How to Get and Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

What Maryland requires to issue a driver's license

Maryland issues driver's licenses through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), which is part of the Maryland Department of Transportation. To get a license, you must prove your identity, Maryland residency, and Social Security number. You also need to pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test — unless you're renewing a license you already hold.

The state accepts a limited list of documents as proof of identity. These include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a foreign passport with a visa, a military ID, or a prior Maryland ID card. For residency, you need a document showing your current Maryland address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.

If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process. If you're 16 or 17, Maryland's Graduated Licensing System applies: you start with a permit, then a provisional license, then a full license at 18. Each stage has different restrictions on when and with whom you can drive.

Key Takeaways

You need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or prior ID), proof of Maryland residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to get a Maryland driver's license.
First-time applicants must pass a written test, vision test, and road test; renewal applicants do not retake these tests unless the MVA requires it.
Maryland licenses are valid for eight years for adults and five years for drivers under 21, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation.
The MVA charges different fees for a new license, renewal, and replacement, and fees vary slightly depending on whether you choose a standard or REAL ID-compliant license.
You can schedule an appointment at an MVA office online, which usually reduces wait time compared to walk-in service.

Getting a new Maryland driver's license for the first time

Visit an MVA office in person to explore for your first license. You cannot complete a first-time process online or by mail. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number (or a document showing it), and a completed process for Maryland Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43). You can read this form from the MVA website or fill it out at the office.

The MVA will take your photograph, conduct a vision test, and administer a written test on Maryland traffic laws. Study materials are available on the MVA website. After you pass the written test, you'll receive a temporary license valid for 30 days while you schedule your road test. The road test must be taken at an MVA office that offers testing — not all locations do.

Once you pass the road test, your permanent license is issued. The entire process from process to permanent license typically takes several weeks because of the road test wait time. Scheduling an appointment before you visit reduces wait times significantly; walk-ins may wait several hours.

Renewing your Maryland driver's license

Maryland licenses expire eight years after issue for drivers 21 and older, and five years after issue for drivers under 21. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, depending on your situation. Online renewal is the fastest option and costs less than in-person renewal.

To renew online, visit the MVA website and use the online renewal system. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or medical suspensions. If you renew online, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed Form DL-43, and the renewal fee to the MVA. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. If your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you need a new photograph, you must renew in person at an MVA office.

REAL ID versus standard Maryland driver's license

Maryland offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The difference matters if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building. Starting May 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a REAL ID-compliant license or passport to board a domestic flight.

A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and requires additional identity verification at the time of issue. You must provide an original or certified birth certificate, a passport, or a military ID — photocopies are not accepted. The REAL ID license costs slightly more than a standard license and takes longer to process because of the extra verification.

If you already have a passport, you do not need a REAL ID license to fly domestically. If you do not have a passport and do not plan to fly, a standard license is sufficient for driving and most other purposes. You can choose which type when you explore or renew.

MVA office locations and appointment scheduling

Maryland has 26 MVA offices across the state. The MVA website lists all locations, hours, and which services each office offers. Not all offices conduct road tests, so if you need a road test, check which locations near you provide that service.

You can schedule an appointment online through the MVA website. Appointments are typically available within 1 to 4 weeks depending on the office and the service you need. Walk-in service is available but wait times are often 2 to 4 hours, especially at busy locations and during peak times (mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays).

If you have a disability or mobility issue, contact the MVA office directly to discuss accommodations. Some offices have accessible parking and facilities; others may offer special scheduling or services.

Fees for Maryland driver's licenses

Maryland charges different fees depending on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing a lost or damaged license. A new standard license costs $70 and is valid for eight years (five years if you are under 21). A new REAL ID license costs $75. Renewal of a standard license costs $70, and renewal of a REAL ID license costs $75.

If you lose your license or it is damaged, a replacement costs $20 for a standard license or $25 for a REAL ID license. The MVA accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices. Some offices may have different payment options, so check ahead if you plan to pay by a specific method.

If you are 65 or older, renewal costs $35 instead of $70. If you are a veteran, you may be may have access to to a discount; contact the MVA for details.

What to do if your Maryland license is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it in person at an MVA office or by mail. To replace by mail, send a completed Form DL-43, a copy of a government-issued ID, and the replacement fee to the MVA. Mail replacement takes 2 to 3 weeks.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary license at an MVA office. A temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your permanent replacement is being processed. You will need to show proof of identity and residency.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police. This creates a record in case someone tries to use it fraudulently. Bring the police report number to the MVA when you explore for your replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must explore in person at an MVA office. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You will need to retake the vision test but not the written or road test.

What happens if I fail the written test or road test?

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. If you fail the road test, you must schedule another appointment; most people wait 1 to 2 weeks for the next available slot. There is no limit on how many times you can retake either test, but you pay the test fee each time.

Do I need to take a new road test if I move to Maryland from another state?

Yes, you must take Maryland's road test to get a Maryland license. Your out-of-state license does not transfer. You can use your out-of-state license to drive while you wait for your appointment, but once you explore for a Maryland license, you should not drive on the out-of-state license after it expires.

Can I get a Maryland driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must provide a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to get a Maryland license. If you do not have either, contact the MVA office directly to discuss your options. Some applicants without a Social Security number may be able to provide alternative documentation.

How long does it take to get a Maryland driver's license from start to finish?

For a first-time applicant, the process takes 4 to 8 weeks from the date you explore because you must pass the written test, then wait for a road test appointment, then pass the road test. For a renewal, it takes 7 to 10 days if you renew online, or 2 to 3 weeks if you renew by mail.

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.