Renew Maryland Drivers License Online, Avoid MVA Lines

Glen Burnie, MD — Maryland drivers licenses can now be renewed online, saving residents a time-consuming trip to an MVA office.

That’s only one of the recent changes made by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), which on June 20 introduced a new look for Maryland licenses, one that incorporates state symbols like the Oriole bird and provides added protection against identity theft.

State officials say the new cards – which includes drivers licenses, learner permits and identification cards — will be less likely to be tampered with or forged thanks to features such as raised text, laser engraving and polycarbonate cards.

“Marylanders will be protected against identity theft and fraud with these new cards,” Transportation Secretary Pete K. Rahn said in a statement. “We are proud to safeguard their personal information.”

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To renew your license, go to this secure link on the MVA website, where you’ll have to enter your drivers license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or your MVA PIN number. You should receive your license within four to six business days.

The licenses will be mailed out of a secure facility so that access to materials will be limited.

Eliminating long lines for license renewals at the MVA will allow the agency to help other customers much faster, said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer.

Another new feature that began this week is that all MVA-issued identification cards have enhanced security features, including laser engraving, and a changeable laser image, much like a hologram. Those changes should make it tough for anyone to copy a license or ID card, officials said.

Residents who want the new license, but aren't up for renewal, can go to an MVA branch and pay $20.

One new offering is the ability for veterans to identify themselves as such on their licenses.

“I know firsthand how proud Maryland veterans will be to finally have the veteran designation on the front of the new secure card,” Veterans Affairs Secretary George W. Owings said in a statement. “I want to thank the Department of Transportation for putting this important designation out front for those who have protected this nation, out front!”

According to the MVA, the last time Maryland licenses were redesigned was in 2003, and the old technology allows for counterfeiting and fraud.

Photo Credit: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.