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MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration

Renew a License or ID

Welcome to the new MVA.Maryland.gov!

You’ve reached the new website for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Adminstration. Thanks for visiting!

The MVA makes it easy to renew your driver's license or ID card before it expires. Maryland driver's licenses are typically renewed for 8 years. Learn who can renew, when you can renew, how to renew, and what you need to do to prepare.

You can renew your license up to 1 year before it expires. The MVA will send renewal notices by mail and email before your license or ID expires. Your notice explains how you are eligible to renew: online, by mail, or in person.

Renewing your license or ID

  1. Check if you are required to renew your license or ID in-person

    You must visit an MVA office if any of the following apply:

    • Your license is limited-term (based on legal presence)
    • Your license has been expired for one year or longer
    • You are not eligible to renew online or by mail. You can always check using myMVA online services.

    If your license has been expired for one year or more, you must apply as a new license applicant, including required vision testing, a knowledge test, and a driving test.

  2. Make sure your address and name information is up to date

    Before renewing, confirm the following information on your license or ID:

    1. Address
      1. Your license will be mailed to the address on file or a specified mailing address.
      2. Update your address with the MVA before renewing if you have moved, even if you changed your address with USPS. USPS will not forward MVA mail or change the address we have in our system.
    2. Name changes
      1. If your name has changed, you must update it with the Social Security Administration (SSA) first
      2. Wait at least 72 hours after the SSA updates before visiting the MVA
      3. Then update your name with the MVA

  3. Choose how to renew your license or ID

    Option 1: Renew online (fastest) or at a self-service kiosk

    You may renew online or at a kiosk if your renewal notice says you are eligible. 

    What to do:

    1. Visit myMVA online services or a kiosk located at one of our branch offices.
    2. Follow all instructions and pay renewal fee.
    3. If you are age 40 or older, you will need a recent (no more than two years old) vision exam. Ask your MVA-approved vision provider to electronically submit your latest eye exam to the MVA.
    4. Once processed, your license will be arrive within 7-10 business days.

    Option 2: Renew by mail

    You may renew by mail only if the MVA sends you a renewal-by-mail notice. 

    1. Complete the renewal form.
    2. If you are age 40 or older, you will need a recent (no more than two years old) vision exam. Ask your MVA-approved vision provider to electronically submit your latest eye exam to the MVA or complete the vision certificate on the back of your renewal form.
    3. Include the correct fee.
    4. Mail your form at least 15 days before your license expires.
    5. Once processed, your license will be arrive within 7-10 business days.

    Option 3: Renew in-person

    1. Make an appointment to visit an MVA branch if required.
    2. You'll need to bring your current driver's license or ID and any required documents listed on your renewal notice or appointment confirmation.
    3. Once processed, your license will be arrive within 7-10 business days.

  4. Pay the required fee for your license or ID renewal

    Review the license and ID renewal fees and bring payment with you. Additional fees may apply if you are applying as a new license applicant.

Renew DL or ID

What to expect after renewing

Maryland driver's licenses meet Real ID standards and include advanced security features. All cards are delivered through the mail within 7-10 business days to the address on record at the MVA. When you receive your new license, you must destroy your old license. Maryland law allows only one driver's license per driver.

You can check the status of your ordered items using the MVA’s Product Tracking Tool. Contact us if you do not receive your new license within 45 days, or order a gratis product online with myMVA.

More information about renewing your license or ID

You can renew once you receive your renewal notice, up to one year before expiration.

Contact the MVA or schedule an appointment

Contact MVA / schedule appointment