How to Change Your Driver's License to Maryland

What You Need to Do to Switch to a Maryland License

To change your driver's license to Maryland, you must visit a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person, pass a vision test, and surrender your out-of-state license. Maryland will not issue you a new license by mail or online. You cannot straightforward transfer your existing license from another state — Maryland treats every new resident as a new applicant, though you may not have to retake the written knowledge test if you meet certain conditions.

The process takes about 30 minutes at the MVA office, but you must bring specific documents and pay the renewal fee. Maryland does not recognize licenses from other states once you become a resident, so you have a legal important date to complete this change.

Key Takeaways

You must visit an MVA office in person with your out-of-state license, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of Social Security number to get a Maryland license.
Maryland requires a vision test at the MVA office; you cannot use a vision test from another state or your eye doctor.
You do not have to retake the written knowledge test if your out-of-state license is valid and you have held it for at least 18 months.
Your out-of-state license will be surrendered and destroyed; you cannot keep it as a souvenir or backup ID.
Maryland law requires you to obtain a Maryland license within 60 days of becoming a resident, or you risk driving with an invalid license.

Documents You Must Bring to the MVA

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, even if it is expired. Maryland needs to see it to process the surrender. You will also need one document that proves you live in Maryland — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Maryland address dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (tax notice, voter registration card) also works.

You must also prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or a birth certificate plus a second form of ID. Maryland will not issue a license without this verification.

Bring proof of your full legal name if it differs from your out-of-state license — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have changed your name, the MVA will need to see the document that shows the change. Bring your Social Security card or a certified copy of your birth certificate as well; Maryland requires at least two forms of ID to verify your identity.

When You Can Skip the Knowledge Test

You do not have to take Maryland's written knowledge test if your out-of-state license is currently valid (not expired) and you have held a valid driver's license from any state for at least 18 months. This applies whether your license is from another U.S. state, a U.S. territory, or a Canadian province. If either condition is not met — your license is expired or you have held it for fewer than 18 months — you must take the knowledge test.

The knowledge test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit. If you fail, you can return to the MVA on another day to retake it, but you will pay the test fee again.

The Vision Test and Other Requirements at the MVA

Every person obtaining a Maryland license must pass a vision test at the MVA office. You cannot bring a vision test result from your eye doctor or another state's DMV. The MVA will test your vision as part of the license issuance process. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not receive a license that day, and you will need to see an eye care professional and return with corrected vision or a medical certificate.

You will also have your photograph taken at the MVA office. Wear something you are comfortable appearing in on an ID; the photo will be used on your license for the next eight years (or five years if you are under 21). You cannot bring a photo from home or use a digital image.

The MVA will collect your fingerprints for the background check. This is standard and takes less than a minute. You will also answer questions about your driving history, any suspensions or revocations, and any out-of-state violations. Be honest; Maryland can see your driving record from other states through the National Driver Register.

Fees and How Long the License Takes to Arrive

The fee for a Maryland driver's license depends on your age and the type of license you want. A standard Class D license (passenger vehicle) for someone 21 or older costs $70 for an eight-year license. If you are under 21, the fee is $40 for a five-year license. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change; call the MVA or check the Maryland MVA website before you visit to confirm the exact amount.

You will receive a temporary paper license at the MVA office that day. This temporary license is valid for driving in Maryland when ready and is good for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Do not throw away the temporary license until the permanent one arrives; if the permanent license is lost in the mail, you will need the temporary as proof.

If you need the license faster, some MVA offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, but this is not available at all locations. Call ahead to ask whether your local office offers it and what the cost is.

Which MVA Office to Visit and How to Schedule

Maryland has 25 MVA offices across the state. You can visit any office, but some are busier than others. The Baltimore, Annapolis, and Rockville offices typically have longer wait times. If you live in a rural area, your local office may have shorter waits. You do not need to live near the office you choose.

You can schedule an appointment online through the Maryland MVA website or by calling 1-410-768-7000. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 1 to 3 hours depending on the office and time of day. Scheduling an appointment usually gets you in within 15 to 30 minutes of your appointment time. Appointments can be booked up to 30 days in advance.

Visit the MVA office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some have limited Saturday hours. Check the specific office hours before you go; they vary by location.

What Happens to Your Out-of-State License

Your out-of-state license will be surrendered at the MVA office and destroyed. You cannot keep it. Maryland law requires the MVA to collect and destroy all out-of-state licenses when a new Maryland license is issued. This is done to prevent duplicate licenses and fraud.

If you want a record of your out-of-state license for personal reasons, take a photograph of it before you go to the MVA. Some people keep a photo for their records or for sentimental reasons. The MVA will not provide you with a copy after it is destroyed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my out-of-state license is expired?

You can still use an expired license to change to a Maryland license. Bring it with you to the MVA. However, if your license has been expired for more than a certain period (rules vary by state), you may have to retake the knowledge test even if you held it for 18 months or more. Ask the MVA when you schedule your appointment whether your specific expired license qualifies for the test waiver.

Do I have to take the road test to get a Maryland license?

No. If you are transferring from another state and your out-of-state license is valid, you do not have to take a road test. You only need the vision test and, if required, the knowledge test. Road tests are only for people obtaining a license for the first time or after a suspension or revocation.

Can I change my license type when I switch to Maryland?

Yes. If you held a motorcycle endorsement, commercial license, or other special license type in your previous state, you can request the same type in Maryland. Tell the MVA staff when you arrive. You may need to pass additional tests or provide additional documentation depending on the license type, so call ahead to ask what is required.

What if I lost my out-of-state license before moving to Maryland?

Bring a police report of the loss or a replacement license from your previous state. If you cannot get either, contact your previous state's DMV and ask for a letter stating that your license was valid and in good standing. Bring that letter to the MVA. You will still need to pass the vision test and may need to take the knowledge test.

How long do I have to change my license after moving to Maryland?

Maryland law requires you to obtain a Maryland license within 60 days of becoming a resident. Driving with an out-of-state license after 60 days is illegal, even if your out-of-state license is still valid. You can be cited for driving with an invalid license. Start the process as soon as you move.

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.