What you need to know about Maryland driver licenses
A Maryland driver license is issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and serves as your legal permission to drive in Maryland and most other states. You will need one before you can legally operate a vehicle on public roads. The MVA handles all licenses, renewals, and replacements, and you can complete most transactions either in person at an MVA office or online through their website.
Maryland offers different license types depending on your age and driving history. A standard Class D license is for regular passenger vehicles. If you are under 18, you will go through a graduated licensing system that starts with a learner's permit, moves to a provisional license, and eventually becomes a full license. The process and requirements differ based on whether you are a first-time driver, renewing an existing license, or replacing a lost one.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit in Maryland, and at least 17 to get a provisional license or full license if you complete driver education.
- First-time drivers need to pass a written knowledge test, an eye exam, and a driving skills test before receiving a full license.
- You can renew your Maryland license online if you are between 18 and 69 years old, have no medical restrictions, and your license is not suspended or revoked.
- Renewal by mail or online costs less than in-person renewal, and online renewal is typically the fastest option.
- You will need to bring specific documents to an MVA office, including proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Getting your first Maryland driver license
If you have never held a driver license in any state, you will start with a learner's permit. You must be at least 16 years old. To get a permit, visit an MVA office with proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. You will take a written test covering Maryland traffic laws and road signs. There is no driving test required for the permit.
Once you have held your learner's permit for at least six months and passed a driver education course (or waited until age 18 if you did not take the course), you can take the driving skills test. This test is conducted by an MVA examiner and includes both an on-road driving portion and a vehicle inspection. If you pass, you receive your full Class D license. The entire process from permit to full license typically takes several months.
Renewing your Maryland driver license
Maryland driver licenses expire on your birthday and are valid for eight years. You can renew online through the MVA website if you meet these conditions: you are between 18 and 69 years old, your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions noted on your license, and your license is not expired by more than one year. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.
If you do not meet the online requirements, you can renew by mail or in person at an MVA office. Renewal by mail requires you to submit your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee. In-person renewal at an MVA office requires you to bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. In-person renewal includes a new eye exam and a new photo. Processing time varies: online renewal is typically fastest, mail renewal takes two to four weeks, and in-person renewal is completed the same day.
Documents you need to bring to an MVA office
The MVA requires specific documents for any in-person transaction. You must bring one form of primary identification, such as a valid passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. You must also bring one form of proof of residency from the past 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Maryland address.
You will need to provide your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are renewing and your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report if one was filed. Bring your current license if you have one. The MVA website lists all accepted documents in detail, so check there before your visit to avoid making a trip with incomplete paperwork.
Taking the written knowledge test
The written test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or several other languages. The test is available at any MVA office and takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
You can study using the Maryland Driver's Manual, which is available free on the MVA website and in print at MVA offices. The manual covers everything on the test. Many people study the manual for a few days before taking the test. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day. There is a fee each time you take the test.
Taking the driving skills test
The driving skills test is conducted by an MVA examiner and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The test includes a vehicle inspection (checking that your lights, wipers, horn, and brakes work), a pre-drive safety check, and an on-road driving portion where the examiner observes your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
You can schedule a driving test appointment through the MVA website or by calling the MVA. Wait times for test appointments vary by location and season; some offices have appointments available within days, while others may have a wait of several weeks. If you fail the test, you can retake it after waiting a specified period. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after additional practice.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it in person at an MVA office or online through the MVA website. Online replacement is available if your license is not expired by more than one year and you meet the same conditions as online renewal. Online replacement takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person replacement.
For in-person replacement, bring your proof of identity and proof of residency. If your license was stolen, bring a police report. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new plastic license by mail within one to two weeks. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, the temporary license is valid for driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maryland license if it has been expired for more than a year?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must visit an MVA office in person. You will need to retake the written test and eye exam, though you may not need to retake the driving skills test depending on how long it has been expired. Contact the MVA to confirm what tests you need before your visit.
What is the difference between a learner's permit and a provisional license?
A learner's permit allows you to drive only with a licensed adult in the vehicle. A provisional license allows you to drive alone but has restrictions on when you can drive (no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months) and how many passengers you can carry. You must hold a permit for at least six months before you can get a provisional license.
How much does a Maryland driver license cost?
Fees vary depending on the type of transaction and how you complete it. Online renewal is the least expensive option. In-person renewal costs more because it includes a new photo and eye exam. Replacement of a lost license costs more than renewal. The MVA website lists current fees for each transaction type.
Can I get a Real ID compliant Maryland license?
Yes. A Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. You can request a Real ID license when you renew or replace your license. You will need to bring additional documents, such as proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency, along with your standard identity and residency documents.
What should I do if I fail the driving skills test?
You can retake the test after waiting a specified period, which varies by location. Most people schedule their next test within one to two weeks and use that time to practice. You must bring the same documents and vehicle to your next test. There is a fee each time you take the test.