How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Maryland lets you renew your driver's license through the mail, online, or at an MVA office, depending on how much time is left before yours expires and whether you need a new photo. If your license expires within 180 days, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license has already expired or you need a new photo (required every 16 years), you must go in person to an MVA office.

The online and mail routes take about two to three weeks from the time MVA receives your materials. In-person renewals are usually completed the same day. You'll need your current Maryland license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works for that last part.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is available if your license expires in 180 days or more and you don't need a new photo, and takes about two to three weeks.
Mail renewal requires the same documents as online but takes slightly longer and must be postmarked before your expiration date.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license has expired, you need a new photo, or you want your license the same day.
Maryland charges $109 for a five-year license renewal and $159 for an eight-year renewal, with payment by credit card, debit card, or check.
Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks after approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Renewing online through the Maryland MVA website

The Maryland MVA website at mva.maryland.gov has an online renewal portal. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The system will confirm your identity and show you whether you're may be able to access to renew online — if your license expires within 180 days, you likely are.

During the online process, you'll confirm your address, choose your license term (five or eight years), and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. You won't upload a new photo online; Maryland will use the photo from your current license. After you submit, the MVA will mail your new license to the address on file, which usually arrives within two to three weeks.

If the online system tells you that you're not may be able to access, it's usually because your license expires sooner than 180 days, you need a new photo, or there's a hold on your record. In those cases, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail with the Maryland MVA

To renew by mail, read the DL/ID-44 form from the MVA website or pick one up at any MVA office. Fill in your name, address, and license number, then include a copy of your current license and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). Add proof of Maryland residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Write a check or money order for $109 (five-year license) or $159 (eight-year license) and mail everything to the address listed on the form. The MVA must receive your packet before your license expires. Processing takes about two to three weeks after they receive it, and your new license will be mailed to you.

Mail renewal works best if you have at least three weeks before your expiration date. If you're closer than that, in-person renewal guarantees you'll have a valid license the same day.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

Visit any Maryland MVA office with your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency. Bring the same documents you'd mail in: your license itself, a Social Security card or tax form, and a recent utility bill or bank statement. You can also bring your passport or other government ID if you have it.

Tell the MVA staff whether you want a five-year or eight-year license. If you need a new photo — required every 16 years — they'll take one at the office. Payment is by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid until your new license arrives by mail in two to three weeks.

MVA offices are busiest mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. You can check wait times on the MVA website before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check your local office's policy online or call ahead.

When you must renew in person

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has already expired. Once it's past the expiration date, you must go to an MVA office. You also must renew in person if you need a new photo — Maryland requires a new photo every 16 years, and the system will flag your record if you're due.

If you've changed your name, address, or other information that doesn't match your current license, in-person renewal is usually the fastest route. The same applies if you have any holds or flags on your driving record, which the online system will tell you about if you try to renew that way.

Documents you need for any renewal method

All three renewal methods require the same core documents. You need your current Maryland driver's license or ID card. You need proof of your Social Security number — your actual Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099, or a tax return with your SSN on it. You need proof that you live in Maryland, dated within the last 60 days: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address.

If you're renewing in person, bring originals. If you're renewing by mail, send copies. For online renewal, you won't submit documents — the MVA will verify your information against state records. If the system can't verify your Social Security number or address, it will tell you to renew in person or by mail instead.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A five-year Maryland driver's license costs $109 to renew. An eight-year license costs $159. These are the standard fees as of now; check the MVA website to confirm the current amount if you're renewing soon.

For online renewal, pay by credit or debit card during the process. For mail renewal, include a check or money order. For in-person renewal, the MVA accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you're mailing a check, make it payable to the Maryland MVA.

What happens after you renew

Once your renewal is approved, the MVA will mail your new license to the address on file. This takes about two to three weeks. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the MVA office if you renewed in person, or nothing if you renewed online or by mail — your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.

If your new license doesn't arrive within four weeks, contact the MVA to check the status. You can call the MVA customer service line or visit an office in person. If your license was lost in the mail, the MVA can issue a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license if it's already expired?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail once your license has expired. You must visit an MVA office in person. Bring your expired license along with proof of Social Security number and Maryland residency. The MVA will issue a temporary paper license on the spot while your new one is mailed to you.

How long does Maryland take to mail a renewed license?

The MVA typically mails your new license within two to three weeks after your renewal is approved. If you renewed in person, you'll get a temporary paper license when ready. If you renewed online or by mail, your current license stays valid until the new one arrives.

What if I need a new photo but don't want to go to an MVA office?

You cannot renew by mail or online if you need a new photo. Maryland requires a new photo every 16 years, and this can only be done in person at an MVA office. The office staff will take your photo during the renewal process.

Can I pay for my Maryland license renewal by check if I renew online?

No, online renewal requires payment by credit or debit card. If you prefer to pay by check, renew by mail instead. Mail renewals accept checks or money orders made payable to the Maryland MVA.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You can update your address during online or mail renewal. For online renewal, the system will ask you to confirm or change your address before you submit. For mail renewal, write your new address on the DL/ID-44 form. If you renew in person, tell the MVA staff about the change and bring proof of your new address.

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.