The in-person fee is also $109 for eight years. You'll get a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes 10 minutes and costs $109, but only works if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago and you're not changing your address or name.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license expired more than a year ago, or if you need to update your address, name, or other information.
- You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready at an MVA office, and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days either way.
- Bring proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement) if you renew in person; online renewal requires only your license number and Social Security number.
When your license is expired more than one year
If your Maryland license has been expired for more than 12 months, you cannot use the online renewal system. You must visit an MVA office in person and bring the same documents: your expired license, proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, and payment of $109.
Because your license has been expired for an extended period, the MVA may require you to pass a vision test at the office. This is a standard screening — you'll read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You do not need to pass a written knowledge test or driving test to renew; those are only required if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you're explore for your first license.
Changing your address or name during renewal
You cannot change your address or name through online renewal. If either has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and payment.
If you're changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring your current license plus the document that proves the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will update your license to reflect your new name. The renewal fee remains $109 for eight years.
Finding an MVA office and booking an appointment
Maryland has 26 MVA offices across the state. You can find the one nearest you on the Maryland MVA website, which lists hours, address, and phone number for each location. Some offices are busier than others — offices in Baltimore, Annapolis, and suburban areas around Washington, D.C. typically have longer waits.
You can book an appointment online through the MVA website, which reserves a specific time slot and usually cuts your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the office and time of day. If you book an appointment and need to cancel or reschedule, do so at least 24 hours in advance through the website.
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving with an expired Maryland license is a traffic violation. If you're stopped by police, you can be cited and fined. The fine amount varies, but it's typically $70 to $110 for a first offense. More importantly, your insurance may not cover a claim if you're in an accident while driving on an expired license, which could leave you personally liable for damages.
If your license expired recently and you're waiting for your renewal to arrive by mail, carry your temporary paper license (if you renewed in person) or a printed confirmation of your online renewal. These are not a legal substitute for your plastic license, but they show you've taken steps to renew. If you're stopped, explain the situation to the officer — most will not cite you if you can show proof that renewal is in progress.
Renewing before your license expires
You can renew your Maryland license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you know you'll be traveling or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from your old expiration date.
If you renew early online, the process is identical: visit the MVA website, enter your information, pay $109, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. There's no penalty for renewing early, and you'll have a valid license with a fresh eight-year window.
Real ID compliance and your Maryland license
Maryland driver's licenses issued after October 2020 are Real ID compliant, meaning they meet federal standards for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license shows a gold star in the upper right corner, it's already Real ID compliant and you don't need to do anything during renewal.
If your license does not have a gold star, it was issued before Real ID requirements took effect. When you renew — whether online or in person — you'll automatically receive a Real ID compliant license. You don't need to request it or bring extra documents. The only exception is if you specifically decline Real ID compliance at an in-person office, which is rare and not recommended because it limits where you can use your license for federal purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Maryland issues driver's licenses to people regardless of citizenship status. You'll need proof of identity (passport or consular ID), proof of Maryland residency, and your current license. The renewal process and fee are the same as for citizens. Bring these documents to an MVA office; you cannot renew online if you're not a U.S. citizen.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You'll need to replace your lost license before you can renew. Visit an MVA office with proof of identity and residency, and pay a $70 replacement fee. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it when ready (or wait until closer to the expiration date). Some offices will process both the replacement and renewal in one visit, though you'll pay both fees.
How long does in-person renewal take at the MVA office?
If you have an appointment, plan for 15 to 30 minutes. Without an appointment, wait times range from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the office location and time of day. Weekday mornings are typically less crowded than afternoons or weekends. You'll leave with a temporary paper license and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I renew online if my address changed?
No. Online renewal only works if your address, name, and other information on your license are still current. If your address has changed, you must renew in person at an MVA office and bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days.
What if my renewal confirmation email doesn't arrive after I renew online?
Check your spam or junk folder first. If you still don't see it, log back into the MVA website and check your account status — it will show whether your renewal was processed. You can also call the MVA customer service line at 410-768-7000 to confirm. Your license will arrive by mail regardless; the email is just a receipt.