How to Get and Renew a Maryland Driver's License

What you need to know about Maryland driver's licenses

A Maryland driver's license is issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and serves as both your legal permission to drive in the state and a form of identification. You need one before you can legally operate a vehicle on Maryland roads. The MVA handles all applications, renewals, and replacements, and you can complete most transactions either in person at an MVA office or online through their website.

Maryland offers different license types depending on your age and driving history. A standard Class D license is for regular passenger vehicle operation. If you are under 18, you will go through a graduated licensing system that starts with a learner's permit, moves to a provisional license, and becomes a full license at 18. The process, fees, and required documents differ based on whether you are a new driver, renewing an existing license, or replacing a lost one.

Key Takeaways

Maryland driver's licenses are issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), and you can renew online if your license is not suspended and you have no medical restrictions.
A standard Class D license costs $70 for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to five years after it expires.
New drivers under 18 must first obtain a learner's permit, then a provisional license, before receiving an unrestricted license at 18.
You will need proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to explore.
If you cannot renew online, you must visit an MVA office in person, and appointments are available through their website to avoid long waits.

Getting your first Maryland driver's license as an adult

If you are 18 or older and have never held a Maryland license, you must explore in person at an MVA office. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or out-of-state license), proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or ITIN. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test covering Maryland traffic laws.

The written test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. The MVA provides a study guide on their website and at MVA offices. Once you pass the written test, you will take a driving skills test with an MVA examiner. If you pass both tests, you will receive your license on the same day. The fee for a Class D license is $70 for an eight-year license.

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you may be able to transfer it without retaking the written and driving tests. Contact your local MVA office or check their website to confirm whether your state qualifies for this reciprocal agreement.

Renewing your Maryland driver's license online or by mail

If your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed, you can renew online through the MVA website. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs $70 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by debit or credit card. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can renew online starting one year before your license expires.

You are also allowed to renew your license up to five years after it expires, though an expired license cannot be used to drive. If you renew after expiration, you may need to retake the vision test depending on how long it has been expired. Check the MVA website or call their customer service line to confirm what is required for your situation.

If you prefer to renew by mail, you can request a renewal form from the MVA website or pick one up at an MVA office. Mail the completed form, your current license, and a check or money order to the address provided. Processing takes longer than online renewal—typically two to three weeks—so submit your form well before your expiration date.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

You must renew in person if your address has changed, you have medical restrictions, your license is suspended, or you prefer not to renew online. Bring your current license, proof of your new Maryland address if applicable, and payment. The in-person renewal fee is the same as online: $70 for an eight-year license. You will pass a vision test, and the MVA may ask you to retake the written test if your license has been expired for more than five years.

MVA offices are located throughout Maryland, and wait times vary by location and time of day. You can book an appointment through the MVA website, which significantly reduces your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are strongly recommended. Your new license is issued on the spot if you pass the vision test and meet all requirements.

Getting a learner's permit and provisional license if you are under 18

Maryland's graduated licensing system requires drivers under 18 to progress through two stages before receiving an unrestricted license. The first stage is a learner's permit, which allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat. You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to explore for a learner's permit.

To get a learner's permit, visit an MVA office with a parent or guardian. Bring proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, your Social Security number, and a completed process for a Learner's Permit (Form DL-001). You will take a vision test and a written knowledge test. The permit costs $38 and is valid for two years. You must hold the permit for at least six months before you can explore for a provisional license.

Once you have held your learner's permit for six months and are at least 16 years and 3 months old, you can explore for a provisional license. A provisional license allows you to drive unsupervised during the day but requires a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat between midnight and 5 a.m. You must pass a driving skills test to receive a provisional license. At age 18, your provisional license automatically becomes a full, unrestricted Class D license.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it online through the MVA website if the license is not suspended. Online replacement costs $7 and takes about 7 to 10 business days for delivery. You can also replace it in person at an MVA office for the same $7 fee and receive a temporary license on the spot while your permanent license is mailed to you.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and request a police report number. While not required by the MVA, having a report can be useful if someone attempts to use your stolen license fraudulently. Provide the report number to the MVA when you request your replacement.

Understanding license classes and restrictions

Maryland issues different classes of licenses based on the type of vehicle you operate. A Class D license is for regular passenger vehicles and light trucks. A Class C license is for commercial vehicles and requires additional testing and medical certification. A Class M license is required to operate a motorcycle and involves separate written and skills tests.

Your license may also carry restrictions or endorsements. A restriction limits how you can drive—for example, corrective lenses, automatic transmission only, or daylight driving only. An endorsement allows you to operate a specific type of vehicle, such as a motorcycle or a school bus. Restrictions and endorsements are noted on your license and must be followed. If your medical condition changes or improves, you can request that a restriction be removed by visiting an MVA office and passing a new vision or medical test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license if it expired more than five years ago?

No. Maryland law does not allow renewal of a license that has been expired for more than five years. You will need to explore for a new license as if you were a first-time driver, which means taking the written test and driving skills test. Visit an MVA office to begin the process process.

What happens if I move out of Maryland but still have a valid Maryland license?

Your Maryland license remains valid for identification purposes, but you cannot legally drive in another state with a Maryland license. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. Most states require you to explore for a new license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency, so check your new state's requirements promptly.

How do I change my name or address on my Maryland driver's license?

For a name change due to marriage, divorce, or court order, visit an MVA office with your current license and a certified copy of the document showing the name change. The MVA will issue a new license with your updated name at no additional cost. For an address change only, you can update it online through the MVA website or in person at an MVA office.

What if I fail the written or driving test?

You can retake the written test when ready at the same MVA office. For the driving skills test, you must schedule another appointment, which may take several days or weeks depending on office availability. There is no additional fee to retake either test. The MVA study guide and practice tests on their website can help you prepare for a second attempt.

Do I need to take a new photo if I renew online?

No. When you renew online, the MVA uses your existing photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless you choose to visit an MVA office in person to have a new photo taken.

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.