How to Get a Driver's License in Montgomery County, Maryland

Where to Get Your License in Montgomery County

Montgomery County, Maryland has two full-service driver's license offices where you can explore for a new license or transfer an out-of-state license. The Rockville Driver's License Office is located at 7670 Old Georgetown Road, Rockville, MD 20852, and the Silver Spring Driver's License Office is at 8601 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Both offices handle the same services and have the same requirements.

You do not need an appointment at either location, but both offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis and can have wait times of 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week. Mornings on weekdays tend to be less crowded than afternoons or weekends. Both offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Neither office is open on Sundays or state holidays.

Key Takeaways

You must bring your out-of-state license, proof of Maryland residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed Maryland Driver's License process (Form DL-43) to transfer your license.
Maryland will waive the written test and vision test if your out-of-state license is valid and you meet all other requirements, but you will still take a road test unless you are over 70 or your previous license was valid for eight years or longer.
The fee for a standard five-year Maryland license is $97, and payment must be made by cash, check, money order, or debit card — credit cards are not accepted.
Processing takes about 10 business days after you visit the office; your temporary license is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.
If your out-of-state license is expired or suspended, you cannot transfer it and must instead explore for a new license, which requires passing both the written and road tests.

Documents You Must Bring to the Office

Bring your current, valid out-of-state driver's license. If your license is expired, you cannot transfer it in Montgomery County; you will need to explore for a new license instead and pass both the written and road tests. Your out-of-state license must not be suspended or revoked in any state.

You also need one document proving your Maryland residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Maryland address. A government-issued ID with your Maryland address also works. Post office mail or documents addressed to "Resident" or "Occupant" are not accepted.

Bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a tax return. A birth certificate alone is not enough. You will also need to bring your completed Maryland Driver's License process (Form DL-43), which you can read from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website or fill out at the office before you are called.

The Road Test Requirement and Exemptions

Maryland requires all drivers transferring from out of state to take a road test unless you meet one of two exemptions. The first exemption applies if you are 70 years old or older at the time you explore. The second exemption applies if your out-of-state license was valid for eight years or longer without suspension or revocation.

If you do not meet either exemption, you must schedule and pass a road test before your license is issued. Road tests in Montgomery County are administered by the MVA and must be scheduled in advance through the MVA website or by calling 410-768-7000. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You will use your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the MVA testing center.

If you do may have access to for the road test exemption, bring documentation proving your age or the validity period of your previous license. A birth certificate, passport, or military ID works for age verification. For license validity, bring your out-of-state license itself — the MVA staff will verify the issue and expiration dates.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard five-year Maryland driver's license costs $97. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025), the cost is $120. Both fees are the same whether you are transferring from out of state or explore for a new license.

Payment must be made in cash, by check, money order, or debit card at the time you visit the office. Credit cards are not accepted. If you pay by check or money order, make it payable to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. The office will not process your process until payment is received.

What Happens After You Visit the Office

After you complete your process and pass any required tests, the MVA will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a permanent license and can be used to drive, board flights, and enter federal buildings during the 30-day period.

Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail within 10 business days in most cases, though processing can take up to 15 business days during busy periods. The card is mailed to the address you provided on your process. If you do not receive it within 15 days, contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to check the status.

If you need to drive before your permanent card arrives, your temporary license is sufficient. Do not attempt to use your old out-of-state license once you have been issued a Maryland temporary license, as it is no longer valid in Maryland.

Common Mistakes That Delay Processing

The most frequent error is bringing residency documents that are too old. Utility bills, bank statements, and lease agreements must be dated within the last 60 days. A document from four months ago will be rejected, and you will have to go home and return with a current one. Bring two residency documents if possible, in case one is questioned.

Another common mistake is not bringing the completed Form DL-43. You can fill it out at the office, but this adds 10 to 15 minutes to your wait time. read and complete it at home before you arrive. Do not sign it until you are at the office, as the MVA staff may need to make corrections.

A third mistake is assuming your out-of-state license is still valid when it has actually expired. Check the expiration date on your license before you go to the office. If it is expired, you cannot transfer it and will need to explore for a new license instead, which requires passing both written and road tests.

If You Need a REAL ID License

A REAL ID-compliant license is required for federal building access and domestic air travel. If you want a REAL ID license instead of a standard license, the cost is $120 instead of $97. You will need to bring one additional document: either a certified birth certificate, passport, military ID, or naturalization certificate.

The process is otherwise identical. You still bring your out-of-state license, residency proof, Social Security proof, and completed Form DL-43. The only difference is the extra identity document and the higher fee. Your temporary license will be marked as REAL ID-compliant, and your permanent card will arrive with the REAL ID designation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my license by mail instead of going to the office?

No. Maryland requires all out-of-state license transfers to be done in person at a driver's license office. You must appear in person for the vision test and to sign your process. The MVA does not process transfers by mail or online.

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

You cannot transfer a suspended or expired license. You must instead explore for a new Maryland license, which requires passing the written test, vision test, and road test. Bring the same residency and Social Security documents, but expect the process to take longer because you will need to schedule a road test appointment.

Do I have to take the written test if I transfer my license?

No. Maryland waives the written test and vision test for all valid out-of-state license transfers. You only take the road test if you do not meet one of the two exemptions (age 70 or older, or previous license valid for eight years or longer).

How long is my temporary license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it at the office. Your permanent plastic card should arrive by mail within 10 business days. If it does not arrive within 15 days, contact the MVA to check the status.

What if I fail the road test?

If you fail the road test, you can retake it. You must schedule another test appointment through the MVA website or by phone. There is no additional fee for retesting. You have up to one year from the date of your first test to pass before you must start the entire transfer process over.

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.