Where to renew and what you need before you go
You can renew your Maryland driver's license in person at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, or online through the MVA website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
Before you go to an MVA office or start an online renewal, gather your current driver's license, proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address. If you're renewing after your license expired, you must renew in person.
The MVA does not require you to take a new photo or pass a vision test during a standard renewal unless your license has been expired for more than one year, or you're over 70 years old. Check the MVA website or call 410-768-7000 before your visit to confirm what documents your specific situation requires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is current and you have no medical restrictions.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office takes 30 minutes to an hour on average, and you'll need your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security number.
- Maryland driver's licenses are valid for eight years, so you'll renew at the same age interval unless your license is suspended or revoked.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online and must go to an MVA office to retake the vision test and photo.
- The MVA office wait time varies by location and time of day; visiting early in the week or early in the morning usually means shorter lines.
Online renewal through the MVA website
Go to the Maryland MVA website and select "Renew Your License Online." You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against MVA records and confirm whether you're may be able to access for online renewal.
If you're may be able to access, you'll pay the renewal fee (currently $70 for an eight-year license) by credit or debit card. The MVA will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you have medical restrictions listed on your license, if your address has changed, or if you need to update your name. In any of those cases, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
Find your nearest MVA office on the MVA website and check the office hours before you go. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address—a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work.
When you arrive, take a number from the kiosk or check-in desk. You'll wait for your number to be called, then hand your documents to the MVA employee. They'll verify your information, take a new photo, and may ask you to read letters on a screen to confirm your vision is adequate. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.
Pay the renewal fee at the counter—$70 for an eight-year license if you're under 70, or $50 for a five-year license if you're 70 or older. The MVA will give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new license is mailed. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
When your license has expired
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it at an MVA office without retaking the written driving test. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and Social Security number.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you must retake the vision test and written knowledge test at the MVA office. You'll also need to bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. The written test covers Maryland traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free MVA study guide on the MVA website. You must pass the vision test and knowledge test before the MVA will issue a new license.
Address changes and name changes
If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at an MVA office—online renewal is not available for address changes. Bring your current license, proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, and your Social Security number. The MVA will update your address and issue a new license with the updated information.
If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring your current license, a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The MVA will issue a new license with your updated name.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The standard renewal fee for a Maryland driver's license is $70 for an eight-year license. If you're 70 or older, the fee is $50 for a five-year license. At an MVA office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only.
If you renew online, the fee is deducted from your card when ready. If you renew in person, you pay at the counter after your photo and vision check are complete. The MVA does not offer refunds if you change your mind after paying.
How long your new license takes to arrive
After you renew in person or online, the MVA mails your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license or the temporary paper license the MVA gives you at the office until your new license arrives.
If you need your license faster, the MVA does not offer expedited mail delivery. However, if you renew in person at an MVA office, you can ask the employee whether a Real ID-compliant license is available for same-day pickup at certain locations—this is separate from a standard renewal and involves additional fees and documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew (or five years if you're 70 or older). Renewing early does not extend the total time your license is valid—it just resets the expiration date.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
You cannot renew a lost license online. Go to an MVA office with proof of residency and your Social Security number. The MVA will issue a replacement license with the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license has expired, you'll need to retake the vision and knowledge tests.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Yes, a new photo is taken during in-person renewal at an MVA office. If you renew online, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If your current photo is more than eight years old and you want a new one, you must renew in person.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Maryland. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it without retaking tests, but you should renew as soon as possible to avoid penalties.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your license in person or online yourself. The MVA requires your signature and photo. If you cannot visit an MVA office due to a disability or medical condition, contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to ask about accommodations or alternative options.