What you need to do to get a Maryland driver license

To get a Maryland driver license, you will visit a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes several weeks from start to finish because you must pass the written test before you can schedule the driving test, and the MVA processes licenses in the order they receive them.

You cannot do this entirely online or by mail. You must appear in person at an MVA office at least twice — once to take the written test and once to take the driving test — and you must bring original documents, not copies.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Maryland residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
  • The written test covers Maryland traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Maryland Driver's Manual available on the MVA website before you go.
  • You cannot schedule a driving test until you pass the written test, and the MVA will give you a temporary permit that day if you pass.
  • The driving test itself takes about 20 minutes and tests basic vehicle control, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws on public roads.
  • Processing times vary by MVA office location; calling ahead to ask about wait times and current document requirements can save you a trip.

Documents you must bring to the MVA office

Bring originals, not photocopies. The MVA will not accept copies of any document. You need three categories of proof: identity, residency, and Social Security verification.

For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, an original or certified birth certificate, a valid state ID from another state, a valid military ID, or a valid foreign passport with an I-94 arrival/departure record. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be certified (issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born), not a photocopy you printed yourself.

For Maryland residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Maryland address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them saying you live there, plus the bill.

For Social Security, bring your original Social Security card, or bring a document that shows your number — a W-2, tax return, or pay stub. If you do not have your card and cannot find a document with your number, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration before you go to the MVA.

Taking the written test at the MVA office

Walk into any MVA office during business hours with your documents. Tell the staff you want to take the written test for a driver license. They will check your documents, take your photo, and give you a number to wait for. The wait time varies by location and time of day; offices are usually less crowded on weekday mornings.

When your number is called, you will sit at a computer and take a 25-question multiple-choice test about Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You have 30 minutes. You must answer at least 19 questions correctly to pass. The test is in English; if you need the test in another language, tell the staff before you sit down, and they will arrange it.

You will know your score when ready. If you pass, the MVA will issue you a temporary permit on the spot — a piece of paper that lets you drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. If you fail, you can take the test again the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

You cannot schedule a driving test until you have passed the written test. Once you pass, ask the MVA staff how to book your driving test. You can schedule it online through the MVA website, by phone at 410-768-7000, or in person at the office. You must schedule it within a certain window — ask the staff what dates are available when you pass the written test.

On the day of your driving test, arrive 15 minutes early with your temporary permit and a vehicle. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the lights, wipers, horn, and brakes before you drive. If anything is broken, the test will be cancelled and you will have to reschedule.

The test takes about 20 minutes. You will drive on public roads while the examiner watches. They will ask you to do basic things: turn, park, back up, stop at a red light, and follow traffic signs. You must obey all traffic laws and demonstrate that you can control the vehicle safely. If you pass, the examiner will tell you that day. If you fail, you can retake it, but you will have to schedule another appointment.

What happens after you pass the driving test

Once you pass the driving test, the MVA will process your license and mail it to the address you provided. This takes about two weeks. Your temporary permit is valid until your permanent license arrives, so you can drive legally during that time.

When your license arrives in the mail, check it for errors. If your name, address, or date of birth is wrong, go back to an MVA office with your license and a corrected document, and they will reissue it. If the license is damaged or lost before it arrives, contact the MVA to report it.

If you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver license from another state, you do not have to take the written test or the driving test. Bring your out-of-state license, your identity document, and your residency proof to an MVA office. The staff will convert your license to a Maryland license, take a new photo, and mail you the new license. This is faster than the full process and takes about two weeks.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you will have to take both tests. If it expired more than a certain number of years ago, the MVA may treat you as a new driver. Call the MVA at 410-768-7000 before you go to ask whether your specific license qualifies for conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Maryland driver license cost?

The fee varies depending on how long you want the license to be valid. A five-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Check the MVA website or call 410-768-7000 for the current fee. You pay when you pass the driving test, before you leave the office.

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

Yes. The MVA offers the written test in Spanish, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean. Tell the staff when you arrive which language you need, and they will set it up. You do not need to request it in advance.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it. Schedule another appointment through the MVA website, by phone, or in person. You do not have to retake the written test. There is no limit to how many times you can try the driving test, but you must wait at least one day between attempts.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Maryland driver license?

Yes, you must provide your Social Security number or a document showing it. If you do not have a Social Security number, contact the Social Security Administration to explore for one before you go to the MVA. The MVA cannot issue a license without it.

Can someone else pick up my license if I cannot go to the MVA office?

No. You must appear in person at the MVA office to take both the written test and the driving test. No one can take these tests for you or on your behalf.