What you need to bring to the Maryland MVA

To get a Maryland driver's license, you will visit a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The MVA will not issue a license by mail or online — you must complete the written test, vision test, and photo at a physical location.

Bring an original or certified copy of one of these documents as your primary identity proof: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a passport card, or a military ID. If you do not have one of those, you can use a combination of secondary documents — a school ID plus a bank statement, for example — but the MVA staff will tell you on the spot whether your combination works. Bring the actual documents, not photocopies.

For proof that you live in Maryland, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. You do not need an original — a photocopy is fine.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVA office in person with an original identity document, proof of Maryland residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
  • The written test covers Maryland traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official Maryland Driver's Manual online before you go.
  • You will take a vision test and a road test at the same MVA office, though the road test may be scheduled for a later date depending on wait times.
  • The license fee is $70 for a five-year license or $140 for a ten-year license, paid at the MVA office when you pass all tests.
  • Processing times vary by location; calling your local MVA office or checking the MVA website will tell you the current wait for road tests in your area.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 25 questions about Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 19 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and in several other languages; tell the MVA staff which language you need when you arrive.

The official study material is the Maryland Driver's Manual, which you can read online at the MVA website or pick up in print at any MVA office. The manual covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, what different road signs mean, and what to do if you are stopped by police. The test questions come directly from the manual, so studying it is the most direct way to prepare.

You can take the written test as many times as you need. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can schedule another test appointment. There is no additional fee for retakes.

The vision test and road test

After you pass the written test, you will take a vision screening at the same MVA office. The screener will check whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them — you will be tested with them on.

The road test is a 20-minute drive with an MVA examiner in your vehicle. You will demonstrate basic skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner is looking for safe driving, not perfect driving. Common reasons people do not pass are hitting the curb while parking, rolling through a stop sign, or failing to signal a turn.

Depending on how busy your local MVA office is, the road test may happen the same day as your written test, or you may be scheduled for a later date. Some offices have a wait of several weeks for road test appointments. Call your local MVA office to find out the current timeline for your area.

Bringing a vehicle and what the examiner will check

You must bring a vehicle that is registered in Maryland and has a valid inspection sticker. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name — you can use a family member's car or a friend's car, as long as it meets these requirements. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn all work before the test begins.

If you do not have access to a vehicle, some MVA offices have vehicles available for the road test, but you must reserve one in advance. Call your local office to ask whether this is an option and how far ahead you need to book.

The cost and how long it takes

A five-year Maryland driver's license costs $70. A ten-year license costs $140. You pay this fee at the MVA office after you pass both the written test and the road test. You cannot pay online or in advance.

The entire process — from your first visit to holding a license in hand — usually takes four to eight weeks. The written test and vision test happen on the day you visit. The road test may be scheduled weeks later, depending on how many people are waiting in your area. Once you pass the road test, you receive your license the same day.

If you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you are moving to Maryland, you can exchange it for a Maryland license without retaking the written test or road test. You will still need to visit an MVA office with proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and your Social Security number. You will take the vision test and have a new photo taken. The fee is the same as for a new license.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to retake the written test and road test as if you were a new driver. Bring your expired license anyway — it counts as identity proof.

Renewing or replacing a license

If your Maryland license is expiring, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at an MVA office. Renewal by mail or online is faster and does not require a new road test. You will need to renew in person only if your address has changed, if you want to change your name, or if your license was lost or stolen.

If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the MVA and request a replacement. You will need to visit an office in person with proof of identity and residency. The replacement fee is $10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The MVA offers the written test in English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean. Tell the staff which language you need when you arrive at the office. You do not need to request this in advance.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can schedule another road test appointment. There is no additional fee. Most people who do not pass on the first attempt pass on the second or third try. The examiner will tell you which specific skills to practice before your next test.

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

No. You can go directly from the written test to the road test on the same day or a later date. A learner's permit is not required in Maryland for adults. Drivers under 18 have different rules — contact your local MVA office for information about minors.

Can I use a vehicle that is not registered in my name for the road test?

Yes, as long as the vehicle is registered in Maryland and has a valid inspection sticker. The vehicle can belong to a family member or friend. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before the test begins.

How do I find my local MVA office and check wait times?

Visit the Maryland MVA website and use the office locator tool to find the office nearest you. You can also call the office directly to ask about current wait times for road tests. Wait times vary widely by location and season.