What the Maryland MVA requires to issue a driver's license
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) issues driver's licenses to residents who pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. You must be at least 16 years old to hold a learner's permit, and at least 17 to hold a full license (or 18 if you want to skip the supervised driving period). The MVA does not issue licenses by mail or online — you must visit an MVA office in person.
Before you go, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it. The specific documents the MVA accepts depend on your citizenship status and whether you have a valid out-of-state license. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access, and the MVA will issue you a license without one.
The MVA charges a fee for a new license. The cost varies depending on the type of license (standard, REAL ID, or commercial) and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year license costs less than a REAL ID license, which meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVA office in person with proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and your Social Security number or a letter stating you are not may be able to access for one.
- You need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test before the MVA will issue a full license.
- A REAL ID license costs more than a standard license but is required for air travel and entry to federal buildings starting in May 2025.
- Maryland licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation.
- The MVA has multiple office locations across the state, and you can check wait times online before you go.
Documents you need to bring to the MVA office
The MVA requires one document from each of three categories: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. For identity, you can bring a valid passport, a military ID, a birth certificate, or a previous Maryland license. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with a raised seal.
For residency, the MVA accepts a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check. The document must show your current Maryland address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in a spouse's or parent's name along with a marriage certificate or birth certificate proving the relationship.
If you have a valid out-of-state driver's license, you do not need to bring a separate proof of identity — the license counts as both identity and proof that you have already passed a driving test. However, you still need proof of Maryland residency and your Social Security number.
How to prepare for the written and driving tests
The Maryland MVA written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Maryland Driver's Manual, which the MVA publishes online and distributes at every office. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. You get one free attempt; if you fail, you pay a fee to retake it.
The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, parking, turns, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. If you bring a vehicle that does not meet these standards, the MVA will not let you test.
If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least three months and log at least 60 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night) before you can take the driving test. You can get a learner's permit by passing the written test and vision test at an MVA office. Once you pass the driving test, you can get your full license.
Renewing your Maryland license by mail or online
If your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or suspensions, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. To renew online, go to the MVA website, enter your license number and date of birth, and follow the instructions. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person.
To renew by mail, the MVA will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. Fill out the form, include a check or money order, and mail it back to the address on the notice. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks after the MVA receives it. If you do not receive a notice, you can request a renewal form at any MVA office or read it from the website.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you have had a suspension or revocation, you must renew in person at an MVA office. You will need to retake the written test and the driving test, just as if you were getting a license for the first time.
REAL ID versus standard Maryland licenses
A REAL ID license meets federal requirements set by the Department of Homeland Security and can be used for air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard Maryland license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 7, 2025. If you plan to fly or visit a federal building, you need a REAL ID license or a passport.
To get a REAL ID license, you must bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus one additional document proving your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return). The REAL ID license costs more than a standard license and is valid for five years, the same as a standard license.
If you already have a standard license and want to upgrade to REAL ID, you can do so at any MVA office without retaking the tests. You pay the difference in cost and receive a new card with a gold star in the upper right corner, which indicates it is REAL ID compliant.
Finding an MVA office and checking wait times
Maryland has MVA offices in every county, and most are open Monday through Friday during business hours. Some offices have extended hours on certain days. You can find the address, phone number, and hours of your nearest office on the MVA website.
The MVA publishes current wait times online, updated throughout the day. You can check the wait time before you go to avoid a long visit. Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online, which lets you skip the general queue and come back at your scheduled time. This service is free and can save you an hour or more of waiting.
If you cannot visit during regular hours, some MVA offices offer evening or Saturday appointments. Call your local office or check the website to see what options are available in your area.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
The Maryland MVA suspends or revokes licenses for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, conviction of certain crimes, or accumulation of too many points from traffic violations. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent until you meet specific conditions to restore it.
If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. You can request a hearing to contest the suspension, and you must do so within a set time frame. If the suspension is upheld, you can ask for a work permit that allows you to drive to and from work and court-ordered programs.
To restore a revoked license, you must meet the conditions that led to the revocation (such as paying fines or completing a substance abuse program) and request reinstatement from the MVA. You may need to retake the written and driving tests. The process varies depending on why your license was revoked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Maryland license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. You can request a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, and bring that letter to the MVA. The MVA will issue you a license without a Social Security number. You still need proof of identity and proof of Maryland residency.
How long does it take to get a Maryland license after I pass the tests?
The MVA issues your license on the same day you pass the driving test. You receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. The plastic card usually arrives within two weeks.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test after waiting at least one business day. You pay a fee each time you retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must schedule each attempt in advance at an MVA office.
Do I need to renew my license if I move to another state?
No. Your Maryland license remains valid until it expires, even if you move. However, if you become a resident of another state, you should get a license from that state. Holding a license from two states at the same time is illegal in most cases.
Can I get a commercial driver's license in Maryland?
Yes. A commercial driver's license (CDL) allows you to drive large trucks or buses for work. You must be at least 18 years old, pass additional written tests covering commercial vehicle operation, and pass a commercial driving test. The requirements are more rigorous than for a standard license, and the license costs more.