Driver's Licensing and Identification Card Information for Members of U.S. Military

The information in this section applies to all active duty members of the United States (U.S.) military and their dependents, and U.S. Foreign Service Members and their dependents.

Active Duty Military Personnel and their Dependents Currently Holding a MD Driver's License and U.S. Foreign Service Members Absent from Maryland

Maryland driver's licenses remain in effect for active members of the armed forces and their dependents (who reside with the active member outside of Maryland), while they are absent from Maryland. The licensees have 30 days after they return to Maryland, or when they are discharged or separated from active service, to visit an MVA office for their license renewals.

While on active duty, the service members and their dependents must keep their Maryland driver's licenses (which have not been suspended, revoked, or canceled) and a verification of active service with them at all times.

Notes:

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.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently adopted regulations in order to assist Veterans in their transition from their military occupation to a civilian career. Effective January 1, 2013, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will have the ability to waive the driver skills test required in order to obtain a Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for recently discharged service members who meet specific criteria.

Individuals must have 2 years of experience driving vehicles as part of their job function immediately preceding their discharge from the military and have a good driving record.
The Commanding Officer will certify the service member’s years of operating the vehicle as well as the type of vehicle operated to determine appropriate license classification
The applicant must pass the CDL knowledge test and the waiver only applies to CDL License Classes A and B
For additional information please visit FMCSA’s website: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/cdl/Military-CDL-Waiver.aspx.

3. Active duty military personnel stationed outside of Maryland who hold a CDL, and any dependant(s) residing with them who may also hold a CDL, are required to provide the MVA with a copy of their current valid medical documentation as needed or their license/privilege will be cancelled. They are also required to "self-certify" regarding the type of commercial driving they will be doing (dependant on type of commerce and/or medical qualifications).

Upon returning to Maryland, active duty service members and their dependents must follow the steps listed below to renew their Maryland driver's license:

Please bring:
Your expiring driver's license and the fee.
You must pass a vision screening or submit a Vision Screening form (DL-043)..
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.
The license may be renewed without additional tests, other than vision screening, if the license is still valid or has been expired for LESS than one (1) year.
If your Maryland driver's license has been expired for a period of one (1) year or more click here or additional information.
If you have returned to Maryland and your Maryland driver's license has been expired for one (1) year or more, you must provide the MVA with your expired Maryland driver's license and papers (Military orders) which indicate your active military service outside of this State or your discharge or separation from active military service document(s). You should also present your current military photo ID card. If you are unable to provide the MVA with your Maryland license, the required acceptable military documentation of active service outside of Maryland or the 30 day return grace period has expired, ALL tests (Vision, Knowledge & Skills) would be required to be taken and passed to renew the license. Please refer to Sources of Proof, for information on additional documentation that may be required.
OR
If absent from state: Active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents (who temporarily reside with the active duty member outside of MD) may apply for a renewal, duplicate or corrected license while absent from MD. To apply for an absentee driver's license, the licensee must request an application by mail by calling 1-410-768-7000 or e-mail us. Proof of Active Duty Status may be required. In addition, if the licensee will be absent from MD for less than 90 days a 45 or 90 day temporary license may be requested. The licensee must fax in a written request with their full name, date of birth, out-of-state or out-of-country address, and telephone number along with their written signature.   Please fax the request to 410-787-2988.
Active U.S. Foreign Service Members and their Dependents Currently Holding a Maryland Driver's License
Maryland driver's licenses remain in effect for active members of the U.S. Foreign Service and their dependants (who reside with the active service member outside of Maryland) while they are absent from Maryland. The licensees have 30 days after they return to Maryland, or when the member is separated from employment in the U.S. Foreign Service, to visit an MVA office for their license renewals.
While employed, the member and their dependants must keep their Maryland driver's license (which have not been suspended, revoked, or cancelled) and a verification of active service with them at all times.
1.  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.

2, U.S. Foreign Service Members stationed outside of Maryland who hold a CDL, and any dependant(s) residing with them who may also hold a CDL, are required to provide the MVA with a copy of their current valid medical documentation as needed or their license/privilege will be cancelled. They are also required to "self-certify" regarding the type of commercial driving they will be doing (dependant on type of commerce and/or medical qualifications).
Upon returning to Maryland, U.S. Foreign Service Members and their dependents must follow the steps listed below to renew their Maryland driver's license:
Please bring:
Your expiring driver's license and the fee.
You must pass a vision screening or submit a Vision Screening form (DL-043)..
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.
The license may be renewed without additional tests, other than vision screening, if the license is still valid or has been expired for LESS than one (1) year.
If your Maryland driver's license has been expired for a period of one (1) year or more click here or additional information.
If you have returned to Maryland and your Maryland driver's license has been expired for one (1) year or more, you must provide the MVA with your expired Maryland driver's license and papers (orders) which indicate your active service outside of this State or your separation from employment from the U.S. Foreign Service Document(s). If you are unable to provide the MVA with your Maryland license, the required acceptable documentation of active service outside of Maryland or the 30 day return grace period has expired, ALL tests (Vision, Knowledge & Skills) would be required to be taken and passed to renew the license. Please refer to Sources of Proof, for information on additional documentation that may be required.
OR
If absent from state: Active duty members of the U.S. Foreign Services and their dependents (who temporarily reside with the active duty member outside of MD) may apply for a renewal, duplicate or corrected license while absent from MD. To apply for an absentee driver's license, the licensee must request an application by mail by calling 1-410-768-7000 or e-mail us. Proof of Active Duty Status may be required. In addition, if the licensee will be absent from MD for less than 90 days a 45 or 90 day temporary license may be requested. The licensee must fax in a written request with their full name, date of birth, out-of-state or out-of-country address, and telephone number along with their written signature.   Please fax the request to 410-787-2988.

Military Personnel Possessing an Out-of-State License Wishing to Obtain a Maryland Driver's License or Photo Identification Card

The holder of the out-of-state license must present:

Proof of age/identity, lawful presence, verifiable social security number, 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.
You must pass a vision screening, if you are applying for a Maryland driver's license.
The license cannot be suspended or revoked.
If licensed for less than 18 months, you will be issued a Maryland Provisional License.
If you are exchanging an out-of-state license that has been expired for one (1) year or more, you will be required to take the knowledge and skills test in addition to the vision screening. 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.
A valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card and waiver/exemption (if required) if you are if applying for a commercial driver's license (CDL).
A hazardous material (HAZMAT) knowledge test is required to keep your HAZMAT endorsement (if applying for a commercial driver's license).
Out-of-state learner's permits cannot be exchanged for a Maryland Learner's Permit or license.

Notes:

1. A new Hazardous materials endorsement background record check (BRC) must be completed in Maryland to transfer/keep your HAZMAT Endorsement.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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