Driver Licensing Information

Renewing Your 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 ID cards for those under the age of 18 will be valid for 5 years.

Any individual who wishes to operate a motor vehicle in Maryland is required to hold a valid driver's license at all times.

Tax and Unemployment Insurance Liabilities Due: Effective June 1, 2011, Maryland law prohibits the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) from renewing the driver's license, renewing a vehicle registration, or transferring a vehicle registration of an applicant who has not paid all undisputed taxes due to the Comptroller and unemployment insurance contributions due to the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR), or have not entered into an acceptable payment arrangement. Visit the Comptroller and the DLLR websites for further details.
http://www.marylandtaxes.com/owe_taxes.asp
http://www.dllr.state.md.us

A renewal will be mailed to your last address of record with the MVA, 60 days prior to the expiration of your driver’s license and it will not be forwarded to a new address if you have moved from this address. Remember, Maryland law requires you to report address changes to the MVA within 30 days.
Note: CDL holders must obtain a corrected license, unless they are eligible to renew and renew their license within this 30 day time period.

Notes:

The MVA will typically ONLY accept a Marriage Certificate or a Certificate of Marriage that has been certified and issued by that jurisdictions proper government authority such as their Department of Vital Records/Statistics or their local or state court system. A marriage license or marriage certificate that is only signed by a minister or other authorized officiant and issued by a church, etc. is a keepsake document and is NOT an official marriage document. Note: 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 return it to the proper government authority, which will then verify and record the marriage/civil union in their records. The married couple may then obtain a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate or Certificate of Marriage from this authority. Note: Though rare, it is possible that the customer may have been issued a Marriage License by the court system or other authorized government authority as the official marriage document as legal proof of marriage after the marriage ceremony has taken place and the marriage has been verified and recorded by them.

APOSTROPHE'S & HYPHENS

The MVA has permitted the use of an Apostrophe (') in a person’s name when they are processed for a driver’s license, learner’s permit or identification (ID) card since 2010, and it also permits the use of a Hyphen (-), however, this ability has not been widely publicized due to computer compatibility issues.

An apostrophe and/or hyphen can be added to a customer’s name in a New, Renewal or Corrected MVA produce as long as the customer provides the MVA with acceptable documentary evidence to support the use of the apostrophe and/or hyphen (i.e. birth certificate, marriage license, etc.). The placement of these punctuation marks/signs must be done in accordance with the name as displayed on the customer’s documentary support.

Notes:

The customer must apply in person to request this change.
A Social Security card may be used for the purpose of adding the apostrophe or hyphen to the name of current MVA product holders only. The Social Security card is not an acceptable document for any other identity or name change purposes (i.e. marriage, divorce, etc.) unless it is used as part of a common law name change.

FEES: The normal fees associated with corrections and/or renewals will apply.

A copy of the March 13, 2013 press release may be found here: http://www.mva.maryland.gov/About-MVA/PRESS/130313.htm

2. 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.

3. Effective October 1, 2012

A Maryland noncommercial driver's license issued to a customer who is 21 years of age or older may be valid for a maximum of 8-years.
The Maryland MVA will begin the conversion of Non-commercial driver’s licenses and identification cards (ID cards) by extending their validity/expiration dates up to a maximum of 8 years. New ID cards will be issued for up to a maximum of 8-years if the applicant is 18 years old or older but they will be valid for a maximum of up to 5 years if the applicant is under 18 years of age.

4. 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.If your Maryland driver's license has been expired for one (1) year or more, click here.

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.

You can renew one of four ways:

By mail
Online
MVA's Self Service Kiosk
In person

Additional information:

Medical Status
Active Military Personnel and U.S. Foreign Service Members and their dependants
Renewal Fees
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

To Renew by Mail

You may skip the visit to the MVA and renew your driver's license by mail if you received a new "renew by mail" package. Your license will be sent to you in the mail, and you will not have to go to an MVA office again until the new license expires in 5 years. Just complete the "mail in renewal" application and send it in if you have more than 15 days before your current license expires.

Please note: Your new license will be mailed to your address printed on your Maryland Mail-In Driver's License Renewal Application. You cannot renew your license by mail if your address does not match the address printed on your Maryland Mail-In Driver's License Renewal Application. The MVA cannot mail or forward a renewed license to an alternate address.

Examples of this are: You cannot renew by mail if your social security number cannot be verified, your address is incorrect on the renewal notice, if your address has changed, or a request to correct or update your address has been submitted by you to the MVA since you received your Maryland Mail-In Driver's License Renewal Application.

If you do not send in your renewal at least 15 days prior to expiration, your current license could expire before you receive the new license. It would be best to go into an MVA office and renew in person if your birthday is two weeks or less away. When you receive our new license you must destroy your old license. Maryland law allows only one driver's license per driver. You should receive your new license in two weeks or less. Please call the MVA at 1-410-768-7000 if you do not receive your new license after 15 days.

Read the information carefully to make certain you qualify to renew by mail. If you find any errors in your information, you must visit an MVA office to renew in person.
Complete your renewal application.
If you are over 40, you must have your doctor complete and sign the "vision certification" portion of your renewal form. Please note, the vision certification portion of the renewal form is the only form that can be "read" by the MVA technology that renews your license by mail. If you use a separate form, you must renew in person.
Mail in your renewal with the proper fee.

MVA's Self Service Kiosk (Non-commercial Driver's License only)

Customers eligible to renew their driver's license (DL) at an MVA self service kiosk are notified with their driver;s license renewal notification, which may be an email or U.S. Mail. Customer's aged 40 and over must have their vision results submitted electronically by an Authorized Online Vision Certification Provider.

Note: Your new license will be mailed to your address on record within 10 business days. If you need your driver's license sooner you must visit an MVA office with your current driver's license.

To Renew in Person

Just visit one of the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) locations with your expiring license and appropriate fee. You are responsible for renewing your driver's license before it expires. You have up to one year after it expires to renew without having to take additional tests. However, it is against the law to drive with an expired license.

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. The name(s) on the actual Social Security Card or other acceptable document used to provide proof of a valid, verifiable SSN or proof of ineligibility MUST match the source document(s) used to provide proof of the applicants' Age and Identity and licensure if required.

If you have a different name on your social security card than your source documents, you must change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) prior to coming to the MVA. The new name(s) must match the name(s) that the SSA has on record. Please note that it may take the SSA 48 hours or longer to update their computer systems with any name changes and the license, permit or identification card may not be processed/issued unless your names match with those of file with the SSA.

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 social security number, but it will not be acceptable for official federal purposes.

Please check your renewal notice for any errors.
Present your renewal notice, expiring license, and fee in person to any one of the MVA locations.
Complete a vision exam or screening. Click here to view vision requirements options.

You may also want to view the Frequently Asked Questions for Customers for additional information.

Medical Status

For the safety of all drivers, the MVA must consider your medical status as part of your license request. Medical conditions, which could affect your driving, must be reported to the MVA. Please submit with your application, a certificate from your doctor indicating the onset of the disability, diagnosis, and medications, if any. All medical data is kept confidential and will only be used by the MVA to determine your qualifications to drive.

Active Military Personnel and U.S. Foreign Service Members and their dependants

For information on requirements for military personnel and U.S. Foreign Service members (how to apply, renewal, etc.) please refer to the Military and U.S. Foreign Service Driver Licensing page.

Renewal Fees

Note:

Effective October 1, 2012

A Maryland noncommercial driver's license issued to a customer who is 21 years of age or older may be valid for a maximum of 8-years.
The Maryland MVA will begin the conversion of Non-commercial driver’s licenses and identification cards (ID cards) by extending their validity/expiration dates up to a maximum of 8 years. New ID cards will be issued for up to a maximum of 8-years if the applicant is 18 years old or older but they will be valid for a maximum of up to 5 years if the applicant is under 18 years of age.

The conversion to an 8-year 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.

Note: Commercial driver’s licenses will continue to be valid for a maximum of 5-years.

Please note that there is a fee for the commercial driver's license, and there is an additional fee for the Commercial Driver Licensing Information System surcharge.

Notes:

If you will be out of the state during the entire renewal period you can call (410) 768-7000 or write to MVA, Driver Licensing, Room 145, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062. You will receive an application for a "valid without photo" license. This license must be exchanged for a photo license within 15 days after you return to Maryland. Commercial driver's licenses may not be renewed by mail unless you are temporarily living out-of-state.
An applicant who is under age 21 cannot renew his or her driver's license until his or her 21st birthday

The Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

For information on CDL requirements (how to apply for a CDL, renewal of a CDL, etc.) please refer to the CDL Information page.

Apply to Register to Vote

You may apply to register to vote when you visit an MVA to renew your driver's license. Ask an MVA customer service representative for details.

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 onto their license or ID card as a correction.

MVA Photo Guidelines

Because of the ever increasing need to use a photo driver’s license, learner’s permit or moped permit as proof of personal identification (i.e.: MVA, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, etc.), and in addition to its role as a licensing document, the Maryland MVA is required to follow and enforce certain guidelines concerning approving and using an acceptable digital image/photograph on these license products. The same guidelines would also follow for the issuance of a Maryland Photo Identification Card.

The MVA will not permit an applicant to significantly alter, hide or enhance their face or facial features by the use or excessive use of:

Face Paint
Cosmetics
Cosmetic Contacts
Facial Contortions
Hats/Scarves/Other Clothing
Hands, etc.

If a supervisor deems it necessary, the customer will be required to remove the unacceptable face paint, cosmetics or garment, etc. before a photo is taken.

If a photo image is taken and it is determined to be unacceptable by an MVA supervisor due to any of the above reasons or otherwise, the MVA reserves the right to require that the customer be re-photographed or is refused the issuance of the MVA product.

Notes: Head Coverings/Scarves:

Certain individuals may possibly be permitted to be photographed while wearing a head covering such as a hat, scarf or habit, if the individual states that this garment must be worn as a religious or cultural ordinance, practice, faith or belief; however, this garment cannot cover the applicant’s face, eyes or forehead.
An applicant citing religious or cultural reasons may also request that an MVA employee of a particular gender take the applicant’s photo.
If an individual requests that they be permitted to wear a head covering or scarf due to a physical disfigurement concern (i.e. hair loss due to cancer treatments, surgery, etc.) it may be permitted.
When the photo is taken the MVA employee should:

Ensure that the applicant’s garment does NOT cover their face, eyes or forehead.
If possible, adjust the camera angle and or framing of the individual so that the head covering, for the most part, does not show.
If requested, permit the applicants relatives or friends to shield them from the view of others while their garment (face covering is lifted). If requested by the applicant on religious or cultural grounds, switch places with another employee of the opposite gender so that they may take the photograph.
Ensure that the applicant signs his or her own signature onto the signature pad. Another member of the applicant’s family is not authorized to sign for the applicant.
If the applicant declines to comply with the above requirements or is otherwise not satisfied, ask your supervisor or manager for assistance.

Baseball caps, knitted hats and general head coverings are not permitted unless permitted as mentioned above.

Reference:
Issuance of license: TR, 16-111.1(d) (2-iv): A color photograph of the applicant that is taken in accordance with a procedure that the Administration requires.

Form and contents of an Identification Card: TR, 12-301(g) (2v): A color photograph of the applicant taken by the procedure that the Administration requires.

Driver and Vehicle Policy # 27000-002: Certain possible exceptions to individuals who may request to wear a head covering due to religious or cultural ordinance, practice, faith or belief or in the case of an individual’s physical disfigurement concerns (i.e. hair loss due to cancer treatments, surgery, etc.).

MVA Signature Guidelines

Each applicant for an MVA License, Learner’s Permit, Moped Permit or Identification Card MUST sign their usual signature (actual legal name only) on the MVA product application certifying that the statements made in it are true. The usual signature must consist of their “Actual Legal Name” and may NOT contain additional titles, verbiage, information or anything else, such as:

Mr. or Mrs. etc.
Dr. or Esquire or Reverend/Pastor, etc.
Nicknames that are not a shortened version of the first name as noted below.
Artwork, Characters, Symbols or additional Marks of any kind such as: Smiley Faces, Flowers, etc.
Additional Names not verified on/by their ID documents (or approved by the MVA) or additional comments or notes, etc.

The MVA agent and or supervisor may require the applicant to resign the application if they sign the application using anything other than their actual legal name. The MVA reserves the right to refuse the issuance of the MVA product if the applicant fails to sign or refuses to sign the application using their actual name as described above.

Note: The applicant may sign a shortened version of their 1^st name instead of using the full name such as:

"Nick" for Nicholas
"Bob" for Robert
"Sam" for Samantha