What you need to do to get a Maryland driver's license
To get your first Maryland driver's license, you will visit your local Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The entire process takes multiple visits — you cannot complete it in one day. Most people start by getting a learner's permit, which lets you practice driving with a licensed adult, then return weeks or months later to take the road test.
Maryland does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must appear at an MVA office to take the tests and have your photo taken. The MVA has offices in every county, and you can visit any of them — you do not have to go to the one closest to your home.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVA office twice: once for your learner's permit and knowledge test, and again for your road test and license photo.
- Bring your Social Security card, proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), and two documents showing your Maryland address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
- You must pass a written knowledge test before you can take the road test, and you must hold a learner's permit for at least 60 days before scheduling the road test.
- The road test costs money and must be scheduled in advance; same-day testing is not available.
- If you are under 18, you have additional requirements, including a minimum age of 16 and proof that you completed driver education.
Documents you need to bring to the MVA
Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The MVA will not accept a photocopy. If you do not have your card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your MVA visit, or you can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or bank statement that displays your number.
Bring one document that proves your identity. Acceptable documents include a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or a military ID. A school ID, library card, or work badge will not work. If your birth certificate is not certified (it does not have an official seal or raised stamp), the MVA will not accept it.
Bring two documents that prove you live in Maryland. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a property tax bill. The documents must show your name and current Maryland address. A post office mail forwarding notice does not count. If you recently moved, one document can be dated before your move if it shows your old address — the MVA accepts this as proof that you have lived in the state.
Getting your learner's permit first
Before you can take the road test, you must obtain a learner's permit and hold it for at least 60 days. To get the permit, visit an MVA office with your documents and take the written knowledge test. The test covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Maryland Driver's Manual, which is free on the MVA website.
The knowledge test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost. If you pass, you will receive your learner's permit when ready. The permit costs $5 and is valid for two years.
With your learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone. You must follow all traffic laws, and any violations will be recorded on your driving record.
Scheduling and taking your road test
You can schedule your road test online through the MVA website or by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758. You must hold your learner's permit for at least 60 days before you can take the test. The road test costs $17 and must be scheduled at least one week in advance. Walk-in road tests are not available.
On the day of your test, bring your learner's permit, your documents again, and the vehicle you will use for the test. The vehicle must be registered in Maryland, have valid tags, and pass a safety inspection — the MVA will check the lights, brakes, windshield wipers, and mirrors. Bring proof of insurance. If the vehicle does not meet these requirements, you will not be allowed to test.
The road test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic laws. The examiner will direct you where to drive. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must schedule another appointment and pay the $17 fee again.
Getting your license after you pass the road test
If you pass the road test, the examiner will tell you that day. You will then go inside the MVA office to have your photo taken and pay the license fee. A standard Maryland driver's license costs $70 and is valid for eight years. You will receive your license when ready or within a few days, depending on the office.
Your new license will have your photo, your name, your address, your date of birth, and a license number. It will also show any restrictions — for example, if you must wear corrective lenses while driving, that will appear on your license.
Special rules if you are under 18
If you are under 18, you must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit. You must also show proof that you completed a state-approved driver education course. This can be a course through your high school or a private driving school. Bring the certificate of completion to the MVA.
Once you have your learner's permit, you must hold it for at least 60 days before taking the road test. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months after you receive your license, and you cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car during that same period. These restrictions are printed on your license.
Renewing or replacing your license
If your license expires or is lost or stolen, you will need to visit the MVA again. A renewal costs $70 and can be done in person at any MVA office. Some renewals can be done by mail if your license is not expiring within 60 days, but the first-time process must be done in person.
If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the MVA and request a replacement. The replacement costs $7. You will need to show your documents again and have a new photo taken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the road test in a borrowed car?
Yes, but the car must be registered in Maryland and have valid insurance. The owner does not need to be present during the test, but you must bring proof of registration and insurance. The vehicle must pass the safety inspection, so check the lights, brakes, and wipers before you arrive.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake it as many times as you need. You must schedule another appointment and pay the $17 fee each time. You keep your learner's permit and can continue practicing. There is no limit on how many times you can test.
Do I need to take a vision test?
Yes. The MVA will test your vision at the office when you explore for your permit or license. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be required to wear corrective lenses while driving, and this will be noted on your license.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
At minimum, 60 days from the day you get your learner's permit to the day you can take the road test. Add time for scheduling the road test and waiting for an available appointment. Most people complete the process within two to four months.
What if I move to a different address after I get my license?
You must update your address with the MVA within 60 days of moving. You can do this by mail, online, or in person at an MVA office. There is no fee to update your address.