How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Maryland driver's license in person at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the MVA website for standard renewals. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expiring soon, whether you need a REAL ID-compliant license, and whether your address or other information has changed.

If you renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you're renewing by mail, you'll need to submit your current license along with the renewal form and a check or money order. Online renewal requires your current license number, date of birth, and a valid email address.

The MVA does not accept expired licenses for in-person renewal, so plan ahead if yours has already passed the expiration date. If your license expired more than two years ago, you'll need to explore for a new license rather than renew, which involves taking a written test and vision test at an MVA office.

Key Takeaways

Maryland allows online renewal for most standard licenses, which takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs $109 for an eight-year license.
In-person renewal at an MVA office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and you'll receive your new license the same day.
Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you don't need a REAL ID; send your current license, the renewal form, and payment to the MVA.
If you need a REAL ID-compliant license, you must renew in person and bring original or certified copies of documents proving citizenship and identity.
Licenses expire on your birthday, and the MVA sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you can renew up to one year early.

Online renewal through the MVA website

The fastest way to renew is online at mva.maryland.gov if your license is not expired, you don't need a REAL ID, and your name, address, and other information haven't changed. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid email address. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $109 for a standard eight-year license.

After you complete the online form and pay by credit or debit card, the MVA will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license to drive until the new one arrives. If you need to change your address, name, or other information, you must renew in person instead.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

Walk-in renewal at any MVA office takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is. You'll receive your new license the same day. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance bill dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your card, W-2, or 1099).

If you're renewing a REAL ID license or upgrading to one, you'll also need to bring original or certified copies of documents proving your citizenship and identity. These include your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers, plus a second form of ID such as a military ID or government-issued ID card. The MVA website lists all accepted documents.

You can find your nearest MVA office and check current wait times on mva.maryland.gov. Some offices accept appointments through an online scheduling system, which can save you time. If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person and may need to pass a medical examination.

Mail renewal for standard licenses

If your license is not expired and you don't need a REAL ID, you can renew by mail. read the renewal form from mva.maryland.gov or request one by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758. Mail your current license, the completed form, and a check or money order for $109 to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Mail renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you need to update your information, or if you're upgrading to a REAL ID license.

REAL ID renewal requirements

If your current license displays a REAL ID star in the upper right corner, you can renew it online or by mail as long as your information hasn't changed. If you don't have a REAL ID and want one, or if your current license is not REAL ID-compliant, you must renew in person.

For a REAL ID renewal in person, bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and original or certified copies of documents proving citizenship and identity. Acceptable citizenship documents include a U.S. birth certificate, passport, passport card, or naturalization certificate. You'll also need a second form of government-issued ID. The renewal fee is $109 for an eight-year license.

A REAL ID license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you don't have one and don't plan to fly domestically, a standard Maryland driver's license is still valid for driving and other purposes.

Renewal fees and license validity

A standard Maryland driver's license costs $109 for an eight-year renewal and expires on your birthday. A REAL ID license costs the same. If you renew early (up to one year before expiration), your new license will expire eight years from the renewal date, not from your original expiration date.

The MVA accepts cash, check, money order, credit card, and debit card. If you're renewing by mail, send a check or money order only. If you renew in person, you can pay by any method. Online renewal requires a credit or debit card.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You'll need to contact the MVA to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.

What to do if your license is already expired

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it using the same process as a current license. However, you cannot renew online or by mail if it's expired—you must go to an MVA office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal.

If your license expired more than two years ago, the MVA treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You'll need to visit an MVA office, pass a written knowledge test and a vision test, and pay the process fee. You'll also need to bring proof of citizenship and identity documents as if you were getting a license for the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online renewals are mailed within 7 to 10 business days of approval. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at an MVA office instead.

Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?

Yes, but you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your current license, proof of your new Maryland residency, and proof of Social Security number. You cannot renew online or by mail if your address has changed.

What if I lost my current license before it expired?

You'll need to report it lost and request a replacement rather than a renewal. Visit an MVA office with your proof of residency and Social Security number. The replacement fee is $29. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it when it expires using the standard renewal process.

Do I need a REAL ID to renew my license?

No. A standard Maryland driver's license is still valid for driving and most purposes. You only need a REAL ID if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you don't have one and don't need one, you can renew your standard license.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at an MVA office. You may also need to pass a medical examination depending on the type of CDL you hold. Contact the MVA or visit mva.maryland.gov for specific CDL renewal requirements.

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.