How to Renew Your Maryland Driver License

Step-by-step guide for renewing your Maryland license through MD MVA. Covers online, mail, and in-person options, fees, and what to bring.

Validity 8 years

Standard fee $64

Renew early Up to 1 year before expiration

After expiration No grace period; if expired one year or longer, reapply as new applicant including vision and knowledge tests

Step 1 — Check if you can renew online

Eligible drivers can renew online or at a kiosk if their renewal notice indicates eligibility. Limited-term licenses and licenses expired over one year require in-person renewal.

Start your online renewal at MD MVA →

Step 2 — Check what to bring

A straightforward renewal usually needs your current Maryland licence and the fee. What else MD MVA asks for depends on whether you are also upgrading to REAL ID, changing your name or address, or renewing after a lapse — and those requirements differ by state. Check the current list on the MD MVA renewal page before you go.

Step 3 — Pay the renewal fee

MD MVA charges $64 for a standard non-commercial license renewal valid for 8 years. CDL and motorcycle endorsement renewals cost extra; check the official fee schedule for exact amounts.

Step 4 — Take a vision test (if required)

Vision certification required for drivers 40 and older; results must be no more than two years old and submitted by an approved provider. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.

Step 5 — Receive your new licence

Most agencies issue an interim credential you can drive on while the printed card is produced, then post the card separately. How long the interim lasts and how long the card takes are both set by MD MVA and published on its renewal page. Plan around the dates it gives rather than a general estimate.

REAL ID upgrade in Maryland

All Maryland driver's licenses meet REAL ID standards and include advanced security features.

Common pitfalls

Don't forget address updates. If you moved since your last renewal, update the address before renewing — many states won't mail to a non-matching address.
REAL ID upgrade requires originals. Photocopies of your birth certificate or passport will be rejected. Bring the originals or certified copies.
Book ahead where you can. Walk-in waiting times vary by office and time of year and we do not track them, but an appointment removes the question — see the Maryland office list for locations and contact details.

Find your nearest Maryland office

Use our Maryland DMV office finder to locate the closest MD MVA location with addresses, hours, and turn-by-turn directions.