Check your Maryland license status through the Motor Vehicle Administration website
You can look up your Maryland driver's license status without visiting an office or calling. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) runs an online system where you enter your license number and date of birth, and the system shows you whether your license is valid, suspended, or expired. This takes about two minutes and works from any computer or phone with internet access.
The MVA's online license status tool is free and available 24 hours a day. You do not need to create an account or log in — you just need your license number and the date of birth on your license. The system tells you your current status when ready, and you can check as many times as you want.
Key Takeaways
- Visit the Maryland MVA website and use the license status lookup tool with your license number and date of birth.
- The system shows whether your license is valid, suspended, expired, or revoked within seconds.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, the MVA website explains the reason and what you must do to restore it.
- You can also call the MVA at 410-787-7758 (Baltimore area) or 1-888-769-0100 (toll-free) to speak with someone who can explain your status in detail.
- If you need to renew an expired license or resolve a suspension, you will need to visit an MVA office in person or use the online renewal system for standard renewals.
What information you need to look up your status
Gather your Maryland driver's license number before you start. This is the eight-digit number printed on the front of your license. You will also need the date of birth that appears on your license — this must match exactly as it is printed, including the year.
If you have lost your license or do not have it in front of you, you can still call the MVA directly. The phone representatives can look up your status using your name and date of birth, though they may ask for additional information to confirm your identity. This route takes longer than the online tool but works if you cannot access your license number.
Steps to check your status online
Step 1: Go to the Maryland MVA website. Open a web browser and navigate to the MVA's main website. Look for the section labeled "License and ID" or search for "check license status" on their site. The direct link to the status lookup tool is usually on the homepage under quick links.
Step 2: Enter your license number. Type your eight-digit license number into the first field. Double-check that you have entered all eight digits correctly — if even one digit is wrong, the system will not find your record.
Step 3: Enter your date of birth. Type your date of birth in the format the system requests. Most online forms ask for month, day, and year separately, so enter each part in its own box. Use the date of birth printed on your license, not a different date.
Step 4: Submit and view your status. Click the "Search" or "Submit" button. The system will display your license status within seconds. You will see whether your license is valid, expired, suspended, or revoked. If there is a problem with your license, the screen will usually explain the reason.
Understanding what each status means
Valid means your license is current and you are permitted to drive. Your license has not expired and there are no holds or suspensions on your record.
Expired means your license is no longer valid for driving, but the expiration is recent enough that you may be able to renew it without taking a new test. Maryland licenses expire on your birthday every eight years. If your license expired within the past year, you can usually renew it online or by mail. If it expired more than a year ago, you will need to visit an MVA office.
Suspended means you are not permitted to drive, but the suspension is temporary. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, or a medical condition flagged by the MVA. A suspension can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the reason. The online status page or a phone call to the MVA will tell you why your license is suspended and what you must do to restore it.
Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled. This is more serious than a suspension and usually results from serious violations like multiple DUI convictions or habitual reckless driving. If your license is revoked, you will need to contact the MVA directly to understand your options for reapplying.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If the online tool shows your license is suspended, write down the reason displayed on the screen. Different reasons require different actions. For example, if the suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines. If it is due to a medical condition, you may need to provide a doctor's letter clearing you to drive. If it is due to unpaid child support, you must contact the child support enforcement agency.
Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 (Baltimore area) or 1-888-769-0100 (toll-free) to ask what specific steps you need to take. The MVA staff can tell you the exact amount owed, the documents you need to gather, or the forms you need to submit. Once you have completed the required action, you can request that the MVA lift the suspension. This usually happens within one to two business days after the MVA confirms you have met the requirement.
If your license is revoked, contact the MVA directly. Revocations are handled on a case-by-case basis, and the MVA will explain whether you can reapply and what conditions must be met. Some revocations allow reapplication after a waiting period; others may require you to pass a new written test or driving test.
Calling the MVA if you cannot use the online tool
If you do not have internet access, cannot find your license number, or want to speak with someone directly, call the MVA. The toll-free number is 1-888-769-0100. If you are calling from the Baltimore area, you can also call 410-787-7758. Both numbers connect you to the same system.
When you call, have your name, date of birth, and license number ready if you have it. The automated system will ask you to enter information using your phone keypad, or you can wait to speak with a representative. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning calls (before 9 a.m.) and calls on weekdays typically have shorter waits than afternoon or weekend calls.
The MVA phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. They are closed on weekends and state holidays. If you call outside these hours, you can leave a message, but you will not receive a response until the next business day.
What happens after you check your status
If your license is valid and current, you do not need to take any action. You can drive legally in Maryland and in other states that recognize your license.
If your license is expired but not suspended, you can renew it. Maryland offers online renewal for standard renewals if your license expired within the past year and you have not had any suspensions or medical flags. You can also renew by mail or in person at an MVA office. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs the standard renewal fee.
If your license is suspended or revoked, take the action required by the MVA before you drive. Driving on a suspended or revoked license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Once you have resolved the issue, contact the MVA to confirm the suspension or revocation has been lifted before you get behind the wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my license status?
You only need to check your status if you suspect a problem or if you are approaching your license expiration date. If your license is valid and you have not received any notices from the MVA, there is no reason to check. However, checking before a long road trip or if you have recently paid a traffic ticket is a good idea to make sure there are no unexpected holds.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The online tool requires the license number and date of birth, and the MVA does not release license information to third parties without a court order or legal authorization. If you need information about someone else's license for a legal reason, contact the MVA directly or consult an attorney.
What if the online tool says my license is suspended but I did not receive a notice?
Call the MVA when ready at 1-888-769-0100. Suspensions are supposed to be mailed to your address on file, but mail can be delayed or lost. The MVA can tell you why your license was suspended, when the notice was sent, and what you need to do to restore it. Do not drive until you have resolved the suspension.
How long does it take to restore a suspended license?
Once you have completed the action required to lift the suspension (paying a fine, submitting a medical form, or resolving child support), the MVA typically processes the restoration within one to two business days. Some actions are processed faster than others. Call the MVA to confirm the suspension has been lifted before you drive.
Can I renew my license online if it is expired?
You can renew online only if your license expired within the past year and there are no suspensions or medical flags on your record. If your license expired more than a year ago or if there is a suspension, you must visit an MVA office in person. Check your status first to see whether online renewal is an option for you.