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How to Renew a Driver's License in Maryland

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

A Maryland Driver's License can be renewed either in person at any MVA Office in the State, or by mail.

WHEN TO RENEW YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE

  1. A Maryland driver's license normally has a validity of 5 years from the date of issue.
  2. You will receive a reminder postcard approximately 60 days before the expiration date.
  3. If your license expired more than a year ago, you have to take the written test and the driving tests again to get a license.

TO RENEW IN PERSON

You must bring:
  1. The reminder card.
  2. Your expiring driver's license.
  3. Social security number.
  4. The renewal fee of $30. This can be paid by cash, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or personalized check (with driver license number and a phone number) made payable to Motor Vehicle Administration.
Also be prepared to undergo a vision screening test.

Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks.

TO RENEW BY MAIL

You can renew your license by mail if you receive the "renew by mail" package from the MVA. You are eligible for renewal by mail if:
  1. You do not have any physical or mental disability that may affect your driving.
  2. Your license was not suspended, revoked, cancelled or disqualified anywhere in the U.S.
  3. Your current driver's license is not a provisional one or one without a photo.
  4. You renewed in person the last time.
  5. Your name and address printed on the renewal application is correct.
You need to complete the renewal by mail application and send it along with a check or money order (made payable to MVA) for $30 to the MVA in the envelope provided. If you are over 40 years of age and are eligible to renew by mail, you need to get a vision specialist to complete and sign the ‘Vision Certification' portion of the application that was sent to you in the mail.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Reviews of How to Renew a Driver's License in Maryland

Submitted by Sbland on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 19:15.

I received the license renewal form in July and then completed the required information with the approved signed vision test and the $30 payment. I returned the renewal form to MVA and they processed my $30 check on 08/22/11. My license expiration date is 09/04/11. I have contacted MVA (@1-800-950-1682 and they verified that the license was issued. I have not received my new license yet!!!!

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 02/17/2011 - 17:39.

My driver's license expires in July. Can I renew it in February or do I have to wait until July? Thank you.

Submitted by carmensa69 on Thu, 07/21/2011 - 02:11.

my driver`s license expires in february 26 2013. Can I renew it in december 2011 or do I have to wait until on february 2013.

Submitted by boydselina on Thu, 03/26/2009 - 23:54.

i WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW SOON CAN YOU RENEW YOUR LICENSE

Submitted by yakini martin on Fri, 07/22/2011 - 09:18.

i would like to know how soon can you renew your license