How to Exchange a Foreign Driver's License for a Maryland License

What you need to know about exchanging a foreign license

Maryland allows you to exchange a valid driver's license from another country for a Maryland license without retaking the written or road test — but only if your license is from a country on Maryland's approved list. The exchange process is faster than the standard licensing path, but you still need to visit the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in person, bring specific documents, and pass a vision screening.

Not every country's license qualifies. Maryland recognizes licenses from Canada, most European nations, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several others, but the full list changes. Before you gather documents, you need to confirm that your country is on the current approved list.

Key Takeaways

Maryland exchanges foreign licenses only from countries on its approved list; you must verify your country qualifies before visiting the MVA.
You need your valid foreign license, proof of Maryland residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed DL 43 form to exchange your license.
The MVA will conduct a vision screening but will not require you to take the written or road test if your foreign license is valid and from an approved country.
The exchange takes about 30 minutes at the MVA, and your new Maryland license arrives by mail within two weeks.
If your foreign license has expired or your country is not on the approved list, you must take the full licensing test sequence instead.

Which countries' licenses Maryland accepts

Maryland maintains a list of countries whose driver's licenses it recognizes for exchange. This list includes Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea, among others. However, the list is not permanent and can change, so you should verify your country's status before making an appointment or gathering documents.

To check whether your country is on the current approved list, contact the MVA directly at 410-787-7758 or visit the MVA website. You can also ask when you arrive for your appointment, but confirming ahead of time saves a wasted trip if your country does not may have access to.

If your country is not on the approved list, you cannot exchange your license. Instead, you will need to follow the standard new-driver path: pass the written test, get a learner's permit, complete the supervised driving requirement, and pass the road test.

Documents you must bring to the MVA

Bring your valid foreign driver's license in its original form — do not bring a copy or a translation unless the MVA specifically asks for one. You will also need proof of Maryland residency, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and Maryland address.

You must also provide proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before you can exchange your license.

Complete the DL 43 form (process for Maryland Driver's License) before you arrive. You can read it from the MVA website or fill it out at the MVA office. Bring the completed form with you. You will also need to pay the license fee, which varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid.

The vision screening and what happens at your appointment

When you arrive at the MVA, you will have your vision screened. This is a basic test to may support you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be able to exchange your license that day and may need to see an eye doctor before returning.

The MVA will not ask you to take the written test or the road test if your foreign license is valid and your country is on the approved list. The staff will review your documents, confirm your identity, take a new photo, and process your exchange. The entire appointment usually takes about 30 minutes.

You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent Maryland license will arrive by mail within two weeks. Do not drive without either the temporary license or your original foreign license until your permanent license arrives.

License types available through exchange

When you exchange your foreign license, you can choose the type of Maryland license that matches your needs. You can get a standard Class D license (for regular passenger vehicles), a commercial license (Class A, B, or C) if you plan to drive commercial vehicles, or a motorcycle endorsement if you ride. The type you choose depends on what vehicles you will be driving in Maryland.

If your foreign license was a commercial license or included a motorcycle endorsement, tell the MVA staff. They may be able to transfer those endorsements to your Maryland license without additional testing, though this varies by country and by the specific endorsement.

What to do if your foreign license has expired

If your foreign license has expired, you cannot exchange it. Maryland requires the foreign license to be valid at the time of exchange. If your license expired, you will need to follow the standard new-driver path instead: take the written test, get a learner's permit, complete supervised driving, and pass the road test.

If your license is expiring soon but is still valid, exchange it now rather than waiting. Once you have your Maryland license, you do not need to renew your foreign license.

Finding an MVA office and making an appointment

Maryland has multiple MVA offices throughout the state. You can visit any office to exchange your license, but some locations have shorter wait times than others. Check the MVA website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times.

You can make an appointment online through the MVA website or by calling 410-787-7758. Making an appointment is not required but is strongly recommended — walk-ins may face long waits, especially at busy locations. If you make an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I exchange my license if I have only been in Maryland for a few weeks?

You need proof of Maryland residency dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved, a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your new Maryland address will work. You do not need to have lived in Maryland for any minimum length of time to exchange your license.

What if my foreign license is in a language other than English?

Bring your original foreign license. The MVA staff can read licenses in most languages. If your license is in a language the MVA cannot read, you may need to bring an official translation, but call the MVA first to confirm what they need.

Do I need to take a vision test if I already wear glasses?

Yes, you will have a vision screening at the MVA whether or not you wear glasses. Bring your glasses or contacts with you. The screening is quick and ensures you meet Maryland's vision standards for driving.

What happens if I fail the vision screening?

You will not be able to exchange your license that day. You may need to see an eye doctor and get a vision correction form, then return to the MVA. Some eye doctors can provide this form on the same day you visit.

Can I exchange my license by mail or online?

No. You must visit an MVA office in person. The MVA needs to verify your identity, take a new photo, and conduct a vision screening. There is no way to complete the exchange remotely.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.