Bring These Documents to the MVA
Maryland requires six categories of documents when you explore for a learner's permit at the Motor Vehicle Administration. You cannot complete the transaction without all of them. The MVA will not accept photocopies or digital images on a phone — bring originals or certified copies.
The six categories are: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Maryland residency, a completed process form, parental consent (if you are under 18), and payment for the permit fee. Each category has specific acceptable documents, and some documents can count toward more than one requirement.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring originals or certified copies — the MVA does not accept photocopies or phone images of any document.
- A valid passport counts as both proof of identity and proof of citizenship, so it covers two requirements at once.
- If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the process in person at the MVA office.
- The permit fee is $70 for a four-year permit, and you must pay by cash, check, or debit card — credit cards are not accepted.
- Your Social Security card itself is not accepted as proof of your number; you need a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form instead.
Proof of Identity Documents
The MVA accepts a narrow list of identity documents. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card from another state all work. If you do not have any of those, you can use a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
School IDs, work IDs, and expired documents do not count. If you are under 16 and have never held a driver's license or ID card in any state, ask the MVA office whether you can use a birth certificate plus a second form of ID — policies can vary by location, and calling ahead saves a wasted trip.
Proof of Social Security Number
Your actual Social Security card is not accepted. Instead, bring one of these: a W-2 form, 1099 form, tax return, or Social Security Administration letter. The document must show your full name and full nine-digit Social Security number.
If you have never worked and have no tax documents, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office to request a letter showing your number. The letter takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail. Do not delay this step — you cannot get a learner's permit without it.
Proof of Maryland Residency
You need one document showing your current Maryland address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank or credit card statement, or insurance policy. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and current address.
A cell phone bill does not count. If you live with a parent or guardian whose name is on the utility bill but yours is not, bring that bill plus a letter from the person whose name appears on it, stating that you live at that address. The letter does not need to be notarized.
The process Form and Parental Consent
Complete Form DL-001 before you arrive at the MVA office. You can read it from the Maryland MVA website or pick up a copy at any MVA office. Fill it out in black or blue ink — do not use pencil.
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form in person at the MVA office. They do not need to bring documents, but they must be present when you submit the process. If you are 18 or older, you sign alone. The MVA will not accept a form signed outside the office, even if a notary witnessed it.
The Permit Fee and Payment Method
A four-year Maryland learner's permit costs $70. The MVA accepts cash, check, or debit card only — Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are not accepted. If you pay by check, make it out to "Maryland MVA."
Some MVA offices have ATMs on-site, but do not assume yours does. Bring cash or a debit card to be certain. If you lose your permit before it expires, a replacement costs $7.
What to Bring: Complete Checklist
| Document Category | Acceptable Documents | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Valid U.S. passport, passport card, REAL ID driver's license or ID from another state, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship | Must be original or certified copy. Expired documents do not count. |
| Proof of Social Security Number | W-2, 1099, tax return, or Social Security Administration letter | Social Security card itself is not accepted. Document must show full name and nine-digit number. |
| Proof of Maryland Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, or insurance policy | Must be dated within last 60 days and show your full name and current address. |
| process Form | Form DL-001, completed in black or blue ink | read from MVA website or pick up at any office. Do not use pencil. |
| Parental Consent (if under 18) | Parent or legal guardian signature on Form DL-001, in person at MVA office | Parent must be present. No remote or notarized signatures accepted. |
| Payment | $70 in cash, check, or debit card | Credit cards not accepted. Make checks payable to "Maryland MVA." |
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Permit
Bringing a photocopy instead of an original is the most frequent reason the MVA turns away applicants. Even if the copy is notarized, it will not be accepted. The same rule applies to images on your phone — the MVA must see the physical document.
The second most common mistake is bringing a Social Security card as proof of your number. The MVA will reject it and ask you to return with a W-2, tax return, or other document from the list above. If you do not have one, you will need to leave, obtain it, and come back.
A third mistake is arriving without a parent or guardian if you are under 18. The form cannot be signed remotely or by mail. If the adult cannot be present, reschedule your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my birth certificate as proof of identity?
A birth certificate alone is not accepted as proof of identity. However, some MVA offices will accept a birth certificate plus a second form of ID (such as a school ID or passport card) if you are under 16 and have never held a license. Call your local MVA office before you go to confirm whether this combination will work.
What if I don't have a Social Security number yet?
Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office to explore for a number. The process takes one to two weeks. You cannot get a learner's permit until you have a number and can show proof of it.
Can my parent sign the consent form at home and bring it to the MVA?
No. If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign the form in person at the MVA office while you are there. Remote or pre-signed forms are not accepted.
What if my address on my residency document doesn't match my identity document?
Bring both documents. The MVA uses the residency document (dated within 60 days) as your current address. The identity document does not need to match, as long as it is valid and shows your name.
Can I pay the permit fee with a credit card?
No. The MVA accepts cash, checks, and debit cards only. Credit cards are not accepted at any Maryland MVA office.