What You Need to Do to Get a Maryland Driver License

To get a Maryland driver license, you visit the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary license the day you pass your driving test.

Maryland has one standard driver license for most adults. You do not need to choose between types — the license you get depends on your age and whether you want to renew by mail later. The steps are the same whether you are getting your first license or replacing one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVA office in person to take the written test and driving test; you cannot do either online or by mail.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
  • You take the written knowledge test first, then schedule your driving test for a later date once you pass; both must happen at an MVA office.
  • A temporary license issued on the day you pass your driving test is valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
  • The permanent license arrives in the mail within two to three weeks after you pass your driving test.

Documents You Must Bring to the MVA

Maryland requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number (or a letter from Social Security if you do not have a card). You cannot get a license without all three.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate (with a raised seal), a valid state ID from another state, a military ID, or a Certificate of Naturalization if you are not a U.S. citizen. A school ID or work ID does not count. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born — a photocopy or hospital copy will not work.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Maryland address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or a letter from your employer or school. A driver license from another state does not count as proof of residency. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.

Bring your Social Security card itself, not a photocopy. If you have lost it or never received one, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration instead. You can request this letter online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

The Written Knowledge Test at the MVA

The written test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. You take the test on a computer at the MVA office, and you get your score when ready.

You can study for the test using the Maryland Driver's Manual, which is free on the MVA website (mva.maryland.gov). The manual covers everything the test asks about. Many people also study using practice tests available online through the MVA site. You are allowed to take the written test up to three times in one year if you do not pass on your first try.

When you arrive at the MVA office, bring all your documents, fill out the process form (DL 43), and pay the fee. As of 2024, the fee for a new license is $70. You will also have your photo taken at the office. After you pass the written test, you schedule your driving test for a future date — you do not take both tests on the same day.

The Driving Test and Getting Your Temporary License

The driving test happens at an MVA office and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. An examiner sits in the car with you and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a car that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The car must have valid license plates and working mirrors, lights, and wipers.

You can bring a licensed driver with you to the test, but the examiner will be the only other person in the car during the actual test. You pass or fail on the spot. If you fail, you can schedule another test, though there may be a wait depending on how busy the office is.

If you pass, the examiner issues you a temporary license on the same day. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. You do not need to do anything else — the MVA mails your permanent license automatically.

When Your Permanent License Arrives

Your permanent Maryland driver license arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you pass your driving test. It is mailed to the address you provided at the MVA office. Once it arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid, even if it still has days left on it.

If your permanent license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the MVA to check the status. You can call 410-768-7000 or visit an MVA office in person. If the license was lost or damaged in the mail, the MVA can reissue it, though you may have to pay a replacement fee.

Age Requirements and License Restrictions for Younger Drivers

Maryland issues a standard driver license to anyone 18 and older. If you are 16 or 17, you get a provisional license instead, which has restrictions on when you can drive and who can be in the car with you. The rules are different, and you follow a separate process that includes a learner's permit stage.

If you are 18 or older and getting your first license, you follow the process described in this guide. You take the written test and driving test, and you receive a standard license with no restrictions.

Renewing Your License by Mail Later

Once you have your Maryland driver license, you can renew it by mail when it expires — you do not have to return to the MVA office every time. You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and if you have not had any major changes to your name or address since your last license was issued. The MVA mails you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, and you can send it back with the fee and a new photo.

Not everyone can renew by mail. If you have certain medical conditions, if you are over 80, or if your license was suspended, you must renew in person at an MVA office. The renewal notice tells you whether you are may be able to access to renew by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. Both the written test and the driving test must be taken in person at an MVA office. You cannot do either remotely or by appointment at a different location.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can schedule another driving test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you may have to wait for an available appointment depending on how busy your local MVA office is. You do not have to retake the written test if you already passed it.

Do I need a learner's permit before I take the driving test?

No. If you are 18 or older, you can go straight to the written test and driving test without a learner's permit. Learner's permits are only required for drivers under 18 in Maryland.

What happens if my temporary license expires before my permanent one arrives?

Contact the MVA when ready. Call 410-768-7000 or visit an office to report the delay. The MVA can issue you another temporary license or help you track down your permanent license.

Can I use my temporary license to drive out of state?

Yes. Your temporary Maryland license is valid for driving in other states during the 45 days it is active. Once your permanent license arrives, use that instead.