What You Need to Do to Get a Maryland Driver's License

To get a Maryland driver's license, you must visit the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The process takes several weeks from start to finish, and you cannot complete it entirely online — Maryland requires an in-person appointment at an MVA office for the final tests and document verification.

The MVA is the only agency that issues Maryland driver's licenses. You cannot get one through a county office, police department, or third-party vendor. The entire process — from scheduling your appointment to receiving your license in the mail — typically takes four to six weeks, though this varies depending on how quickly you schedule and how soon you pass both tests.

Key Takeaways

  • You must schedule an appointment with the MVA online or by phone before you can take your written test and driving test.
  • Bring original documents proving your identity, Maryland residency, and Social Security number to your appointment; copies and digital photos are not accepted.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test covering Maryland traffic laws before you can take the driving skills test.
  • Your physical license arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you pass both tests; you receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass.
  • If you already have a valid out-of-state license, you may not need to take the driving test, but you must still pass the knowledge test and provide all required documents.

Documents You Must Bring to Your MVA Appointment

The MVA requires original documents — not copies, not photos, not digital files. You will need proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Bring documents in this order of preference, and bring at least one from each category.

For identity, bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement showing your Maryland address and dated within the last 60 days. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the original or certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will not accept a name change without this document.

How to Schedule Your MVA Appointment

You must schedule your appointment online through the MVA website or by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758. Online scheduling is faster and shows you available dates and times when ready. The phone line has longer wait times, especially during business hours.

When you schedule, you will choose the type of appointment you need. If you are getting your first Maryland license, select "New Driver License." If you already have a valid out-of-state license, select "License Transfer." The appointment type affects which tests you must take and how long your appointment will last.

Appointments fill up weeks in advance, especially at popular MVA offices in Baltimore, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County. If you cannot find an available appointment near you, check offices in less populated areas — rural MVA offices often have openings sooner. You can travel to any MVA office in Maryland for your appointment.

Passing the Written Knowledge Test

The written test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and parking rules. You must answer at least 24 out of 30 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and in several other languages; you can request a language other than English when you schedule your appointment.

The MVA provides a free study guide called the "Maryland Driver's Manual," available on the MVA website as a PDF or in print at any MVA office. The test questions come directly from this manual, so studying it is the most effective way to prepare. You can also take practice tests on the MVA website to see which topics you need to review.

You take the written test on a computer at the MVA office during your appointment. You have 30 minutes to complete it. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no additional cost, though you must wait at least 15 minutes before retesting. If you fail twice in one day, you must schedule a new appointment to try again.

Passing the Driving Skills Test

The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. An MVA examiner sits in the passenger seat and scores you on safety, control, and compliance with road rules. You must score at least 70 percent to pass.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid tags, working headlights and brake lights, functioning windshield wipers, and a working horn. If the examiner finds a safety problem with the vehicle, you will fail the test and must reschedule with a different vehicle.

If you already hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state and have held it for at least 18 months, you may be waived from the driving test. You will still need to pass the written knowledge test and provide all required documents. Ask the MVA when you schedule whether you may have access to for this waiver.

What Happens After You Pass Both Tests

When you pass the driving test, the MVA examiner gives you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license allows you to drive when ready while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provided at your appointment within two to three weeks.

The temporary paper license is not a real ID document — it cannot be used for air travel, federal building access, or other purposes that require a Real ID-compliant document. If you need to fly or enter a federal building before your permanent license arrives, bring your passport or another federal ID.

If your permanent license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the MVA to report it. The MVA can reissue your license or investigate whether it was lost in the mail.

Costs and Fees

A Maryland driver's license costs $70 and is valid for eight years. The fee covers the written test, the driving test, and the license itself — there are no separate charges for each component. You pay the fee at your appointment before you take the written test.

If you fail the written test and retake it the same day, there is no additional fee. If you fail the driving test and must reschedule, you must pay the $70 fee again at your new appointment. If you fail the driving test multiple times, you will pay the full fee each time you reschedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test without scheduling an appointment?

No. The MVA requires all applicants to schedule an appointment in advance. Walk-ins are not accepted for driver's license tests. You must schedule online or by phone before you can take either test.

What if I fail the driving test — how soon can I retake it?

You must schedule a new appointment to retake the driving test. There is no waiting period, but you will need to pay the $70 fee again. Appointments fill up quickly, so you may have to wait one to three weeks for an available slot.

Do I need a Maryland address to get a Maryland driver's license?

Yes. You must provide proof of Maryland residency dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement showing your Maryland address will work. If you just moved to Maryland and do not have a document yet, contact the MVA to ask what alternative documents they accept.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your Maryland license up to one year before it expires. Renewals can be done online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office, depending on your situation. Check the MVA website to see which renewal method applies to you.

What if I lose my license after I receive it?

Contact the MVA to report it lost and request a replacement. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. A replacement license costs $20 and takes two to three weeks to arrive by mail.