What you need to get a Maryland driver's license

Maryland issues driver's licenses through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), and the documents you bring depend on whether you're getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or switching from another state. You'll always need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The MVA accepts a limited list of documents for each category — bringing something that looks official but isn't on their list will slow you down.

For proof of identity, the MVA accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you're using a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, with your name and Maryland address on it. A cell phone bill does not count. If you cannot produce a residency document, you can bring two forms of identification instead, though this route takes longer.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVA office in person to get or renew a Maryland driver's license; there is no online option for the first issuance or standard renewals.
  • Bring an official birth certificate or passport for identity, a utility bill or lease for residency, and your Social Security number — the MVA will not accept photocopies of identity documents.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test at separate appointments, which can take several weeks to schedule.
  • Standard renewals by mail are available only if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations; otherwise you must renew in person at an MVA office.
  • Maryland charges different fees for different license types and ages, ranging from roughly $70 to $110 for a standard eight-year license.

Getting your first Maryland driver's license

If you're a new resident or getting your first license, you'll need to pass both a written test and a road test. Start by visiting an MVA office with your documents to take the knowledge test, which covers Maryland traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study using the Maryland Driver's Manual, available free on the MVA website. After you pass the written test, the MVA will issue you a temporary license that's valid for 30 days while you schedule your road test.

The road test appointment is separate and typically takes several weeks to schedule, depending on how busy your local MVA office is. During the test, an examiner will watch you drive and evaluate your ability to handle basic maneuvers, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must bring the same vehicle you plan to use for the test, and it must be registered and insured. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you'll need to pay the test fee again.

Renewing your Maryland driver's license

Maryland driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and the MVA will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. If your license is not yet expired and you have not had certain violations — such as a DUI, reckless driving conviction, or multiple points on your record — you can renew by mail. Mail renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about two weeks. You'll need to return the renewal notice with a check or money order and a new photo, which you can have taken at most pharmacies or photo studios.

If your license is already expired, you've had a serious violation, or you want to change information on your license, you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring the same documents you would for a first-time license — proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. In-person renewal includes a new photo and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Transferring a license from another state

If you're moving to Maryland from another state, you can transfer your license without retaking the written and road tests, as long as your current license is valid and you're at least 18 years old. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Maryland residency, and your Social Security number to an MVA office. The MVA will issue you a Maryland license with a new number, and your old license becomes invalid. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you'll need to retake the knowledge test and road test as if you were a first-time applicant. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Maryland that waive the road test for certain transfers, but you should confirm this with the MVA before your appointment.

MVA office locations and wait times

Maryland has MVA offices in every county, and you can visit any office regardless of where you live. The busiest times are typically mid-morning on weekdays and early afternoon on Saturdays. Many offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the MVA website, which reserves a time slot and usually reduces your wait. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait an hour or more during peak times. Some offices have separate lines for different services — for example, a line for renewals and a line for new licenses — so check the MVA website for your local office's layout before you go.

If you need a license urgently and cannot wait for a standard appointment, some MVA offices offer expedited service for an additional fee. This is useful if you're moving for work or have lost your license and need to drive when ready. Call your local MVA office to ask whether expedited service is available and what the additional cost is.

Costs and license types

A standard eight-year Maryland driver's license costs around $70 to $110, depending on your age and whether you're renewing by mail or in person. Mail renewal is typically $10 to $15 cheaper than in-person renewal. If you want a Real ID-compliant license — required for federal buildings and domestic flights — the cost is the same, but you must renew in person and bring additional identity documents. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is valid for the same eight-year period as a standard license.

Maryland also issues commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) for people who drive large trucks or buses for work. CDL fees are higher and the testing process is more extensive. If you need a CDL, contact your local MVA office for specific requirements and scheduling information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license online?

No. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have no recent violations, but you cannot renew entirely online. In-person renewal and first-time licenses require a visit to an MVA office.

What happens if my license expires while I'm out of state?

You can still drive on an expired Maryland license for a grace period, but it's safer to renew before you leave. If your license expires while you're away, you can renew by mail when you return, as long as you meet the mail renewal requirements.

Do I need a Real ID license to fly domestically?

Yes, starting May 2025, you'll need a Real ID-compliant license or passport to board domestic flights. A standard Maryland license without the gold star will not be accepted. You can upgrade to a Real ID license at any MVA office.

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

For a first-time license, plan on four to eight weeks total — the written test takes 15 to 30 minutes, but scheduling the road test can take several weeks depending on office availability. Renewals by mail take about two weeks. In-person renewals take 15 to 30 minutes at the office, though wait times vary.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test, but you'll need to pay the test fee again and schedule a new appointment. There's no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt, so failing once is not unusual.