What Maryland requires before you can get a driver license

Maryland requires you to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number before issuing a driver license. You will also need to pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving test — unless you are renewing a license you already hold. The state does not issue licenses to people under 16, though you can get a learner's permit at 15 years and 9 months.

The specific documents you bring depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or moving to Maryland from another state. Maryland accepts documents from the federal government, other states, and certain financial institutions as proof of identity and residency.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or out-of-state license), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to the Motor Vehicle Administration.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written test, vision screening, and road test; renewals do not require retesting unless your license has been expired for more than one year.
  • Maryland charges different fees for different license types — a standard license costs less than a REAL ID-compliant license, which is required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025.
  • You can schedule an appointment at a Motor Vehicle Administration office online, which reduces wait times significantly compared to walk-ins.
  • If you are moving to Maryland from another state, you have 60 days to exchange your out-of-state license for a Maryland one.

Documents you need to bring to the Motor Vehicle Administration

Bring one document that proves your identity. Maryland accepts a valid passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or an out-of-state driver license or ID card. If you are using a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy — a photocopy or hospital record will not work.

Bring one document that proves you live in Maryland. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Maryland address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from your landlord or a family member stating you live at that address, plus a document showing their residency.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number — a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement. You will also need to bring your current out-of-state license if you have one, even if it is expired.

The written test, vision screening, and road test

The written knowledge test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Maryland Driver's Manual, which is free on the Motor Vehicle Administration website. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you must schedule another appointment.

The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You do not need to bring glasses or contacts — the Motor Vehicle Administration will test you with and without correction. If you fail the vision screening, you will be referred to an eye care professional and cannot get a license until you pass a follow-up test.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working seat belts, mirrors, and lights. You cannot use a vehicle with a "for sale" sign or temporary tags.

Fees and license types in Maryland

A standard Maryland driver license costs $70 and is valid for eight years. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $100 and is also valid for eight years. The difference is that a REAL ID license meets federal security standards and can be used to enter federal buildings, military bases, and board domestic flights. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight — a standard driver license will no longer work.

If you are under 21, your license will be vertical instead of horizontal, and it will expire on your 21st birthday. The fee is the same as for an adult license. If you are 65 or older, you can get a license valid for four years instead of eight, and the fee is lower — currently $35 for a standard license and $65 for a REAL ID license.

You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the Motor Vehicle Administration office. Online services like renewing a license or changing your address can be paid for online.

How to schedule an appointment and what to expect

Go to the Motor Vehicle Administration website and select "Schedule an Appointment." Choose your location, the service you need (new license, renewal, or exchange), and your preferred date and time. Appointments are usually available within two to four weeks. If you cannot find an appointment that works, you can walk in, but wait times are often two to three hours.

Arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents. The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes from check-in to photo. You will be called to a window, your documents will be reviewed, you will take a new photo, and you will pay the fee. If you are getting your first license, you will also take the written test and vision screening at this visit. The road test is scheduled for a separate appointment, usually within two to four weeks.

Your temporary license is printed on paper and is valid for 45 days while your plastic card is being mailed. The plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Motor Vehicle Administration to report it missing.

Renewing or exchanging a license you already have

If your Maryland license is not expired or has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it without retaking any tests. You can renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your name, and you do not need to update your address. Online renewal costs $70 for a standard license and $100 for a REAL ID license, and your new card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Administration office in person and retake the written test and vision screening. You do not have to retake the road test unless your license was suspended or revoked.

If you are moving to Maryland from another state, you have 60 days to exchange your out-of-state license for a Maryland one. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You do not need to retake the written or road test — the Motor Vehicle Administration will accept your out-of-state test results. You will need a new photo and will pay the Maryland license fee.

Special situations: learner's permits, commercial licenses, and name changes

You can get a learner's permit at 15 years and 9 months. A learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You must pass the written test and vision screening, but not the road test. A learner's permit is valid for two years and costs $35. Once you turn 16 and have held the permit for at least six months, you can take the road test to get your full license.

A commercial driver license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work. The requirements are more strict than for a standard license: you must pass additional written tests covering vehicle inspection and hazard perception, a skills test, and a road test in a commercial vehicle. You must also pass a medical examination. The process takes longer and costs more than a standard license.

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you can update your license by visiting a Motor Vehicle Administration office with your current license and a document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). There is no fee to change your name on an existing license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Maryland driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Maryland law requires a Social Security number to issue a driver license. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get a Maryland ID card instead, which can be used for identification but not for driving. Contact the Motor Vehicle Administration to discuss your situation.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can schedule another road test appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. You can practice with a learner's permit holder or take a driving course to improve your skills before retesting.

Do I need to take the written test again if I am renewing my license?

No, not if your license expired less than one year ago. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must retake the written test and vision screening. You do not need to retake the road test unless your license was suspended or revoked.

What if I move to a different address in Maryland?

You can change your address online through the Motor Vehicle Administration website at no cost. Your license itself does not change — only the address on file. If you prefer, you can visit a Motor Vehicle Administration office in person to update your address.

Is a REAL ID license worth the extra cost?

If you fly domestically or enter federal buildings, yes. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Maryland driver license will not be accepted for domestic flights — you will need a REAL ID license or a passport. The extra $30 cost is worth it if you fly more than once every few years.