Introduction
Maryland physicians practicing in the DC metropolitan region must maintain an active license with the Maryland Board of Physicians (MBP). With major medical centers in Baltimore and the DC suburbs, Maryland's physician workforce serves a diverse population across urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Notably, Maryland has no late renewal period—if you miss the deadline, your license expires immediately. This makes Maryland unique among states and requires careful attention to renewal timelines. This guide covers everything you need to know about Maryland medical license renewal in 2026.
Maryland Board of Physicians Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Authority | Maryland Board of Physicians (MBP) |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Renewal Deadline | Last day of birth month |
| Late Period | None (license expires immediately) |
| IMLC Status | Member State |
| Online Portal | mbp.state.md.us |
| Phone | (410) 764-4777 |
Maryland Medical License Renewal Fees (2026)
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Biennial Renewal | $512.00 | Full physician license |
| Initial Application | $790.00 | New licensure |
| CME Penalty | $100/credit | Per missing credit if audited |
Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, or Discover only (American Express not accepted). The Board discontinued checks/money orders in 2018.
Source: Maryland Board of Physicians
Last verified: January 22, 2026
CME Requirements for Maryland Physicians
Basic CME Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 50 hours per biennial period |
| Category 1 Minimum | At least 25 hours |
| Category 2 Maximum | Up to 25 hours |
CDS Registration Requirement
Physicians with a Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) registration must complete 2 hours of CME related to prescribing or dispensing controlled substances. This requirement took effect October 1, 2018.
New Physician Orientation
After initial licensure, physicians must complete New Physician Orientation (NPO) before their first renewal. This is a one-time requirement separate from ongoing CME.
CME Exemptions
- First Renewal: Physicians are exempt from CME requirements for the first license renewal after initial licensure or reinstatement
- After First Renewal: Full CME compliance required
CME Documentation
You are not required to submit CME documents during renewal unless selected for audit. However, maintain records in case of audit selection.
Critical: No Late Renewal Period
Maryland is unique in having no late renewal period or grace period.
| Deadline | Consequence |
|---|---|
| September 30 at 11:59 PM EST | Online system closes |
| After deadline | License expires immediately |
| Practice after expiration | Unauthorized practice of medicine |
This is not a typo: Unlike most states that offer 30-60 day grace periods, Maryland licenses expire at midnight on the deadline with no extension available.
Biennial Renewal Schedule
Maryland physicians are divided into two renewal groups:
| Last Name | Renewal Year | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| A-L | Even years (2024, 2026...) | September 30 |
| M-Z | Odd years (2025, 2027...) | September 30 |
The renewal period typically opens July 15 and closes September 30 at 11:59 PM EST.
Online Renewal Process
- Access MBP Portal: Visit mbp.state.md.us
- Login: Use your existing credentials
- Complete Application: Answer all required questions
- Certify CME Compliance: Attest to completion of 50 hours (25 Cat 1, 25 Cat 2)
- Pay Fee: Submit $512 via credit card (Visa, MC, Discover only)
- Confirm Before Deadline: System closes September 30 at 11:59 PM
CME Non-Compliance Penalties
Maryland imposes significant penalties for CME non-compliance:
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Missing CME credits (audit) | $100 per credit shortfall |
| False CME attestation | Disciplinary action |
| Repeated non-compliance | License action possible |
Maryland-Specific Considerations
DC Metro Multistate Practice
Many Maryland-licensed physicians also practice in DC and Virginia. Each jurisdiction requires separate licensure:
- Virginia: IMLC member (expedited pathway available)
- DC: Separate DC Health application required
- Maryland: IMLC member
IMLC Membership
Maryland is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Compact licensees renewing through the IMLC still must pay Maryland renewal fees and meet CME requirements.
Payment Restrictions
Maryland only accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Discover credit cards. American Express, checks, and money orders are not accepted for online renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Renewal fee is $512 payable by Visa, MC, or Discover only
- 50 hours of CME required (25 Cat 1, 25 Cat 2)
- NO LATE PERIOD—license expires immediately at deadline
- September 30 deadline at 11:59 PM EST
- 2 hours CDS CME required for controlled substance prescribers
- New Physician Orientation required before first renewal
- $100 per credit penalty for CME shortfall if audited
- Maryland is an IMLC member state
Conclusion
Maryland's medical license renewal process stands out for its strict deadline with no grace period. The $512 biennial fee and 50-hour CME requirement are moderate, but missing the September 30 deadline means immediate license expiration with no exceptions.
Use CredentialMate to track your CME hours, set early reminders for Maryland's hard deadline, and ensure you never miss the September 30 cutoff—protecting your ability to practice in the DC metro region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a grace period for Maryland medical license renewal?
No. Maryland is unique in having no late renewal period or grace period. The online renewal system closes on September 30 at 11:59 PM EST, and your license expires immediately if not renewed by that time.
How much does Maryland medical license renewal cost?
The biennial renewal fee is $512. Payment must be made by Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit card. American Express, checks, and money orders are not accepted.
How many CME hours does Maryland require?
Maryland requires 50 hours of CME per biennial renewal period. At least 25 hours must be Category 1 credits, with up to 25 hours as Category 2. CDS registrants need an additional 2 hours on controlled substance prescribing.
What is New Physician Orientation in Maryland?
New Physician Orientation (NPO) is a one-time requirement for newly licensed Maryland physicians that must be completed before the first license renewal. It's separate from the ongoing 50-hour CME requirement.
When is my Maryland medical license renewal due?
Maryland licenses renew biennially with a September 30 deadline. Physicians with last names A-L renew in even years (2026, 2028), while M-Z renew in odd years (2025, 2027).
References
[1]: Maryland Board of Physicians - Physician License Renewal
https://www.mbp.state.md.us/licensure_phyrenewals.aspx
[2]: Maryland Board of Physicians - Renewal FAQs
https://www.mbp.state.md.us/resource_information/faqs/resource_faqs_physician_renewals.aspx
[3]: AMA Ed Hub - Maryland CME Requirements
https://edhub.ama-assn.org/state-cme/Maryland
[4]: Maryland Board of Physicians - 2025 Renewal Information
https://www.mbp.state.md.us/forms/2025_renewal_info.pdf
[5]: IMLC - Participating States
https://www.imlcc.org/participating-states/