Maryland Drivers License Renewal: 2026 Guide

Renewing your Maryland driver’s license is a necessary but rather inconvenient step, and if you think of it as a step to be postponed maybe forever, just consider that driving without a license is one of those things that can happen. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has made license renewal easier by offering a variety of methods which include online renewal, self-service kiosks, mail-in renewals, and in-person appointments.

This detailed guide takes you through the process that is necessary to be informed about the Maryland drivers license renewal in 2026, including the required documents, eligibility, fees, deadlines, and official .gov resources.

When to Renew Your Maryland Driver’s License

Most of the driver’s licenses in the state of Maryland are valid for a period of 8 years. The MVA gives you the facility of conducting Maryland license renewal up to 12 months in advance of the expiration date.

The law prohibits driving with an expired license, hence it is very important to renew the Maryland drivers license before the expiration date.

📌 Check your renewal notice on the official MVA site: https://mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/Pages/renew-your-license-info.aspx

How to Renew Your Maryland Driver’s License

Maryland gives several renewal methods depending on your eligibility.

1. Renew Maryland Drivers License Online

The quickest and simplest method of renewal is the MDOT MVA eServices portal.

📌 Official online renewal (.gov): https://mva.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx → Click on eServices → Driver’s License Renewal

You are eligible for renew Maryland drivers license online if:

• Your renewal notification says “online eligible”
• Your picture is recent (usually taken within the last 8 years)
• You don’t require updating of name or identity documents
• You don’t need a vision or medical review

You are renewing a non-commercial (Class C) license

2. Renew License Maryland (In Person at MVA)

If an in-person visit is necessary, it will be mentioned in your renewal notice.

📌 Locate the nearest MVA office: https://mva.maryland.gov/locations/Pages/default.aspx

If it is required, bring these documents along:

• Proof of identity (REAL ID documents if needed)
• Social Security Official documents
• Two proofs of Maryland residency
• Vision or medical forms

📌 REAL ID checklist: https://mva.maryland.gov/Pages/realid.aspx

3. Renewal by Mail

You can return the renewal form with payment by mail if your renewal notice includes this option.

Details: https://mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/Pages/renew-your-license-info.aspx

4. Self-Service Kiosk Renewal

Kiosks enable you to renew in a matter of minutes and receive a temporary license on the spot.

Fees for Maryland Drivers License Renewal

• Driver’s license renewal: $72 (8 years)
• Prorated renewals: $9 per year
• Replacement license: $20

Comprehensive fee schedule: https://mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/Pages/fees.aspx

What Happens After You Renew

Once the process of renew drivers license Maryland is done:

• You will get a temporary paper license right away (online renewals allow printing)
• Your actual card will be sent to you via mail within 10-15 days

Renewing a Maryland License After It Expires

If your license has been expired for over a year, you might need to undergo:

• Vision exam
• Knowledge test
• (In very rare situations) a skills test

Regulations for expired licenses: https://mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/Pages/renew-your-license-info.aspx

REAL ID Requirements for Maryland License Renewal

You will have to present extra documentation during renewal in case your license does not have the REAL ID star.

REAL ID details: https://mva.maryland.gov/Pages/realid.aspx

Special Cases for Maryland License Renewal

Drivers Age 40+

There might be vision updates required.

Military Personnel

Active-duty service members might be eligible to receive extensions.

Commercial Drivers (CDL)

License holders must go through an in-person renewal process.

FAQ

Can I renew my Maryland Drivers License early?

Yes, up to 12 months before.

Can I renew online if I’ve changed my name?

No, this needs personal appearance.

How do I check my eligibility?

Your renewal notice indicates your renewal options.

How do I get a replacement for a lost?

Replacement instructions:

https://mva.maryland.gov/drivers/Pages/md-drivers-license.aspx#lostlicenseorpermit