How to Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

Maryland driver's licenses renew every five years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) lets you renew your license without visiting an office if you meet certain conditions. If you're renewing a standard license that hasn't been suspended or revoked, you can renew online through the MVA website or by mail. If you need a new photo, have medical restrictions to update, or your license is expired by more than one year, you'll need to go to an MVA office in person.

The renewal fee is $109 for a five-year license as of 2024, though this amount can change. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method if renewing online. Processing times vary: online renewals typically complete within one to two weeks, mail renewals take three to four weeks, and in-person renewals are usually done the same day.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option if your license is current and you don't need a new photo.
Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit; you'll mail your current license and payment to the MVA.
In-person renewal at an MVA office is required if your license expired more than a year ago, you need a new photo, or you have medical or legal restrictions to update.
The renewal fee is $109 for a five-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check depending on your renewal method.
Maryland licenses expire on your birthday in the fifth year after issuance, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Online renewal is available at the MVA's official website (mva.maryland.gov) and is the quickest path if you're may be able to access. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card. The system will verify your information against MVA records and ask you to confirm your address and any changes to your name or medical conditions.

You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year. You also cannot use online renewal if you need a new photo, are changing your name, or need to add or remove medical restrictions. If any of these explore, you'll need to renew in person at an MVA office.

After you complete the online form and payment, the MVA will mail your new license to the address on file. Most renewals arrive within one to two weeks. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is current and you don't need a new photo or changes to restrictions. You'll mail your current license, a completed renewal form (DL 43), and a check or money order for $109 to the MVA's mailing address. The form is available on the MVA website or you can request one by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758.

Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and license number so the MVA can match your payment to your record. Mail your renewal to: Motor Vehicle Administration, Renewal Section, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062. Processing takes three to four weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope, so mail early if your license is expiring soon.

You cannot pay by credit card through the mail, only by check or money order. If your check is returned for insufficient funds, the MVA will contact you and your renewal will be delayed. Keep a copy of your cover letter and note the date you mailed your renewal in case you need to follow up.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than one year ago, you need a new photo, you're changing your name, or you need to update medical or legal restrictions. You'll also renew in person if your license was suspended or revoked and the suspension or revocation has been lifted. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $109.

MVA offices are located throughout Maryland. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times on the MVA website. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now use an online reservation system. Reservations are free and let you choose your date and time, which typically reduces wait time to 15 to 30 minutes. If you walk in without a reservation, wait times can be one to two hours depending on the office and time of day.

Bring original documents or certified copies; the MVA will not accept photocopies of your proof of residency. If you're renewing in person, your new license is usually issued the same day and you can leave with it when ready. If the MVA needs to verify information or investigate a flag on your record, they may mail your license instead, which takes one to two weeks.

What to bring and documents you'll need

For any renewal method, have your current Maryland license ready. For online renewal, you only need your license number and Social Security number. For mail renewal, you need the completed DL 43 form, your current license, and payment by check or money order.

For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government check. The document must show your name and current address. If you've recently moved and don't have a document in your new name yet, bring a utility bill or lease in your new name plus an older document showing your previous address and name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).

If you're renewing after a name change, bring the legal document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're updating medical restrictions or adding a medical alert, bring documentation from your doctor or the relevant medical professional. The MVA may ask for additional documents depending on your situation; call 410-787-7758 before your visit if you're unsure what to bring.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The standard renewal fee for a five-year Maryland driver's license is $109. This fee applies whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There are no additional processing fees or surcharges. If you renew online or in person, you can pay by credit card or debit card. If you renew by mail, you must pay by check or money order.

Some people may be charged a different fee based on their license type or age. For example, if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee may differ. If you're unsure of your renewal fee, check the MVA website or call 410-787-7758 before sending payment by mail.

Timeline and expiration dates

Maryland driver's licenses expire on your birthday in the fifth year after issuance. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. For example, if your license expires on March 15, 2025, you can renew it starting March 15, 2024. Renewing early doesn't change your expiration date; your new license will still expire five years from your birthday in the year you renew.

If your license expires while your renewal is in progress, you can still drive legally as long as you've submitted your renewal process and have proof of submission. Keep your confirmation email (for online renewal) or your mailing receipt (for mail renewal) with you. If you're pulled over, show the officer your current license and your proof of submission.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit an MVA office in person. The MVA treats licenses expired more than one year as lapsed, which requires an in-person transaction to verify your identity and current information.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but the method depends on how long it's been expired. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as a current license. If it expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at an MVA office with proof of residency and payment.

What if I need a new photo but want to avoid the office?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you need a new photo. Maryland requires a new photo every five years, so you must visit an MVA office in person for your renewal. You can make a reservation online to reduce your wait time.

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

Online renewals arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Mail renewals take three to four weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. In-person renewals are usually issued the same day, though the MVA may mail your license if they need to verify information, which takes one to two weeks.

Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?

No, not until the suspension or revocation is lifted. You must contact the MVA or the court that issued the suspension to find out the status and what steps are needed to restore your driving privileges. Once the suspension or revocation is removed, you can renew in person at an MVA office.

What if I move out of state before my license expires?

You do not need to renew your Maryland license if you move. Your Maryland license remains valid until its expiration date. However, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state within the timeframe required by that state's motor vehicle agency, typically 30 to 60 days after establishing residency.

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.