What you need to get a Maryland driver's license
Maryland issues driver's licenses through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), which operates licensing centers across the state. To get your first license or renew an expired one, you will need to visit an MVA office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail.
The documents you bring depend on whether you are getting your first license or renewing an existing one. For a first-time license, Maryland requires proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or certified court document), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the MVA office.
If you are renewing a license that has expired or is about to expire, the process is simpler. You can renew online through the MVA website if your license is not more than five years expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit an MVA office with your expired license and proof of residency.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland driver's licenses are issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), and you must visit an MVA office in person to get your first license or renew if you cannot use the online option.
- First-time applicants need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency, plus they must pass a vision test and written knowledge test at the MVA.
- Renewals can often be done online if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical restrictions, but you will need to visit an office if your license is older or your address changed.
- Maryland driver's licenses are valid for eight years for adults and five years for drivers under 21, and the MVA sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration.
How to prepare for your MVA visit
Before you go to an MVA office, gather all required documents and make an appointment. The MVA website allows you to schedule a time slot online, which reduces wait times. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but appointment holders are served first, and wait times without an appointment can exceed two hours depending on the office and time of day.
Bring originals of all documents — photocopies are not accepted. If you are renewing and your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. If you are getting your first license, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. The MVA also accepts a limited set of documents for proof of identity and residency, so check the MVA website before you go to confirm your specific documents will be accepted.
You will also need to pay the licensing fee. As of 2024, a standard eight-year driver's license costs $70 for adults. The MVA accepts cash, check, and card payment at most offices. If you are renewing online, you pay the fee during the online process.
The knowledge test and vision screening
If you are getting your first Maryland license, you must pass a written knowledge test at the MVA office. The test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Maryland Driver's Manual, which is available free on the MVA website and in print at MVA offices. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass.
You will also take a vision screening at the MVA office. This is not a full eye exam — it checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you fail the vision screening, the MVA may require you to get a full eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist and bring the results back to the MVA before your license is issued.
If you are renewing a license you already hold, you do not need to retake the knowledge test unless the MVA has flagged your record for a reason (such as a medical condition or a serious traffic violation). Most renewals skip both the test and the vision screening.
License validity and renewal timing
A Maryland driver's license is valid for eight years if you are 21 or older, and five years if you are under 21. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. The MVA mails a renewal notice to your address on file about 60 days before your license expires, so watch for that notice in the mail.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — your new license will still be valid for the full eight or five years from the date you renew. This means if you renew six months early, your new license will expire eight years from the renewal date, not from the original expiration date.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it as long as it expired within the last five years and you meet the other online renewal requirements. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must visit an MVA office in person and may need to retake the knowledge test.
Real ID compliance and what it means for your license
Maryland driver's licenses issued after 2017 are compliant with the federal Real ID Act, which means they can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your license was issued before 2017, it may not be Real ID compliant. You do not need to do anything special to get a Real ID compliant license — when you renew, the MVA will issue a compliant license automatically as long as you bring the required documents.
A Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner. If you need to fly domestically or enter a federal building and your license does not have this star, you can bring a passport or other federal ID instead. Starting in May 2025, federal agencies will require Real ID compliant identification for all domestic air travel, so if your license is older and does not have the star, plan to renew it before that date or have a passport ready.
What to do if you lose or damage your license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any MVA office. Bring your Social Security card or proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity. The replacement fee is $30 as of 2024, which is less than the cost of a new license. You do not need to retake the knowledge test or vision screening for a replacement.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police and to the MVA. Reporting it to the MVA flags your record so that if someone tries to use your license fraudulently, there is a record of the theft. You can report a stolen license by calling the MVA or visiting an office in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maryland license online?
You can renew online if your license expired within the last five years, you have no medical restrictions noted on your record, and your address has not changed. If any of these do not explore, you must visit an MVA office in person. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as an in-person renewal.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland and can result in a traffic citation and fine. If you are stopped by police, you may also face additional penalties. If your license has expired, renew it as soon as you can, either online or at an MVA office.
Do I need an appointment at the MVA?
Appointments are not required, but they are strongly recommended. You can schedule an appointment online on the MVA website, and appointment holders are served before walk-ins. Without an appointment, you may wait two hours or more depending on the office location and time of day.
What if I fail the knowledge test?
If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment to try again. There is no additional fee to retake the test. Most people pass on their second attempt after studying the Maryland Driver's Manual more carefully.
Can I change my address on my license without renewing it?
Yes, you can update your address at any MVA office without renewing your license. Bring proof of your new address and your current license. There is no fee for an address change. You can also update your address online through the MVA website if you have a valid Maryland license.