Maryland Driver's License

Effective October 1, 2012, the Maryland MVA will begin the conversion of Non-commercial driver's licenses and identification card (ID Cards) by extending their validity/expiration dates up to a maximum of 8 years. ID cards for individuals 18 years of age and older will be valid for a period of 8 years and IDs for those under the age of 18 will be valid for 5 years.

The conversion to an 8-year noncommercial driver's license and identification card will be implemented over the next few years. During this phase-in period, individuals renewing their noncommercial driver’s license or identification card will receive a product with a validity period of a maximum of 5 to 8 years. Because the expiration date of the license or identification card is determined by a computer generated selection process, the fee required to renew will vary. This fee is prorated (for each year the product is valid) based on the period of validity of the license or identification card which may be for a maximum of 5-8 years. Commercial driver’s licenses will continue to be valid for a maximum of 5-years.

Note: Individuals with a limited term ID card or driver's license will continue to be issued a product with a period of validity equal to their duration of lawful status in the United States and will NOT be able to renew using the mail, MVA Kiosk, or the web.

The MVA will ONLY accept a Marriage Certificate that has been certified and issued by that jurisdiction’s proper government authority such as their Department of Vital Records/Statistics or their local or state court system. A marriage license signed by a minister or other officiant and issued by a church, etc. is a keepsake document and is NOT an official marriage document. The local or state government authority will issue a marriage license granting the couple permission to get married by an authorized officiant. The minister/officiant who solemnizes the marriage will complete and sign the actual marriage license that was issued by the proper government authority and then returns it to the proper government authority who will verify and record the marriage in their files. The married couple may then obtain a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate from this authority. Effective January 1, 2013, the State of Maryland will permit Same-Sex Marriages to be performed in Maryland and the MVA will recognize these marriages/civil unions. Customers who have entered into a same-sex marriage and present the necessary documentation will be processed the same as customers of opposite genders. The MVA will also continue to recognize a same-sex marriage that was performed in another jurisdiction that has passed and enacted legislation that permits same-sex marriages to be performed in their jurisdiction.

To Renew Your Maryland License, Please Bring:

Your expiring Driver's License and the fee.

You must pass a vision screening or submit a Vision Screening form.
You will be required to provide proof of a social security number (SSN) that can be verified by the Social Security Administration, or proof of ineligibility for an SSN. If you held a valid Maryland driver's license, permit or identification card prior to April 19, 2009, you may be eligible for a subsequent license, permit, or identification card without proof of lawful presence or SSN, but it will not be acceptable for official federal purposes.
License may be renewed without additional tests up to one year after expiration.
Driving with an expired license is against the law.

Additionally, you must change your name if applicable with the Social Security Administration (SSA) BEFORE you come to the MVA to renew your license, permit, or identification card. This update may take the SSA 48 hours or longer to complete before the MVA will be able to electronically verify the changed/corrected information. For more information on how to apply for a social security number or card, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/2ssnumber/

Additional detailed information on renewing your Maryland driver's license is available.

Note: Effective January 30, 2012, commercial drivers must provide the MVA with copies of their updated medical documentation (DOT Card and Waiver/exemption if required) for the duration of their CDL, whether they are actively operating a commercial motor vehicle or not. The MVA will be contacting CDL holders, subject to the new FMCSA requirements staring January 30, 2012 through January 30, 2014. You DO NOT need to submit your medical certification (Med Cert) information or declare a self-certification category with the MVA until you have been directly contacted by the Administration. However, if you visit a MVA branch office to renew or obtain a duplicate, corrected, or new CDL, you will be required to present valid Med Cert documentation at that time. The driver must also declare a self-certification category relating to their type of commerce. Click here for information on the self-certification categories. See CDL Medical/Physical Requirements for more information. You may also want to view the Frequently Asked Question link for additional information.

Exchanging an Out-of-State License for a Maryland License, Please Bring:

Proof of age/identity, lawful presence, verifiable social security number or proof of ineligibility, Maryland residence, Out-of-State license(s), and the appropriate fee for each license class for which you apply. Please refer to Sources of Proof for required documentation.

New Maryland residents must obtain a Maryland Driver’s License within 60 days if the license is a noncommercialdriver's license and within 30 days if it is a commercial driver's license (CDL).
You must pass a vision screening.
An Out-of-State license may be valid or expired. If expired for one year or more, you are required to pass a knowledge and driver's skills test. If you do not have your out-of-state license in your possession, you will need to present a certified driving record from the licensing agency. The license cannot be suspended, cancelled or revoked.
If licensed for less than 18 months, you will be issued a Maryland Provisional License.
A valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card or Federal/MVA waiver (if applying for a Commercial Driver's License).
A hazardous material (HAZMAT) test is required to keep your HAZMAT endorsement (if applying for a Commercial Driver's License). Note: A new Maryland TSA HAZMAT and background record check (BRC) must also be done to keep HAZMAT.
Out-of-State learner's permits cannot be exchanged for a Maryland Learner's Permit or license.

Note: Effective January 30, 2012, commercial drivers must provide the MVA with copies of their updated medical documentation (DOT Card & waiver/exemption if required) for the duration of their CDL, whether they are actively operating a commercial motor vehicle or not. The MVA will be contacting CDL holders, subject to the new FMCSA requirements starting January 30, 2012 through January 30, 2014. You DO NOT need to submit your medical certification (Med Cert) information or declare a self-certification category with the MVA until you have been directly contacted by the Administration. If you are contacted by the MVA to provide them with this documentation and you fail to do so within the time frame indicated, your entire driver’s license privilege both commercial and noncommercial will be cancelled. However, if you visit a MVA branch office to renew or obtain a duplicate, corrected or new CDL, you will be required to present valid Med Cert documentation at that time. The driver must also declare a self-certification category relating to their type of commerce. Click here for information on the self-certification categories. See CDL Medical/Physical Requirements for more information. You may also Click here to view the Frequently Asked Questions link for additional information.

Notes:

1. Like Maryland, some states grant an extension of the driver’s license validity period to active duty U.S. military personnel and/or their dependants. However, Maryland law does “NOT” make any provisions for the MVA to accept and transfer an Out-of-State driver’s license that has been expired for one (1) year or more, unless the applicant retests and passes the Vision, Knowledge and Skill tests.

2. Maryland no longer acknowledges an Out-of-State license holder’s military extension for licensing purposes. If the applicant’s Out-of-State license has been expired for one (1) year or more and the applicant states that their license was renewed or physically extended by their licensing state (but they do not have the current/new license in their possession), then the customer must provide the MVA with a certified copy of their out-of-state driving record that was issued within the last 30 days, which states a current valid license expiration date. If this document is accepted, then the retesting will not be required. If the customer is unable to provide this document, then they will be required to retest if they wish to transfer their license. However, the customer may continue to operate a motor vehicle on their current out-of-state license if their state grants them a military extension and they do not wish to transfer their license to Maryland.

Exchanging an Out-of-Country License for a Maryland License, Please Bring:

Proof of age/identity, lawful presence, verifiable social security number or proof of ineligibility, Maryland residence, Out-of-Country license(s), and the appropriate fee for each license for which you apply. Please refer to Sources of Proof for required documentation.

You must pass a vision screening, knowledge test, and driving test.
An Out-of-Country license may be valid or expired. The license cannot be suspended.
If licensed for less than 18 months, you will be issued a Maryland Provisional License.
If you have never been licensed in the U.S., you must complete a 3-Hour Drug & Alcohol Education Program.
A valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card or federal/MVA waiver (if applying for a Commercial Driver’s License) is needed. Note: Maryland will only transfer a Canadian CDL. No other out-of-country CDLs are accepted.
An Out-of-Country license may be required to be accompanied by an international driver's license or translated into English by an approved MVA translator.
If you are from Out-of-Country, and have never held a license, you must obtain a learner’s permit.

Note: Knowledge and skill tests are NOT required if you are converting a valid license, or a license that expired less than 12 months ago, issued by one of the following countries or U.S. Territories:

Countries: Canada, Yukon Territory, or France.
U.S. Territories: American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands. Also, the Panama Canal Zone, if the applicant was born prior to September 30, 1979.
The driver's license from Canada must be surrendered to the MVA before the MD license is issued.
Countries: Republic of Korea (south), and the Federal Republic of Germany must be valid, NOT EXPIRED or "ALL" tests (Vision, Knowledge & Skills) are required.

Notes:

France: License must be Valid or Expired less than one (1) year or ALL tests are required. Can transfer Class ""B" license (equivalent to Maryland noncommercial class "C" license) from France, to a Maryland noncommercial Class "C" only. This agreement does not apply to learner's permits, motorcycle licenses or commercial driver's licenses. Effective: December 16, 2010. Note: The driver's license from France must be surrendered to the MVA before the Maryland license is issued. The MVA will return this license to the proper authorities in France to advise them that the customer now holds a Maryland driver's license.
Republic of Korea (South): License must be VALID, NOT EXPIRED or ALL tests are required. Can transfer Republic of Korea noncommercial license equivalent to a Maryland noncommercial Class A. B, or C license. This agreement does not apply to learner's permits or commercial driver's licenses. Effective: December 16, 2010.
Federal Republic of Germany: License must be VALID, NOT EXPIRED or ALL tests are required. Can transfer Federal Republic of Germany noncommercial class "B" (equivalent to Maryland noncommercial class "C" license). The customer must be 18 years of age or older, and be eligible for a Maryland Provisional or Full noncommercial class "C" license only. This agreement does not apply to learner's permits, motorcycle licenses or commercial driver's licenses. Effective: May 10, 2011. Note: The driver's license from the Federal Republic of Germany must be surrendered to the MVA before the Maryland license is issued. The MVA will return this license to the proper authorities in the Federal Republic of Germany to advise them that the customer now holds a Maryland driver's license.

Exchanging an Armed Forces License for a Maryland License:

U.S. Armed Forces Military Forces Military Operators Permits/License presented by Active Military Personnel are NOT acceptable as proof of having or having held a current/previous license, unless they are accompanied by acceptable proof that the holder currently has or has held a driver’s license in a U.S. State or country (valid or expired). If the applicant is unable to provide acceptable proof of ever holding a license from another state or country, they must be processed as a NEW driver and must complete all of the required GLS licensing requirements

Correcting/Changing Your Maryland License, Please Bring:

If you are using a name other than your birth name, you must bring the document that initiated the change of name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court name change order and your current License. There is a fee for a Corrected License or Permit. A corrected License will be issued for name/address changes to the holder of a Commercial Driver’s License or if an applicant is under 21 years of age. Other applicants changing their name/address on their License will be issued a corrected renewal license providing their social security number is verified with the Social Security Administration. There is a fee for a corrected renewal license. Please refer to Sources of Proof for required documentation.

You must pass a vision screening or submit a Vision Screening form.
A valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card or an exemption/waiver (if required) if applying for a Commercial Driver's License.
You must change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) BEFORE you come to the MVA to apply for a corrected license, permit, or identification card. This update may take the SSA 48 hours or longer to complete before the MVA will be able to electronically verify the changed/corrected information.

Notes:

The MVA will ONLY accept a Marriage Certificate that has been certified and issued by that jurisdiction’s proper government authority such as their Department of Vital Records/Statistics or their local or state court system. A marriage license signed by a minister or other officiant and issued by a church, etc. is a keepsake document and is NOT an official marriage document. The local or state government authority will issue a marriage license granting the couple permission to get married by an authorized officiant. The minister/officiant who solemnizes the marriage will complete and sign the actual marriage license that was issued by the proper government authority and then returns it to the proper government authority who will verify and record the marriage in their files. The married couple may then obtain a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate from this authority.
Effective January 1, 2013, the State of Maryland will permit Same-Sex Marriages to be performed in Maryland and the MVA will recognize these marriages/civil unions. Customers who have entered into a same-sex marriage and present the necessary documentation will be processed the same as customers of opposite genders. The MVA will also continue to recognize a same-sex marriage that was performed in another jurisdiction that has passed and enacted legislation that permits same-sex marriages to be performed in their jurisdiction.
If the name is different from the name on your birth certificate, then you are required to provide the MVA with an original or certified copy (from the issuing agency) of the document or documents that changed your name i.e. marriage certificate, divorce decree, court ordered name change, etc. However, a cross-reference record must be created with the name on your birth certificate. Additionally, you must change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) BEFORE you come to the MVA to apply for a corrected license, permit, or identification card. This update may take the SSA 48 hours or longer to complete before the MVA will be able to electronically verify the changed/corrected information. For information on how to apply for a social security number or card, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/.

Maryland Duplicate License or Permit, Please Bring:

Proof of age/identity, lawful presence, verifiable social security number or proof of ineligibility, residence, and the appropriate fee. Please refer to Sources of Proof for required documentation.
If address has not changed, proof of residence is not required.
A valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card or federal/MVA waiver (if applying for a Commercial Driver's License).
If your driver's license or permit has been stolen, please follow the instructions under What do I do if my license is stolen in MVA's FAQs.

Maryland Commercial Driver's License Renewal, Please Bring:

Your expiring License, valid U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card and an exemption/waiver (if required) and the renewal fee.
You must pass a vision screening or submit a Vision Screening form.
A hazardous material (HAZMAT) knowledge test is required to keep your HAZMAT endorsement.and you will be required to complete a new background record check and pay the required fee.
You will be required to disclose your social security number.
A Commercial Driver’s License fee is also required.

Effective October 1, 2003, if you are a Maryland non-commercial driver operating a commercial motor vehicle in intrastate commerce (within the State of Maryland) and the vehicle weighs between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds, you are now required to hold a valid Federal Motor Carrier (DOT) physical card in your possession. If you are licensed prior to October 1, 2003, have a preexisting medical condition, and the onset was prior to 10/01/03, you will be exempt from this requirement for a 20-year period, provided your preexisting condition does not worsen. You are still required to maintain a DOT physical.

This new Maryland law, requires any non-commercial driver, operating a commercial motor vehicle that meets the conditions listed above, to obtain and to maintain a valid Federal Motor Carrier (DOT) physical card in order to remain qualified to operate a vehicle intrastate in Maryland.

If you do not hold a valid Federal Motor Carrier (DOT) physical card in your possession by October 1, 2003, you will no longer be qualified to operate the vehicle in the state of Maryland.

Maryland Provisional to Regular License, Please Bring:

Please Note: Once the driver has met and completed all of the Graduated Licensing System requirements, the provisional license is automatically converted to a full license. An attachment card showing the conversion to a full license is mailed to the driver. The card is carried with the provisional license to show the change in licensing status. The card is no longer needed when the provisional license expires. The driver comes in for a license renewal, pays the required fee and then is issued a full license.

You must be conviction free for the assigned 6, 12, or 18 month time period.
The provisional license must be held for 18 months with the driver free of moving violation convictions or probation before judgment. If convicted, or received probation before judgment for a moving violation, the driver must restart an 18-month waiting period with no additional moving violations. Only then can a driver become eligible to convert to a full driver’s license.
You must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a full license.
If the conversion attachment card is lost or never received, you must obtain a corrected license and pay the driver's license correction fee.

Note: Customers must also be sure to change their name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) prior to coming to the MVA. The license, learner’s permit or ID card will not be issued if the new desired name change does not match the SSA records and is not automatically verified by the SSA files. It may take a minimum of 48 hours or longer for the SSA to update their records with your name change.

Customers may obtain a Change of Address form (VR-154) at any MVA office, online or the form may be mailed to you. To have the form mailed, please call the MVA Customer Service Center at 1-410-768-7000 or 1-800-492-4575 TTY for the Hearing Impaired.

The conversion to an 8-year driver’s license or ID card will be implemented over the next few years. During this phase in period, individuals renewing their driver’s license will receive a product with a validity period ranging from 5 to 8 years, as identified through a computer generated selection process. The fee required for renewing your driver’s license or ID card will be prorated based on the period of validity of this product.

Note: Individuals with a limited term ID or driver’s license will continue to be issued a product with a validity period equal to their duration of lawful status in the United States and will NOT be able to renew using the mail, MVA Kiosk or the web.

VETERAN STATUS CODE:

Effective January 1, 2013: If you are able to present certain United States Military Veteran documentation (original or certified copy issued by the appropriate department/agency) certifying your veteran status you may apply to add a "W" restriction code indicating that you are a United States Veteran onto your Maryland Driver's license or identification (ID) card. You can add this "W" restriction code when you are processed for a license or ID card Renewal, Correction or New product.

Notes:

In choosing to add this code to your driver's license or ID card, you consent to being contacted by the appropriate Executive Branch agencies regarding your eligibility for State or Federal Veteran benefits.
"Veteran" means an individual who served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, other than for training, and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
If you do not have one of the below acceptable proof of veteran status documents indicating a discharge or release under conditions other than dishonorable, you will need to contact the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Service Office to obtain documentation verifying your status as a veteran. You may call 1-800-446-4926 or visit the MDVA website at: http://www,mdva.state.md.us/about/serviceProgram.html for information and assistance.

The acceptable proof of veteran status documents are::

DD214 Military Discharge Certificate, or;
Honorable Discharge Certificate, or;
Letter for the U.S. Military Center in St. Louis, Missouri, or;
Letter from the Maryland Veterans Administration Service Program

The acceptable documents must how the Veteran status as:

Honorable, or;
General, or;
General Under Honorable Conditions, or;
Discharged or Released under conditions other than Dishonorable

Note: There is a fee if the applicant chooses to add or remove this designation/restriction code onto your license or ID card as a correction.

Sources of Proof