What you need to get a Maryland driver license

Maryland issues driver licenses through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). To get one, you need to visit an MVA office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay the fee. You cannot complete this entirely online or by mail — the MVA requires you to appear for the vision screening and driving exam.

The documents you bring depend on whether you are a first-time applicant or renewing. First-time applicants need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person.

If you already have a valid driver license from another state, you can transfer it to Maryland. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You still take the written test, but you may not need to take the road test if your license is current and you have held it for at least one year.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland driver licenses require an in-person visit to an MVA office for the vision screening and driving test — you cannot complete the process online.
  • First-time applicants must bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and Maryland residency, plus pass both a written and road test.
  • If you transfer a valid out-of-state license held for at least one year, you may skip the road test but still take the written test.
  • Standard licenses expire eight years after issue for adults; you can renew online if you meet certain conditions, but the first renewal after a license issue requires an in-person visit.

Written test, road test, and vision screening requirements

The written test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Maryland Driver's Manual, which the MVA provides free online and at every MVA office. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. You get two attempts per visit; if you fail both, you must return on another day.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and responding to traffic signals and pedestrians. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid tags and a current inspection sticker. If the car fails inspection (broken lights, worn wipers, or mechanical issues), you cannot test that day.

Vision screening is part of the in-person visit. You read an eye chart to confirm you meet Maryland's vision standard. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to see an eye doctor and bring a vision report before the MVA issues your license.

Fees and how long the process takes

A standard five-year driver license costs $70. An eight-year license costs $120. These are the fees as of the most recent update, but fees can change — check the MVA website before your visit to confirm current pricing. If you are renewing online, the fee is lower than in-person renewal.

Processing time depends on how you explore. If you visit an MVA office, you receive a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while the permanent card is printed and mailed. The permanent license usually arrives within two to three weeks. If you renew online, the new license is mailed to you; processing takes about one to two weeks after approval.

Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically busier on Saturdays and after 3 p.m. on weekdays. You can check wait times on the MVA website before you go, and some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce your wait.

Renewing your Maryland driver license

If your license is still valid and you have not had any suspensions or restrictions, you can renew online through the MVA website. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. You upload a new photo, confirm your information, and pay the fee by credit or debit card. Your new license is mailed to you within one to two weeks.

You cannot renew online if your license has expired more than one year ago, if you have had a suspension or revocation, if you need to change your name or address, or if you are renewing for the first time after your initial license was issued. In those cases, you must visit an MVA office in person.

Maryland driver licenses expire eight years after the date of issue for adults age 65 and under. Licenses for people over 65 expire five years after issue. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so plan ahead if you need your license for travel or identification.

Special license types: Commercial and Learner permits

A Commercial Driver License (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work. The requirements are stricter than a standard license: you must pass a medical examination, take additional written tests covering commercial vehicle operation, and pass a road test in a commercial vehicle. CDLs cost more than standard licenses and require renewal every four years. You must be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate driving).

A learner permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old. You pass the written test and vision screening but do not take the road test. A learner permit is valid for two years and costs $35. Once you hold it for at least six months and are at least 16 years old, you can take the road test to earn your license.

If you are under 18, Maryland's Graduated Licensing System applies. You start with a learner permit, move to a provisional license (which has restrictions on night driving and passengers), and then earn an unrestricted license at age 18. The restrictions are designed to reduce accidents among teen drivers.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent until you meet specific conditions. Suspensions happen for reasons like unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, or medical conditions that affect driving. Revocations usually result from serious violations like multiple DUIs or reckless driving convictions.

If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. The MVA sends a notice to your address on file explaining the reason and how long the suspension lasts. You must resolve the underlying issue (pay the ticket, clear the medical hold, or complete a required program) before you can request reinstatement. Once you have resolved it, you submit proof to the MVA and pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for suspension.

If your license is revoked, the process is longer. You must wait the required period (often one to three years), complete any mandated programs (such as a substance abuse course for DUI-related revocations), and then petition the MVA for reinstatement. The MVA reviews your petition and decides whether to restore your driving privileges. You may need to provide character references or proof of completion of required programs.

Real ID and REAL ID-compliant licenses

A REAL ID-compliant driver license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard Maryland driver license is not REAL ID-compliant. To get a REAL ID license, you visit an MVA office and bring additional documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal residency status (a passport, birth certificate, or immigration document).

The fee for a REAL ID license is the same as a standard license ($70 for five years or $120 for eight years). You still take the written test and vision screening. The main difference is the extra citizenship documentation and a gold star or marking on the card itself to show it is REAL ID-compliant.

As of May 2025, a REAL ID is required for domestic air travel. If you plan to fly within the United States, you need either a REAL ID license, a passport, or another federally approved ID. If you have a standard Maryland license, you can still fly with a passport, but getting a REAL ID license is simpler if you travel frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Maryland driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Maryland requires proof of a Social Security number to issue a driver license. If you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, you may be able to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and use that instead. Contact your local MVA office to discuss your specific situation.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test, but you must schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can test, but you pay the fee each time. Many people study the MVA manual more thoroughly or take a few more practice drives before retesting.

Can I renew my license by mail?

No. Maryland does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online if you meet the requirements, or you must visit an MVA office in person. Online renewal is faster and cheaper than going to an office.

Do I need to take the written test again if I transfer my license from another state?

Yes. Even if you transfer a valid out-of-state license, you must pass Maryland's written test. You may skip the road test if your out-of-state license has been valid for at least one year and is still current.

What is the difference between a five-year and eight-year license?

The main difference is cost and how long you can use the license before renewing. A five-year license costs $70 and expires five years after issue. An eight-year license costs $120 and expires eight years after issue. Both are standard licenses with the same driving privileges; the choice is yours based on your preference and budget.