Maryland requires a valid form of identification, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a passing score on the written and road tests to get a driver license.
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) issues driver licenses and handles the entire process. You will need to visit an MVA office in person — you cannot complete this by mail or online. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail, though the written test can happen on your first visit if you bring all required documents.
Maryland offers different license types depending on your age and driving history. A standard Class D license is for regular passenger vehicle driving. If you are under 18, you will go through a graduated licensing system with restrictions that ease over time. Commercial licenses and motorcycle endorsements have their own separate requirements.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a valid ID, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of your Social Security number to your MVA visit.
- The written test covers Maryland traffic laws and road signs, and you can take it the same day you explore if your documents are complete.
- You must pass a road test with an MVA examiner before your license is issued, and scheduling this test happens after you pass the written exam.
- Maryland charges a fee for the license itself, and fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid.
- If you are under 18, you will receive a provisional license first with nighttime and passenger restrictions that lift as you age and gain experience.
Documents you must bring to the MVA office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued ID that proves your identity and date of birth. A passport is often the easiest option because it serves as both identity and citizenship proof. If you do not have a passport, a certified birth certificate works, but you will also need a second form of ID like a school ID or employee badge.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Maryland address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver license from another state does not count as proof of residency in Maryland, even if it shows a Maryland address.
You will also need to prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a Maryland ID card, but not a driver license.
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 available in English and several other languages. You can study using the free Maryland Driver's Manual, which is available online at the MVA website and covers everything the test asks about.
The test includes questions about speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies like brake failure. It also covers Maryland-specific rules like the requirement to use headlights when windshield wipers are on. You take the test on a computer at the MVA office, and you get your score when ready.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another time. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will pay a fee each time you take the test.
The road test and scheduling
After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test with an MVA examiner. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, stopping, and merging. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the MVA office where you tested.
Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially at busy MVA locations. Depending on where you live in Maryland, you may wait anywhere from a few days to several weeks for an available slot. You can schedule your test online through the MVA website or by calling the office where you took your written test. Bring your written test passing receipt and your ID to the road test.
If you fail the road test, you must wait at least one week before retaking it. You can schedule another test when ready after failing, but the earliest you can take it is seven days later.
Fees and how long your license lasts
A standard Class D driver license costs a set fee that varies based on how long the license is valid. Maryland offers licenses valid for 5 years or 8 years, with the 8-year license costing more upfront. You choose which option you prefer when you explore. Renewal fees are lower than the initial license fee.
If you are under 21, your license will be a different color and will expire on your 21st birthday, regardless of which validity period you chose. This is to may support that the license reflects your age category, since Maryland has different rules for drivers under 21.
Payment is accepted at the MVA office, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Fees do not include the cost of taking the written or road test, which are separate and smaller charges.
Graduated licensing for drivers under 18
If you are under 18, you will first receive a provisional license, not a full license. A provisional license comes with restrictions on when and with whom you can drive. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car unless a parent or guardian is present.
These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or have held your provisional license for 18 months, whichever comes later. Once the restrictions lift, you have a full Class D license. If you are 18 or older when you first get your license, you receive a full license when ready after passing the road test.
What happens after you pass the road test
After you pass the road test, the MVA will issue you a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is being printed and mailed to you. Your permanent plastic license arrives in the mail within two to three weeks in most cases.
Keep your temporary license with you while you drive, because it is your proof of licensure until the permanent one arrives. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary one is no longer valid. If your permanent license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the MVA office where you tested to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No, a Social Security number is required for a Maryland driver license. However, you can get a Maryland ID card without a Social Security number. An ID card works for identification purposes but does not permit you to drive.
What if I moved to Maryland from another state and already have a driver license?
You can transfer your out-of-state license to a Maryland license without retaking the written and road tests if your license is still valid. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to an MVA office. You will pay the license fee and receive a temporary license on the spot.
Do I need to take the written test in English?
No. The MVA offers the written test in multiple languages including Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and others. Call your local MVA office to confirm which languages are available at that location.
What if I fail the road test twice?
You can retake the road test as many times as you need. There is a one-week waiting period between each attempt. You will pay a fee each time you schedule a new test. Some people take the test three or four times before passing, and that is normal.
Can I drive with my temporary license outside of Maryland?
Yes, your temporary license is valid in all 50 states and is recognized as proof of licensure. However, you should carry it with your ID at all times, because it is a paper document and can be damaged or lost more easily than a plastic license.