What you need to know about Maryland driver's licenses
A Maryland driver's license is issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and serves as your legal permission to drive in the state. You'll need one before you can legally operate a vehicle on Maryland roads. The MVA handles all licenses, renewals, and replacements, and you can complete most of the process either in person at an MVA office or online through their website.
The type of license you get depends on your age and what you want to drive. A standard Class D license lets you drive regular passenger vehicles. If you're under 18, you'll go through Maryland's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system, which has restrictions that ease over time. Commercial licenses and motorcycle endorsements require additional testing and fees.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew your Maryland license online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office, depending on your situation and how much time you have.
- First-time applicants must visit an MVA office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
- Maryland licenses expire on your birthday and cost between $70 and $110 depending on how long you renew them for.
- If you're under 18, you'll need to complete a driver education course, pass a written test, and pass a road test before getting your license.
- You can check your appointment availability and start your renewal online at mva.maryland.gov before going to an office.
Getting your first Maryland driver's license
If you've never had a Maryland license, you must visit an MVA office in person. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. Bring your original or certified birth certificate, a Social Security card or W-2, and one piece of mail showing your current Maryland address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works). You'll also need to pass a vision test, a written knowledge test, and a road test.
Before your office visit, you can take the written test online through the MVA website to see if you're ready. This practice test is free and shows you the exact format of questions you'll face. When you pass the official written test at the MVA office, you'll receive a learner's permit, which lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car while you practice.
After you've held your learner's permit for the required time (which varies by age), you'll schedule a road test at an MVA office. You must bring a vehicle that's registered, insured, and has working safety equipment. A licensed adult must be present during the test. Once you pass, you'll receive your Class D license on the spot.
Renewing your Maryland license online or by mail
If your license is still valid and you haven't changed your name, address, or other key information, you can renew online at mva.maryland.gov. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $70 for an eight-year renewal. Your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks. You can only renew online if your license hasn't been expired for more than two years.
Renewing by mail is also an option if you prefer not to visit an office. You'll fill out Form DL-43 (available on the MVA website), include your current license, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Processing takes about three weeks. This method costs the same as online renewal.
If you need your license faster, you can renew in person at any MVA office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. You'll receive your new license when ready, though the photo will be taken at the office. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes if you have an appointment.
Renewing in person when you must visit an MVA office
You cannot renew online or by mail if your address has changed, your name has changed, you want a different license class, or your license has been expired for more than two years. In these cases, you must visit an MVA office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (if applicable), and proof of your name change (marriage certificate or court order, if applicable).
Book an appointment online before you go. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are often longer. The MVA website shows which offices have same-day or next-day appointments available. Bring payment in cash, check, or card — all MVA offices accept all three. The renewal fee depends on how long you renew for: $70 for eight years, $50 for five years, or $30 for three years.
Maryland's Graduated Driver Licensing system for drivers under 18
If you're under 18, Maryland requires you to complete a driver education course before you can get a learner's permit. This course can be taken online or in person through a licensed provider. After you finish, you'll receive a certificate of completion to bring to the MVA office.
With your learner's permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (even hands-free). These restrictions stay in place until you turn 17 or have held your permit for 12 months, whichever comes later.
Once you're may be able to access, you'll take your road test. If you pass, you'll receive an intermediate license, which has fewer restrictions than the learner's permit but still limits nighttime driving and passenger rules. At age 18, or after holding an intermediate license for six months without violations, you can get an unrestricted Class D license.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it online, by mail, or in person. Online replacement costs $10 and takes about two weeks. You'll need to log into your MVA account and request a duplicate. By mail, you'll send Form DL-43 with your payment to the MVA address. In person, visit any MVA office with payment and proof of identity.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police and the MVA. This creates a record in case someone tries to use it. The MVA can flag your account so that if someone tries to renew your license fraudulently, you'll be notified.
What Maryland driver's licenses cost
The cost of your license depends on how long you renew it for and whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online and mail renewal cost $70 for eight years, $50 for five years, or $30 for three years. In-person renewal costs the same. Duplicate licenses cost $10. A learner's permit costs $30.
If you need your license before the standard mail delivery time, you can request expedited processing at an MVA office for an additional fee. Expedited processing usually means you'll receive your license within five to seven business days instead of two to three weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maryland license if I've moved out of state?
No. You must be a Maryland resident to hold a Maryland license. If you've moved, you'll need to get a license from your new state. If you're moving soon but still live in Maryland, you can renew before you leave.
What happens if my license expires while I'm out of the country?
You can still renew online or by mail even if you're abroad, as long as your license hasn't been expired for more than two years. If it has been expired longer, you'll need to visit an MVA office in person when you return to Maryland.
Do I need to take a new road test if I renew my license?
No. Renewals do not require a new road test unless your license was suspended or revoked, or unless you're changing your license class. If you're renewing a standard Class D license, you only need to pass the vision test at the MVA office if you renew in person.
How do I change my name on my Maryland license?
Bring your current license, a certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order showing your name change, and proof of residency to an MVA office. You'll pay the renewal fee and receive your new license with your updated name. You cannot change your name online or by mail.
What if I fail my road test?
You can schedule another road test as soon as the next day. There's no waiting period between attempts, but you'll pay the test fee each time you take it. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.