How to Get and Renew Your Maryland Driver's License

What you need to get a Maryland driver's license

Maryland issues driver's licenses through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). To get your first license or renew an expired one, you'll need to visit an MVA office in person — you cannot complete this entirely by mail or online. The MVA requires proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and your Social Security number before they issue a license.

Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or a foreign passport with an I-94 arrival/departure record. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You'll also take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, an eye test, and a driving test (unless you're renewing a valid license). The written test covers Maryland's traffic laws and safe driving practices. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your full Social Security number on it.

Key Takeaways

You must visit an MVA office in person with proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
First-time applicants take a written test, eye test, and driving test; renewals of valid licenses skip the tests.
Maryland driver's licenses are valid for eight years for adults and five years for drivers under 21.
You can schedule an appointment online through the MVA website to reduce wait times at the office.
The fee for a standard license is $70 for eight years; Real ID-compliant licenses cost $5 more.

Getting your first Maryland license: the step-by-step process

Start by scheduling an appointment on the MVA website (mva.maryland.gov). Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments move faster. Bring all required documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or number. You'll also need to bring a completed process for Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43), which you can fill out at home or at the MVA office.

At your appointment, an MVA staff member will verify your documents and take your photograph. You'll then take the written test on a computer — it covers Maryland traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 25 questions, and you need 19 correct to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

Next is the eye test. The MVA checks your vision to may support you meet the standard of 20/40 in each eye (with or without correction). If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the eye test, you'll be referred to an eye care professional and cannot get your license until you pass.

Finally, you'll take the driving test with an MVA examiner. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you pass all three tests, you'll receive your license on the spot or within a few days if they need to mail it.

Renewing your Maryland license before it expires

If your license is still valid, you can renew it without retaking the tests. Maryland offers three renewal options: in person at an MVA office, by mail, or online through the MVA website. Online renewal is the fastest — you can renew up to one year before your expiration date, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

To renew online, you'll need your current Maryland license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method. The fee is $70 for a standard eight-year license. If your address has changed, you'll need to update it during renewal. Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you need to change your name.

Renewing by mail requires mailing your current license, a completed renewal form, and a check or money order to the MVA. Processing takes two to three weeks. Renewing in person at an MVA office takes about 30 minutes with an appointment and allows you to walk out with your new license the same day (or within a few days if they mail it).

Real ID and what it means for your Maryland license

A Real ID-compliant driver's license meets federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID license or another federally accepted ID (like a passport) to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Maryland driver's license does not meet this requirement.

Getting a Real ID license costs $75 instead of $70 and requires the same documents as a standard license. When you explore or renew, you can request a Real ID license at no extra hassle — just ask the MVA staff. Your Real ID license will have a gold star in the upper right corner. If you already have a valid passport or passport card, you do not need a Real ID license for domestic travel.

What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the MVA as soon as possible. You can file a report online through the MVA website or in person at an MVA office. Once reported, you can request a replacement license when ready. The replacement fee is $7 if your license is still valid, or you can pay the full renewal fee ($70) if it's also expired.

A replacement license takes the same time as a renewal — 7 to 10 days by mail, or same-day or a few days if you request it in person. You'll need to bring proof of identity and proof of residency again, even though you already have a Maryland license on file. If your license is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it for a new one at an MVA office for $7.

Changing your name or address on your Maryland license

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your license within 30 days. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency to an MVA office. The fee is $7 for a replacement license with your new name. Processing takes a few days to a week.

Changing your address is simpler. You can update your address online through the MVA website at no cost, and the change takes effect when ready. If you prefer to change it in person, bring your current license and proof of your new address to an MVA office. You do not need a new license just to change your address — the change is recorded in the system.

Maryland license validity periods and expiration

A Maryland driver's license is valid for eight years if you're 21 or older, or five years if you're under 21. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so plan ahead if you need it for travel or identification.

If your license expires, you can still renew it for up to two years after expiration without retaking the tests. After two years, you'll need to explore for a new license and take all three tests again. If you're over 70, your license is valid for five years instead of eight, and you must renew in person at an MVA office.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Maryland driver's license?

If you explore in person at an MVA office, you can receive your license the same day or within a few days if they mail it. If you renew by mail, processing takes two to three weeks. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery.

Can I take the driving test in a vehicle I don't own?

Yes, as long as the vehicle is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The owner does not need to be present, but the vehicle must have valid registration and insurance documents inside.

What happens if I fail the written or driving test?

You can retake the test the same day at the MVA office, or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake the test. You have unlimited attempts, but you must pass before you receive your license.

Do I need a Real ID license if I have a passport?

No. A valid U.S. passport or passport card meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and federal building access. You only need a Real ID license if you don't have a passport and want to use your driver's license for these purposes.

Can I renew my Maryland license if it's suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the MVA before you can renew. Contact the MVA to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it.

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.