Need to renew your Maryland driver’s license soon?
Don’t know where or how to renew it?
Then you’ve come to the right place.
Here, we’re going to walk you through the steps and requirements of the Maryland driver’s license renewal process.
We make sure we don’t leave anything out.
We’ll even include an FAQ section for more information.
So are you ready?
Let’s go!
How to Renew Your Driver’s License in Maryland
60 days before your license expires, the MDOT MVA will send you a renewal notice.
Now, depending on what’s in the notice, you can renew your driver’s license either:
- Online
- By Mail
- In Person
Not everyone is eligible to do online or mail renewal, so let’s talk about these processes a little more.
How to Renew A Maryland Driver’s License Online
You are eligible for online renewal if the renewal notice says so. Remember, only those who are explicitly told to renew online can do so.
If you are one of the lucky ones, then here is what to do:
- Select “Driver Services”, then “Renew Driver’s License or ID”
- Log in or create an account to proceed.
- Submit the following documents:
- Your driver’s license number
- Authorized Vision Certification (if 40+ years old or, if under 40, every other renewal)
- Follow the online prompts.
- Pay the renewal fee of $6 per year or $48 for 8 years.
- Get rid of your old driver’s license.
- Wait for your new driver’s license to be mailed to you.
And that’s how easy online renewal is!
How to Renew A Maryland Driver’s License by Mail
If you’re not eligible to renew online, the next best thing is to renew by mail. Again, the renewal notice will indicate if you’re allowed to renew by mail or not.
If so, here’s how to renew by mail:
- Fill up the renewal application attached to the notice.
- Mail it, along with an Authorized Vision Certificate (if 40+ years old or, if under 40, every other renewal), and a fee of $6 (per year) or $48 (for 8 years) to the address on the notice.
- Destroy your old driver’s license.
- The MDOT MVA will send your new license to the address on your driver’s license.
If, for example, you no longer live in the address of your driver’s license, you need to change it to your new address either online, by calling 410-768-7000, or by going to an MVA office. However, this should be done before the renewal notice is sent to you.
NOTE: To make sure that your renewal application is processed in time, mail all your documents 15 days before the due date.
How to Renew A Maryland Driver’s License In-Person
If you are not eligible for both online and mail renewal, then you have to do it in person.
Also, this is a must if you need to change license information, such as name, address, etc., or if your driver’s license has already expired.
Now, to renew in person, follow these steps:
- Schedule an appointment with a local MDOT MVA. The MDOT MVA offices allow walk-ins, but they highly encourage you to make an appointment to reduce wait time.
- Bring the following documents:
- Renewal notice
- Old driver’s license
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Proof of residential address in Maryland
- Proof of legal presence or citizenship in the US
- Valid ID
- Fill up the renewal application.
- Pass the vision test (if 40+ years old or, if under 40, every other renewal)
- Pass the knowledge test (if your driver’s license has expired for more than a year)
- Take a new photo and pass your documents.
- Pay the renewal fee of $6 or $48.
- Surrender your old driver’s license.
- Wait for your new driver’s license to be issued.
Sure, it isn’t as convenient as online and mail renewal — but as you can see, it’s still pretty easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
As promised, to give you even more information, we’re going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about license renewal in Maryland.
When does my driver’s license expire in Maryland?
A driver’s license expires 5-8 years from your first application. This varies, so it’s best that you check your driver’s license for the expiration date.
If you’ve renewed before, your driver’s license is valid for the number of years you paid.
Can I renew my Maryland driver’s license before it expires?
Yes! You can renew your license as early as 6 months from its expiration date. This is always best, so you don’t need to worry about late fees, driving with an expired license, etc.
How long after your license expires can you renew it in Maryland?
You are given one year to renew your license even after it expires. If you renew after one year, you need to take the knowledge exam again.
Is there a grace period for expired driver’s licenses in Maryland?
You are given a 60-day grace period after your license expiration.
Do you have to take the written test to renew your license in Maryland?
Yes and no. If you renew on time, then you don’t need to worry about a written test. However, if your license has expired for more than a year, then you will have to go through the written test again.
This is to see whether you still remember the rules of the road, the road signs, and all that.
Do I need to make an appointment to renew my Maryland driver’s license?
Some MDOT MVA offices allow walk-ins, but this is highly discouraged. So we suggest that you always schedule an appointment. Don’t worry, with the online service, it’s now very easy.
Conclusion
That was easy, right?
You only need to go through a few steps to complete the Maryland driver’s license renewal process.
And now that you have this complete guide, it becomes even easier. You now know exactly what you need to do.
So go ahead and renew your license today!