Maryland Driver's License Renewal Guide

Renewing a driver's license can be complicated, especially because requirements for time and cost vary greatly from state to state. Renewal of your license isn't the most exciting thing to do, but it's required by law. Driving with an expired driver's license is a violation in Maryland that can result in hefty fines. If you want to avoid a run-in with the law, make an appointment with your local DMV before your license expires. Fortunately, the requirements for renewing a Maryland driver's license are not nearly as demanding as those encountered by drivers in other states. With the help of early notifications and online access to renewal documentation, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) hopes to streamline an otherwise cumbersome process.

Driver's License Expiration And Renewal Notice

Your license's expiration date is the date listed on your actual driver's license. Licenses are typically valid for five (5) years. Please keep in mind that you must have your license with you at all times while driving. Your expiration date will always coincide with your birthday. It is preferable to renew your driver's license on or before the expiration date. You can renew by mail if you submit your renewal fifteen (15) days before the expiration date. Driving with an expired license is against the law. The renewal notice is critical. You will receive the notice via mail and email, and you can renew your Maryland license online. This renewal will be sent sixty (60) days before your driver's license expires. The MDOT MVA will send the renewal notice by mail and email to the address and email address on file. Please keep the MVA informed of any address changes. By law, you must report a change of address within sixty (60) days of moving. This renewal notice will include detailed instructions on how to renew your license. Some Maryland drivers will be able to benefit from the safe and quick online renewal. Other drivers may be unable to do so and must appear in person. When you appear in person, you may be required to bring additional documents (federal law requires this) or a photograph. Your options will be explained in the renewal notice.

Maryland Driver's License Renewal Methods

Maryland drivers are fortunate in that they can frequently avoid the inconvenience of waiting in line at local Department of Motor Vehicles offices. To make driver's license renewal easier for busy residents, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration now offers a variety of renewal options. Renewals can be done online, by mail, in person, or through a kiosk machine. Drivers under forty must use one of the earlier renewals mentioned instead of speaking with MVA employees. Those over the age of forty, on the other hand (and younger drivers in unusual circumstances), may be able to complete the license renewal process in person.

Online

Not everyone can benefit from the convenient online renewal. If you are eligible to renew online, read the email and mail the renewal notice sent to you sixty (60) days before your license expires.
  • Your current license cannot be suspended, canceled, or revoked for more than one year.
  • If your renewal notice states that you must present documents to renew, you must go in person and make an appointment.
  • Your mailing address must be current for your new driver's license to be mailed to the correct address. Before renewing your license, you must update your mailing address.
  • To enter the online renewal page, you will need an Email Address and a Phone Number. The email address is important because the MVA will use it to send you renewal notices in the future.
  • You must enter your current driver's license number, full name, and date of birth.
You can renew your license if you meet all of the above requirements.
  • Your new license or sticker will be mailed to you and should arrive in seven (7) business days.
  • When you receive your new renewed license in the mail, your old license will no longer be valid. Because the state of Maryland only allows one (1) license per driver, you must destroy your old expired license.
  • If you haven't received your renewed license after fifteen (15) days, don't hesitate to contact the MVA.

By Mail

This is a very convenient way to renew your license. To renew by mail in Maryland, you must meet the following requirements:
  • You must have received a "renew my mail" package.
  • You must fill out the Mail-In Driver's License Renewal form.
  • You must provide the same address on your Mail-In Driver's License Renewal Application. The MVA will not mail your license to a different address. If you need to change your driver's license address, you must do so before delivering your renewal by mail package.
  • A valid and verifiable Social Security Number is required.
  • You should send your renewal by mail at least two (2) weeks before your birthday.
  • Drivers over forty (40) must have their doctor complete the "Vision Certification" section of the mail-in renewal form.
  • Your address has not changed.
  • You have not altered your surname.
  • Send your renewal, along with your payment, by mail. The current fee is $30.00.
After meeting the requirements and completing the steps, your license will be mailed to you in about two (2) weeks. You must destroy your previous (expired) license. Having more than one license is against the law. If you have not received your license within the last two weeks, you can call the MVA at 1-410-768-7000.

In-Person

You can also renew your license at any MVA office. Renewal fees will be $30 for a 6-year license and $21 for drivers over 65. (4-year license). To renew in person, you must do the following:
  • Locate a local MVA service office.
  • Please bring your renewal notice.
  • Bring your valid driver's license.
  • Please enter your Social Security Number. It must be a valid, verifiable Social Security Number with the same name as the documents used to prove your age and identity. If the names do not match, you must file an official claim with the Social Security Administration (which can take as long as 48 hours).
  • The MVA requires you to pass a vision exam.
  • Bring your identification documents (listed below) and your current driver's license to serve as identification. If you have lost your license, you must present two (2) different forms of identification (read below).
  • If you are over forty (40) years old and this is your first renewal, you must pass a vision screening test at every other renewal if you are over 40 or at every renewal if you are 62 or older.
  • Any medical condition that could impair your driving must be reported. Have your doctor generate a letter describing your disability and any medications.
  • Pay the required $30 license renewal fee.

Kiosk Machine

This is a very convenient way to benefit from a quick renewal process. You are automatically eligible to renew at a Kiosk machine if you are eligible to renew online. However, there are some things to think about first. For example, you must show proper vision documentation if you are forty (40) years old or older. This can be accomplished by visiting an MVA Online Vision Certification Service provider. When renewing your license, this certificate must be no more than twelve (12) months old.

Driver's License Renewal Timeline

Maryland residents not only benefit from a surprisingly flexible driver's license renewal system but are also not required to renew their licenses as frequently as residents of other states. A license is valid for a maximum of 8 years after age 21. During this phase-in period, the number of years required before renewal will be computer-generated, with the associated fees graduating depending on how long drivers have been asked to wait for renewal. All drivers over 21 will eventually be able to wait 8 years before renewing their licenses.

Renewing An Expired Driver's License

If your license is currently expired, you may be issued a ticket for driving while it is expired. If it has expired for more than one (1) year, the only way to renew it is to visit an MVA branch in person. This is because you will have to retake the written and driving exams. The test for drivers with expired licenses is identical to the test for new drivers. It includes a knowledge test as well as a skills test, both of which must be passed before an expired license can be officially renewed. These tests are designed to determine whether the driver (new or returning) can operate a motor vehicle safely. The tests must be retaken if a license is not reissued within six months despite passing both tests.