Maryland Driver's License FAQs

A regular Maryland driver’s license is classified as a Class C license. This license allows you to drive standard passenger vehicles, like cars, SUVs, and light trucks.

To get a learner’s permit in Maryland, you must be at least 15 years and nine months old. Start by gathering your required documents, like proof of identity, residency, and your SSN. Then, visit a Maryland MVA office, pass a vision test, and take a written knowledge test. Once you pass, you’ll receive your learner’s permit, which allows you to start practicing driving under supervision.

To get a Maryland driver’s license, first, obtain a learner’s permit and complete a driver’s education course if you’re under 25. Practice driving under supervision and log your required driving hours. After holding your permit for the necessary period, schedule and pass the road test at the MVA. Bring your permit, driving log, and required identification documents to the test. If you pass, you’ll be issued a provisional license and, eventually, a full driver’s license.

In Maryland, if you’re under 25, you must hold your learner’s permit for at least nine months before you can take the road test for a provisional license. If you’re 25 or older, the minimum holding period is three months.

You must hold your provisional license for at least 18 months without any violations before you can upgrade to a full, unrestricted driver’s license.

To get a Maryland driver’s license, you must have:

• Proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax documents)
• Proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement)
• If you’re under 18, a completed Verification of Identity and/or School Attendance form.

If you’re under 25, you need to complete at least 60 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night. If you’re 25 or older, the requirement is 14 hours of supervised driving, including 3 hours at night.

No, you cannot drive alone with a learner’s permit in Maryland. You must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has held a license for at least three years.

You can get a Maryland provisional driver’s license at age 16 and 6 months, provided you’ve met all requirements. You can apply for your full driver’s license at 18.

No, even if you’re 18, you must obtain a learner’s permit before getting a Maryland driver’s license. You must hold the permit for at least three months and complete the necessary driving practice before taking the road test for your license.

No, you can’t get your 21-year-old driver’s license before your 21st birthday in Maryland. You must wait until you turn 21 to receive the license, which removes any underage drinking restrictions.

If you’re 18 or older, you must hold your learner’s permit for at least three months before you can take the road test for a provisional license in Maryland.

You can get a learner’s permit in Maryland as early as 15 years and nine months old. This allows you to start practicing driving under supervision.

A standard driver’s license in Maryland costs $9 per year, so for an 8-year license, it would be $72. The fee is prorated based on the number of years until your 21st birthday if you're under 21.

The cost to renew your driver’s license in Maryland is also $9 per year. So, for an 8-year renewal, you would pay $72. The renewal fee is prorated if the renewal period is less than 8 years.

No, you cannot renew a learner’s permit online. You must visit a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) branch in person to renew it.

Yes, you can renew your Maryland driver’s license online if you meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having a current license that isn’t expired for more than a year and no changes to your personal information.

To renew your driver’s license in Maryland, you can do it online, by mail, or in person at an MVA branch:

• Online: Visit the MVA’s website, follow the prompts, and pay the renewal fee.
• By Mail: If you receive a renewal notice with a mail-in option, complete the form and return it with payment.
• In Person: Visit an MVA branch with your current license and pay the fee. You might need to take a vision test if renewing in person.

If you renew online or by mail, you generally won’t need additional documents. However, if you renew in person and haven’t updated to a REAL ID, you’ll require the following:

• Proof of identity (e.g., passport or birth certificate)
• Proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card)
• Two proofs of Maryland residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)

If you already have a REAL ID-compliant license, you usually only need your current license for renewal.

Maryland driver's licenses are valid for eight years. However, the validity period may be shorter if the license is issued just before your 21st birthday or if you have certain medical conditions.

If you lose your driver’s license in Maryland, you can replace it by following these steps:

Once processed, your replacement license will be mailed to you.

• Online: Visit the Maryland MVA website and use the online replacement service. You’ll need to provide your personal information and pay a replacement fee.
• In Person: Go to a local MVA branch with proof of identity (e.g., passport or birth certificate) and pay the replacement fee.
• By Mail: If eligible, you can request a replacement by mail following the instructions on your renewal notice or the MVA’s website.

The Maryland learner’s permit test has 25 multiple-choice questions.

To pass the Maryland permit test, you can get up to three questions wrong. You must answer at least 22 out of 25 questions correctly to pass.

To schedule a driver’s test in Maryland, you can visit the Maryland MVA website and use the online scheduling system, call the Maryland MVA customer service line, or visit an MVA branch to schedule your test directly.

When you go for your driver’s test in Maryland, bring the following:

• Your learner’s permit
• Completed practice log (if under 25)
• Vehicle registration and insurance for the car you’ll be using
• A licensed driver (if you’re using a non-MVA vehicle)
• Payment for the test fee, if required

If you fail your driving test 3 times in Maryland, you’ll be required to take the Driver Improvement Program (DIP) before you can retake the test. This program is designed to help you improve your driving skills and knowledge. After completing the DIP, you can schedule another attempt at the driving test.

You can get a copy of your driving record in Maryland by visiting the Maryland MVA website, using the online service to request your driving record, visiting a local MVA branch, or sending a written request to the MVA’s Driver Records Unit with your personal details and payment.

Points stay on your Maryland driving record for two years from the date of the violation. However, the record of the violation itself may remain longer, depending on the severity of the offence.

To get points off your license in Maryland, you can:

• Wait for Points to Expire: Points automatically expire after two years from the date of the violation.
• Take a Driver Improvement Program (DIP): Completing this program may prevent additional points from being added for future violations or reduce penalties.

Yes, you can check your driver’s license status online in Maryland. Visit the Maryland MVA website and use their online tool to view your license status.

You can check for flags on your license (such as unpaid tickets or issues) online through the Maryland MVA website. Use their "Check Your Status" tool to see if any flags are attached to your license.

To check if your license is suspended in Maryland, you can use the MVA's online "Check Your Status" tool. Enter your personal details, and it will show whether your license is active, suspended, or has any other restrictions.

Switching your out-of-state driver’s license to a Maryland license costs $72. This fee covers the standard 8-year Maryland driver’s license.

You can drive in Maryland with a valid foreign license for up to 60 days after becoming a resident. After 60 days, you'll need to obtain a Maryland driver's license.

Yes, you can drive in Maryland with an out-of-state learner’s permit. However, you must follow Maryland's rules for learner's permits, including driving with a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and has held a valid license for at least three years.

To get a CDL in Maryland:

• Get a Commercial Learner’s Permit.
• Hold the CLP for at least 14 days.
• Practice driving with a CDL holder to prepare for the skills test.
• Schedule and pass the CDL skills test.
• Pay the fees and submit your documents at the MVA to get your CDL.

Yes, you need a motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement on your Maryland driver’s license to legally operate a motorcycle in the state.

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle license in Maryland. If you’re under 18, you’ll need to complete a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program (MMSP) Basic Rider Course.

Here’s how you can get a motorcycle license in Maryland:

• Get a Motorcycle Learner’s Permit by passing written knowledge and vision tests at the MVA.
• Complete a Motorcycle Safety Course.
• Schedule and pass the on-bike skills test at the MVA or with the MMSP if required.
• Once you’ve completed these steps and paid the fees, you’ll receive your motorcycle license or endorsement.

There are three ways to change the address on your Maryland driver’s license:

• Online: Visit the Maryland MVA website and use their online service to update your address.
• In Person: Go to a local MVA branch and fill out a change of address form.
• By Mail: Complete the address change form available on the MVA website and mail it to the MVA’s address.

In Maryland, the DMV is known as the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). It handles driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and other related services.

You can schedule your Maryland MVA appointment in three ways:

• Online: Visit the Maryland MVA website and use their online appointment scheduling system.
• By Phone: Call the MVA’s customer service line to schedule an appointment.
• In Person: You can also make an appointment at your local MVA branch.

Yes, you can register a car in Maryland without a driver’s license, but you will need other documentation, such as proof of identity, insurance, and the vehicle’s title.

Yes, you can buy a car with a learner’s permit. However, you must have a valid driver’s license to drive the car on public roads.

You don’t have to attend driving school to get your license if you’re over 25. However, if you’re under 25, you must complete a driver’s education course as part of the licensing process.

The license control number in Maryland is a unique identifier assigned to your driver’s license. It’s located on the front of your license, usually above your photo.

Submit an application for a Hazmat endorsement to the Maryland MVA, undergo and pass a TSA background check, take and pass the written knowledge test specific to hazardous materials, provide required documents, and pay the endorsement fee.