How to Get and Renew Your Driver's License in Maryland

What you need to get a Maryland driver's license

Maryland issues driver's licenses through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), and you'll need to visit an MVA office in person to get one. You cannot complete the entire process online or by mail — you must appear for an in-person appointment, bring original documents, and pass a vision and written test if you're a new driver.

The documents you bring depend on whether you're getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or transferring from another state. Maryland requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency. A valid passport works for identity. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 works for your Social Security number. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form at the MVA office. If you're renewing and your license is not expired, you can renew by mail or online instead of going in person — but only if your address hasn't changed and you don't need a new photo.

Key Takeaways

Maryland requires an in-person visit to an MVA office to get your first license, and you must bring original documents proving identity, Social Security number, and residency.
New drivers must pass a vision test and written knowledge test at the MVA office; the written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
If your license is not yet expired, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office, but you cannot change your address or photo that way.
Maryland charges different fees for different license types and durations; a standard five-year license costs less than an eight-year license.
You can schedule an appointment online at the MVA website to avoid waiting, and appointments often have shorter wait times than walk-ins.

Steps to get your first Maryland driver's license

Start by scheduling an appointment on the Maryland MVA website. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments typically have shorter waits. Bring all required documents: original proof of identity, original proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency. Make copies of everything — the MVA will keep originals or certified copies.

At your appointment, you'll take a vision test first. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You'll then take the written knowledge test on a computer. The test has 25 questions about Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

If you pass the written test, you'll have your photo taken for your license. You'll then pay the fee — a five-year license costs $70, and an eight-year license costs $120. Your license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the MVA office that you can use to drive when ready.

Renewing your Maryland driver's license by mail or online

If your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, you can renew without visiting an MVA office. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes on the Maryland MVA website. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You'll pay the renewal fee online with a credit or debit card.

Mail renewal is also an option. The MVA will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything back to the address listed. Mail renewal takes longer — allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing.

If your address has changed, your license is expired, or you need a new photo, you must renew in person at an MVA office. You cannot update your address online or by mail.

Transferring a license from another state to Maryland

If you have a valid driver's license from another state and you're moving to Maryland, you can transfer it without retaking the written test. You still must visit an MVA office in person and bring your out-of-state license, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of Social Security number. You'll have your photo taken, pay the transfer fee, and receive a temporary license on the spot.

Your new Maryland license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. The transfer fee is the same as a new license fee — $70 for five years or $120 for eight years. If your out-of-state license is expired, you'll need to bring additional documents and may need to retake the written test; contact your local MVA office to confirm what you need before you go.

What to expect at the MVA office

MVA offices are busiest on weekday mornings and Saturdays. If you have an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early. Bring all original documents — photocopies alone will not be accepted for proof of identity or residency. The office will keep originals or certified copies, so do not bring documents you cannot afford to lose.

The vision test takes about 5 minutes. The written test takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how quickly you answer. Photo and payment take another 10 minutes. Total time at the office is usually 45 minutes to an hour if you pass the written test on your first try. If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready, but you'll spend another 15 to 30 minutes in the office.

All Maryland MVA offices are closed on Sundays and major holidays. Hours vary by location, but most open at 8 a.m. and close between 4 and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Some offices have extended Saturday hours. Check the MVA website for your nearest office location and hours before you go.

License types and what they cost

Maryland offers a standard driver's license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The standard license costs $70 for five years or $120 for eight years. The REAL ID license costs $85 for five years or $135 for eight years. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. A standard license cannot be used for those purposes as of May 2025.

If you're under 21, your license will have a vertical format and a different color to indicate your age. This does not cost more — the fee is the same. When you turn 21, you can renew your license with a standard horizontal format, or you can keep the vertical format until your license expires.

Maryland also issues commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) for people who drive large trucks or buses for work. A CDL requires additional testing and costs more than a standard license. Contact the MVA for CDL requirements and fees.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maryland, even if it expired just one day ago. If you're pulled over, you can be cited and fined. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you may need to retake the written test and vision test to renew it, not just pay the renewal fee.

If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person using the standard renewal process. If it expired more than 12 months ago, contact your local MVA office to find out whether you need to retake the written test. In most cases, you will.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. Maryland requires you to take the written test at an MVA office in person. The test is administered on a computer at the office, but you must be there. You cannot take it remotely or at home.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at the same MVA office. You'll pay a retest fee of $7 each time you retake it. You can retake the test as many times as you need, but you must pass before you can get your license.

How long does it take to get my license in the mail?

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready after you pass the test and pay the fee. Your permanent plastic license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the MVA to report it.

Do I need a REAL ID license to fly domestically?

Yes, as of May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID-compliant license or another federal ID to board a domestic flight. A standard Maryland driver's license is not enough. You can upgrade to a REAL ID license at any MVA office.

Can I renew my license if I owe child support or back taxes?

Maryland can suspend your license if you owe child support or have unpaid tax debt. Contact the Maryland Department of Human Services or the Comptroller's Office to resolve the debt before you renew. The MVA will tell you if there's a hold on your record when you try to renew.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.