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MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration

Renew a License or ID

man holding license buckled up in car

Renew Your Maryland Driver's License or ID Card

The MVA makes it easy to renew your driver's license or ID card before it expires. Learn who can renew, when you can renew, how to renew, and what you need to do - step by step.

Quick Links

Step-by-Step Guide to Renewing Your License

Step 1: Get Your Renewal Notice or Check Online

The MVA will send a renewal notice by mail and email XX months before your license expires. Your notice explains HOW you are eligible to renew (online, by mail, or in person). 

Maryland driver's licenses meet Real ID standards and include advanced security features. Due to these security measures, licenses and IDs are now mailed and usually arrive within 4-7 business days after completing your renewal.

Step 2: Check If You Are Required to Renew 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 eligivle 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 applicant (LINK TO NEW), including required vision (LINK), knowledge, and driving tests (LINK).

Step 3: Make Sure Your Information Is Up to Date

Before renewing, confirm the following:

Address

  • You license will be mailed only to the address on file.
  • 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.

Name Changes

  • If your name has changed, you must update it with the Social Security Administration (SSA) first.
  • Wait at least 72 hours after the SSA updates before visiting the MVA.

Step 4: Choose How to Renew

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. Your license will then be mailed within 4-7 business days.

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 vision provider to electronically submit your latest eye exam to the MVA. 

Option 2: Renew by Mail

You may renew by mail only if the MVA sends you a renewal-by-mail notice. Once processed, your license will be mailed within 4-7 business days.

  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 vision provider to electronically submit your latest eye exam to the MVA or have your vision provider 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.

Option 3: Renew In-Person

Make an appointment to visit an MVA branch if required. You'll need to bring your current driver's license or ID and any required documents listed on your renewal notice or appointment confirmation. Once processed, your license will be mailed within 4-7 business days.

Step 5: Pay the Required Fee