What You Need to Do to Switch Your License to Maryland

To change your driver's license to Maryland, you visit the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in person with your current out-of-state license, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The MVA will not mail you a new license — you must appear at an office location. You will take a new photo, pass a vision test, and pay a fee. Your out-of-state license becomes invalid once Maryland issues your new one.

The entire process takes about 30 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while the plastic card is mailed to your address, which typically arrives within two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVA office in person with your current out-of-state license, proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).
  • Maryland will not accept a written test if you hold a valid license from another U.S. state, but you must pass a vision screening at the office.
  • The fee for a standard five-year license is $70; a Real ID-compliant license costs $85 and requires additional documents like a birth certificate or passport.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks.
  • Your out-of-state license is no longer valid once Maryland issues your new one, so do not discard it until you have the new card in hand.

Documents You Must Bring to the MVA

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, even if it is expired. The MVA uses it to verify your driving history and confirm you are not explore for a duplicate. If your license expired more than a year ago, bring it anyway — the MVA will still accept it as identification.

You need one document proving you live in Maryland. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Maryland address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (tax bill, voter registration card) also counts.

Bring proof of your Social Security number. Your actual Social Security card is the fastest option. If you do not have it, bring a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form from the past two years. A pay stub with your full Social Security number also works.

Real ID Versus Standard License: What the Difference Costs

Maryland offers two types of licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The standard license costs $70 for five years and requires only the documents listed above. A Real ID license costs $85 for five years and requires an additional document proving your identity and citizenship.

For Real ID, bring your birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or naturalization certificate along with your other documents. If you were born outside the United States, bring your green card or employment authorization document instead. Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025, though standard licenses remain valid for driving.

If you are unsure which to choose, ask the MVA staff when you arrive. Many people get Real ID because the extra cost is small and the document is increasingly necessary.

Finding an MVA Office and Scheduling Your Visit

Maryland has 26 MVA offices across the state. You can visit any office; you do not have to go to the one nearest your home. The MVA website lists all locations, hours, and current wait times. Some offices are busier than others — offices in Baltimore and the DC suburbs typically have longer waits than rural locations.

You can schedule an appointment online through the MVA website, which reserves a specific time slot and usually cuts your wait time in half. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 45 minutes to two hours during peak times. Appointments fill up weeks in advance during summer and around holidays, so book early if you have a specific date in mind.

The MVA is closed on Sundays and some state holidays. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations open Saturday mornings. Check the specific office hours before you go.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give your documents to the staff. They will verify your residency proof and Social Security documentation. This step usually takes five minutes. You will then be called to a photo station, where you sit for a new license photo. Wear something you are comfortable in — the photo will be on your license for five years.

Next, you go to the vision screening station. An MVA staff member will test your eyesight using a machine. You must read letters on a screen at a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get a license that day and must see an eye doctor, then return with a vision correction form.

Finally, you pay the fee at the cashier. The staff will hand you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic license for driving purposes. Your permanent plastic card will be mailed to your address within two weeks. Do not throw away your old out-of-state license until you receive the new Maryland card.

What to Do If Your Out-of-State License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked in your previous state, Maryland will likely deny your process. The MVA checks the National Driver Register, which tracks suspensions and revocations across all states. You cannot straightforward move to Maryland and get a new license to bypass a suspension.

If your license is suspended, you must contact the agency in your previous state to find out why and what steps are needed to lift the suspension. Some suspensions are automatic after a certain period (for example, a suspension for unpaid traffic fines may lift after three years). Others require you to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or meet other conditions. Once the suspension is lifted in your original state, you can then explore for a Maryland license.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the MVA before you go to the office. They can check your record over the phone and tell you whether you can proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take a written test to get a Maryland license?

No. If you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, Maryland waives the written test. You only need to pass the vision screening. If your out-of-state license is expired, you still do not have to take the written test as long as it expired less than a year ago.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You cannot get a Maryland driver's license without a Social Security number. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get a Maryland identification card instead, which serves as state ID but is not a driver's license. Contact the MVA directly to discuss your situation.

Can I use a hotel receipt or temporary address as proof of residency?

No. The MVA requires a document with your name and Maryland address dated within the last 60 days. A hotel receipt does not show a permanent address. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease agreement, bank statement, or mail from a government agency will work.

What happens to my old out-of-state license after I get a Maryland license?

Your old license becomes invalid the moment Maryland issues your new one. You do not have to return it to the MVA or your previous state. You can keep it as a souvenir or destroy it. Do not discard it until you have the new Maryland card in hand, in case there is a delay in the mail.

How much does it cost to renew a Maryland license later?

A standard five-year renewal costs $70. A Real ID renewal costs $85. You can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, though you will need a new photo every two renewal cycles (every 10 years).