Frequently Asked Questions

In order to avoid the likelihood of fraudulent activity on your driving record, make sure to report your MD stolen drivers licenseto a police officer. Visit your local MVA branch after you have obtained a copy of the police report at a nearby station. The Maryland MVA will then be able to enter this information in the system.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maryland Driver’s License or ID Card

You can get a copy of the Maryland drivers manual by visiting this link. You can also check out our Driver Handbook page in order to learn more about what information you can expect to find in the manual. This helpful brochure will mainly cover topics pertaining to road safety, traffic laws, safe driving skills, road signs and more. If you would like a hard copy of the manual, contact your local Maryland MVA to inquire the steps you must take to get one.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Pennsylvania

If you are a noncommercial driver less than 40 years of age, you must renew your Maryland drivers license online, using an MVA Self-Serve Kiosk or by mail. If you are eligible to renew online, your MVA renewal notice will state so. In the same manner, if you can renew by mail, you will receive a “renew by mail” by package.

An in-person visit to an MVA branch will be necessary if any of the below applies to you:

• You have a drivers license suspension
• You are a CDL driver
• You have a tax compliance flag
• You cannot have your Social Security Number verified
• You have an alert on your driving record

Those drivers who renew in person will need to conduct a vision screening and turn in their current drivers license.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Maryland

If you are in the process of applying for a new Maryland drivers license, there are a few steps you will need to follow. You are required to make a personal visit to a nearby MVA branch and fulfill these requirements:

• Submit proof of identity, Maryland residency, legal status in the country and Social Security Number. (In the event that you do not have valid Immigration Services or U.S. citizenship documentation to present, you can get a license by applying for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number through the IRS and filing Maryland Income taxes from the previous two years. For additional information, visit the Maryland MVA website or contact them at 1-410-768-7000.
• Pass a vision test.

Bring proper payment for applicable fees.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Pennsylvania

To find out if you are eligible to apply for a hardship license in the state of Maryland, contact the MA Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration at 1-410-768-7000 for further information. Depending on the offense you committed, you may or may not qualify for restricted limitations on your license.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Maryland

If you are currently a military member who is stationed outside of Maryland, you can request a duplicate drivers license online, or once you have returned to the state. Find out more by contacting the MBA Absent from State Unit at 1-410-768-7742. If you are deemed eligible, you will have your duplicate drivers license sent to your out-of-state address.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maryland Driver’s License or ID Card

The state of Maryland only allows requests for a drivers license replacement to be made online or using an MVA kiosk. For the most part, these requests are no longer processed at an MVA branch. However, in some instances, you may be required to obtain a duplicate in-person. It will take roughly 10 business days for your replacement to arrive in the mail. Meanwhile, you will be provided an Interim Receipt that you can carry until you ve gotten your new license.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maryland Driver’s License or ID Card

When your Maryland drivers license suspension period has almost ended, you will still have restricted driving privileges for an additional year. During this time, you will be required to drive with an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. Once it has been installed, you can then request a restricted driver s license at a MVA full service branch.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Maryland

In order to reinstate suspended drivers license, you will need to complete all the terms and regulations mentioned in your license suspension summary. Once you are able to meet the necessary requirements for reinstatement, call the MVA Driver Wellness and Safety Division at 1-410-768-7000. If you are deaf or hard-of-hearing, you can call 1-301-729-4563 instead.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Maryland

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration allows qualified individuals to renew license by mail or online. However, you will be required to make an in-person visit upon your return if any of the below conditions apply to you:

• You have a drivers license suspension
• You are a CDL driver
• You have a tax compliance flag
• You cannot have your Social Security Number verified
• You have an alert on your driving record

If you intend to return to Maryland within 45 days, you can also request a temporary noncommercial license.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Maryland

If you are not a United States citizen, the Maryland MVA will accept the following documents when applying for a drivers license copy in person:

• Permanent Resident Card
• Foreign passport
• Valid photo ID
• Proof of Maryland Income Tax filing from the past two years
• Documentation that shows non-work authorized status

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maryland Driver’s License or ID Card

If you lost your drivers license while outside the state, you may be able to request a duplicate online. Or, you can replace your license upon your return to Maryland. Find out more by contacting the MBA Absent from State Unit at 1-410-768-7742. If you are deemed eligible, you will have your duplicate drivers license sent to your out-of-state address.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maryland Driver’s License or ID Card

There are three ways in which the Maryland MVA allows drivers to have their vision tested:

• You can have your vision screening conducted at a local MVA office by an authorized agent.
• You can have a vision specialist complete a Vision Form and have it submitted to the MVA.
• You can ask your vision specialist to electronically submit your results on the MVA Online Vision Certification Service, featured on the Marlyland MVA website.

In order to pass, you must have vision acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, and a continuous vision field of at least 140 degrees.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Maryland

In the event that you are pulled over by a police offer due to suspicion of DUI and refuse to submit to a chemical test, your drivers license will face immediate suspension. The length of time in which it will be suspended depends on the following:

• BAC level between 0.08 to 0.14 45-day suspension (first offense)
• BAC level between 0.15 or higher 90 day suspension (first offense)
• CDL driver 1 year suspension (first offense)
• CDL driver with Hazmat endorsement on license 3-year suspension (first offense)

For more information: Suspended License Information for Maryland

You will be eligible to renew driving licenses when you receive your renewal notice in the mail from the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration. By law, this notice is sent out 60 days before your drivers license expiration date. You will not need to submit to additional tests, such as a written knowledge exam, if your drivers license has been expired for less than a year.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Maryland

It is to the discretion of the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration whether or not your drivers license replacement fee is waived. However, you should nonetheless have your police report on hand when requesting a duplicate drivers license. You should also bring in proof of identity in order to locate you in the system.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maryland Driver’s License or ID Card

Maryland has no age cap to renew drivers license. However, those over 40 may be required to complete the process at a local branch. During your appointment, you must pass a vision screening and pay the correct renewal fee. You will also be required to take a new photo for your renewed drivers license. If you would like further clarification, contact the MVA at 1-410-768-7000. If you are deaf or hard-of-hearing, call the toll-free number at 1-800-492-4575 instead.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Maryland

Your drivers license replacementwill be sent to the residential address you have on file with the Maryland MVA. If you recently moved, you are required to submit two proofs of your new address when requesting a duplicate. Acceptable residency documents include the following:

• Utility bill
• Pay stub
• Credit card bill
• Financial statement from your bank
• Voter Registration Card
• Selective Service Card

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maryland Driver’s License or ID Card

A senior resident can renew his or her Maryland drivers license just like other drivers who are requesting a renewal: online, at an MVA self-service kiosk or by mail. You may be asked to pass a vision test, or submit proof of your recent vision results conducted by a licensed specialist. For more information, visit the Senior Drivers page. You can also take a look at the Drivers License Renewal page to learn more about your renewal options.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Maryland

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Transportation may suspend your drivers license for a number of reasons, including but not limited to these listed below:

• Failure to pay child support
• Failure to maintain car insurance
• Failure to appear in court
• Excessive moving violations
• Repeat offender violations
• Accumulation of points on your driving record
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Deemed medically unfit and unstable to drive

For more information: Suspended License Information for Maryland

It is against the law to drive with an MD suspended drivers license. You will face various consequences if you pay no regard to road rules in the state of Maryland. For example, your drivers license suspension may include high fines and fees, jail time, community service and a mandatory alcohol and drug program.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Maryland

The fee to obtain a drivers license replacement is $20, regardless of your circumstance. However, this fee is subject to change without notice. The Maryland MVA accepts the following forms of payment: cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or a check. If submitting payment by check, it must be made payable to Motor Vehicle Administration.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maryland Driver’s License or ID Card

The fee you must pay to reinstate revoked drivers licenses depends on the reason why your license was suspended to begin with. For example, a reinstatement fee for an alcohol-related conviction differs from other reinstatement fees. To find out your required amount, contact the Maryland MVA at 1-410-768-7000. If paying in person, acceptable forms of payment include the following:

• MasterCard
• Visa
• American Express
• Cash
• Check (made payable to Motor Vehicle Administration)

For more information: Suspended License Information for Maryland

Certain situations may allow an individual to apply for a hardship license as long as they meet a set criteria. A hardship license can be issued to individuals for work, school or alcohol treatment program purposes. In order to see if you qualify, contact the Maryland MVA about your particular case.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Maryland

You will need to reschedule another driving test at a later date. To be best prepared, first schedule your appointment on the Maryland MVA website or by phone. When visiting an MVA branch for your drivers test, make sure to come with a vehicle that is in safe driving conditions and that has at least half a tank of gas. Before taking the test, you will be required to fill out and sign a Certification of Insurance And Authorization To Operate Vehicle form.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Pennsylvania

To get your MD driving license, there is certain documentation that you will need to have with you. Show proof of the following:

• Your identity, such as your United States passport or birth certificate
• Your legal presence in the country, such as your green card or U.S. citizenship
• Your Social Security Number, such as your W-2 form or Social Security Card
• Two proof of residency in Maryland, such as a utility bill and bank statement

Effective since Jan. 2014, Maryland now allows immigrants to apply for a driver s license. If you do not have proper documentation from the Immigration Services, you should first apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number through the IRS, as well as Maryland Income Taxes from the past two years before getting your license. Find out more by contacting the MD MVA at 1-410-768-7000. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call the toll-free number at 1-800-492-4575.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Maryland

When renewing Maryland drivers licenses in person, you must have your current, expiring license with you, as well as payment for any appropriate fee. If you recently had a name change, you will also need to provide documentation that confirms this update. For example, acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, a divorce decree or another type of court order.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Maryland

If you are only eligible to replace drivers license at an MVA branch, the following documents must be presented:

• Proof of identity
• Your original drivers license (if it is damaged and in your possession)
• Two proofs of residence if you recently moved
• Your parent s signature

You will also need to make payment for the $20 duplicate fee (subject to change). If you are a driver under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be physically present as well during the time of your duplicate request.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maryland Driver’s License or ID Card

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration allows drivers to take the written drivers test in English only. However, if you need to take an oral test or a computer assisted audio test, you can consult with a MVA agent to do so. Keep in mind that you need to make an appointment for oral tests. Learn more by contacting the MCA Customer Service Center at 1-410-768-7000. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can reach them at 1-800-492-4575.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Pennsylvania

In the state of Maryland, it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle with an expired drivers license. If you fail to renew your drivers license prior to its expiration date, you will be required to retest after it has been expired for a year or more. Some of the tests you will need to take include a written knowledge test, a vision screening and a road skills test. In order to avoid these consequences, make sure to renew your drivers license as soon as you are eligible to do so.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Maryland

It takes roughly 15 business days to receive your drivers license by mail. If you have yet to receive your renewed drivers license, contact the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration at your earliest convenience. You can reach the MVA at 1-410-768-7000. If you are deaf or hard-of-hearing, call their toll-free number at 1-800-492-4575 instead.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Maryland

When applying for drivers license, you will need to take a vision exam. If you are an out-of-state driver who has recently moved to Maryland, you can apply for a standard driver s license if you have been licensed for 18 months or more.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Pennsylvania

The Maryland MVA offers four different types of noncommercial licenses, including the following:

• Driver Class A For any non-commercial vehicle
• Driver Class B For any single or combination of non-commercial vehicles
• Driver Class C For any non-commercial combination of motor vehicles with a GVW less than 26,0001 pounds
• M For motorcycles

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Pennsylvania

In order to reinstate suspended drivers license, you will need to complete all the terms and regulations mentioned in your license suspension summary. Once you are able to meet the necessary requirements for reinstatement, call the MVA Driver Wellness and Safety Division at 1-410-768-7000. If you are deaf or hard-of-hearing, you can call 1-301-729-4563 instead.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Maryland

You can start the process of renewing Maryland drivers license up to 60 days before it expires. If you are a noncommercial drivers license who is under 40, you will have the option to renew online, using a MVA Self-Serve Kiosk or by mail. Those under 40 will be unable to complete their drivers license renewal at a MVA branch.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Maryland

After taking the steps to replace DMV drivers licenses, you should allow 10 business days to receive it in the mail. If you have yet to receive your new license, contact the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration at 1-410-768-7000.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maryland Driver’s License or ID Card

In order to verify the current status of your Maryland drivers license, you will need to request a copy of your driving record. Your MD drivers license will include information pertaining to your driving history, as well as details about any offenses you have committed. When requesting your driving record, make sure to have your driver s license number on hand, along with your date of birth.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Maryland

You can get a new Maryland drivers license by visiting your nearest MVA branch this is the only way new residents can apply for a new license. However, if you have a provisional license, it will automatically become a standard license once you have completed the provisional period. To schedule an appointment, you can easily locate a MVA branch in your area.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Pennsylvania

Yes, drivers who are over the age of 40 are required to complete a vision screening exam when renewing drivers license in person. In order to pass and qualify for an unrestricted license, you must have a visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, as well as a continuous field of vision of at least 140 degrees. Schedule an MVA branch appointment ahead of time to avoid long wait lines.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Maryland

By law, the state of Maryland is required to send out renewal notices 60 days before a drivers license expiration date. This renewal notice will indicate whether or not you are eligible to renew online, by mail or any other way. If you allow your drivers license to expire for a year or more, you will be required to fulfill a number of tests that a new driver would.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver s License in Maryland