Maryland will exchange a valid foreign driver's license for a Maryland license without requiring you to take the written or road test, but you must visit a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office in person with specific documents.

If you hold a current driver's license from another country and want to drive legally in Maryland, you have two paths: exchange it for a Maryland license (which takes a few weeks and requires an office visit), or drive on your foreign license for a limited time while you arrange the exchange. Most people choose the exchange because a Maryland license removes any question about whether your foreign license is valid here.

The exchange process itself is straightforward — you bring your documents, pay a fee, have your photo taken, and leave. You do not retake any driving tests. What takes time is getting the documents ready beforehand and waiting for your new license to arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office in person with your foreign license, proof of Maryland residency, proof of identity, and proof of Social Security number to exchange your license.
  • Maryland does not require you to pass a written or road test when exchanging a valid foreign license, but your foreign license must not be suspended or revoked.
  • The exchange fee is the same as a regular Maryland license renewal, and your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
  • You can legally drive on your foreign license in Maryland for a limited period while you gather documents and schedule your office visit, but the exchange is the permanent solution.

What documents you need to bring to the MVA office

Bring your current foreign driver's license and four additional documents: one showing your Maryland address, one proving your identity, one proving your Social Security number, and one establishing your legal name if it differs from what appears on your license.

For proof of Maryland residency, the MVA accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. For proof of identity, bring a passport, national ID card, or other government-issued photo ID. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration itself.

If your name on your foreign license does not match your current legal name — because of marriage, divorce, or a legal name change — bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will not accept a photocopy; it must be an official certified copy.

How the exchange process works at the MVA office

Call the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration at 410-787-7758 to schedule an appointment at the office nearest you. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments move faster and reduce wait time. When you arrive, bring all documents listed above plus your foreign license.

At the office, an MVA employee will review your documents, take a new photo for your Maryland license, and collect the fee. You will not take a written test or a road test. The employee may ask you to read a short line of text to confirm your vision is adequate, but this is not a formal test. If your foreign license is valid and not suspended, the exchange is approved on the spot.

Your new Maryland license will be mailed to the address you provide within two to three weeks. You can drive on your foreign license until it arrives. Once your Maryland license comes in the mail, your foreign license is no longer valid for driving in Maryland, though you may keep it as identification.

The fee and what it covers

The fee for exchanging a foreign license is the same as renewing a Maryland license. As of 2024, a five-year license costs $97 and a ten-year license costs $174. The fee covers the new license card, the background check, and the processing. There are no additional charges for the exchange itself.

If you need your license sooner than two to three weeks, the MVA does not offer expedited mail. You can request an interim license at the office, which is a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive. This costs an additional $10.

How long you can drive on a foreign license in Maryland

Maryland law allows you to drive on a valid foreign driver's license for up to one year from the date you establish residency in the state. After one year, you must have a Maryland license. If you are stopped by police and cannot show that you have been in Maryland for less than one year, you may face a citation for driving without a valid Maryland license.

The one-year window gives you time to gather documents and schedule an MVA appointment without rushing. However, exchanging sooner rather than later removes any ambiguity and prevents the risk of a traffic stop after the one-year mark.

What happens if your foreign license is expired or suspended

If your foreign license is expired, you cannot exchange it for a Maryland license. You will need to renew your foreign license first through your home country's licensing authority, then return to the MVA with the renewed license. This process varies by country and can take weeks or months depending on where you are licensed.

If your foreign license is suspended or revoked in your home country, Maryland will not exchange it. You will instead need to take the written test and road test as a new driver. Contact the MVA before visiting an office to confirm your license status if you are unsure.

Driving on a foreign license versus exchanging

You have the option to drive on your foreign license for up to one year without exchanging it. This works if you plan to stay in Maryland temporarily or if you are still gathering documents. However, exchanging has advantages: a Maryland license is recognized everywhere in the United States, it removes the one-year time limit, and it simplifies interactions with police and rental car companies.

If you are stopped by police while driving on a foreign license, you must be able to show proof that you have been in Maryland for less than one year. This proof can be a lease agreement, utility bill, or employment letter dated within the past year. Without it, you may be cited. Exchanging eliminates this risk entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a written test or road test to exchange my foreign license?

No. Maryland waives both tests when you exchange a valid foreign license. You only need to pass a vision check at the MVA office. If your foreign license is expired or suspended, you will need to take both tests as a new driver.

What if my foreign license is in a language I don't read?

You do not need to translate it. The MVA employee will verify that it is a valid government-issued license from another country. If you want a translation for your own records, you can obtain one from a certified translator, but it is not required for the exchange.

Can I exchange my license by mail or online?

No. You must visit a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office in person. There is no mail-in or online option for exchanging a foreign license. You can schedule an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov to reduce wait time.

What if I move to a different address after I exchange my license?

You can update your address online at mva.maryland.gov, by mail, or at any MVA office. You do not need to exchange your license again. The address change is free and takes a few days to process.

Can I use my foreign license to rent a car in Maryland?

Most car rental companies will accept a valid foreign license with an International Driving Permit, but policies vary. Some require a Maryland license or a U.S. license from another state. Call the rental company ahead of time to confirm what they accept.