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Maryland driver's license

Get your first license in Maryland after moving to the US.

The short answer

Maryland can waive the tests when your driver license from another US state is still valid, and asks for the knowledge test and the driving skills test when that license has been expired for one year or more.1, 2 Fail the knowledge test once and you may test again the next business day; after two failures you wait at least seven calendar days.3, 4 Your vision screening has to have been done within the previous 24 months.5 A supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and licensed for at least three years must bring you to the test site, then step out of the car.6, 7 You provide the car for the driving test, and it needs up-to-date plates and registration plus proof of insurance.8

How it goes

  1. 1
    You arriveYou have moved to Maryland and you want to drive here.
  2. 2
    Your permitYou practice on the road with a learner permit.
  3. 3
    The written testYou take the written test.
  4. 4
    Behind the wheelYou take the drive test behind the wheel.
  5. 5
    Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.

If you just arrived in the US

Your immigration status

With verifiable proof of temporary lawful status in the U.S., you are issued a limited term license or identification card.9

Foreign documents with no expiry date

Maryland accepts your out-of-country license whether it is valid or expired, so a missing or long-past expiry date does not stop the exchange. It only costs you the test waiver, which needs a license not expired for more than one year.10

If your license from another state has expired

A license that has been expired for one year or more cannot be exchanged directly. You must take and pass the knowledge test, the vision test, and the driver's skills test.11

  • A license that expired more than 12 months ago cannot be exchanged directly; you must take and pass the knowledge, skills, and vision tests.12

If you have no license to transfer

A valid driver's license from another U.S. state can be exchanged for a Maryland driver's license.13

  • An out-of-state learner's permit cannot be exchanged for a Maryland learner's permit.14

Documents you need

  • Documents that are still validAn employment authorization document must be unexpired to count as proof of identity.15
    • Under the exception process, the administration may accept a U.S. passport that has been expired for less than 5 years if you cannot provide standard identity documents.16
    • Identity documents such as a U.S. passport or Permanent Resident Card must be valid and unexpired.17
    • A foreign passport must be unexpired, carry a valid, unexpired U.S. visa, and come with the approved I-94 that records your most recent entry into the U.S.18

Your Social Security Number

Giving your number, and who may see it

The administration may not use, include, or encode your Social Security number on your driver's license in any form.19

  • If your Social Security number cannot be verified with the Social Security Administration but you meet every other requirement, the administration issues a 45 day noncompliant license or 45 day identification card.20

  • You must show proof of a valid Social Security number, or proof that you are not eligible for one.21

Tests you take

Eye test

You can pass the vision screening, submit a completed vision screening form (DL-043 or DL-043A), or have an authorized online vision certification provider send the results to the MVA electronically.22

  • The vision screening can be done at the MVA or by your own eye doctor.23

  • You complete a vision screening at your appointment.24

  • You must have binocular vision, visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, and a continuous field of vision of at least 140 degrees.25

  • Screening results from a doctor are valid for 24 months for a standard out-of-country license exchange.26

  • You must have passed a vision screening within the previous 24 months.5

Drive test

The examination can be waived if you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, a U.S. territory, D.C., Puerto Rico, or Canada.1

  • If your license has been expired for one year or more, you must pass a knowledge test and a driver's skills test.2

  • You must show you can exercise reasonable control while driving a motor vehicle.27

Tries you get on the written test

You can retest the next business day after a first failure, if an appointment is available.3

  • After failing two or more times, you must wait at least seven calendar days before testing again. This applies to all noncommercial and commercial knowledge tests.4

Practice questions for the written test

The Online Driver Test Tutorial is the MVA's practice resource, located on the MVA website, mva.maryland.gov/drivers.28

  • Study the Maryland Driver's Manual to prepare. You can also take practice tests with the Maryland Online Driver Test Tutorial.29

Practising with your permit

Who can sit with you while you practise

Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old, licensed for at least three years in Maryland or another state for the class of vehicle you are driving, and seated beside you.6

What to bring to the drive test

Who comes with you

A supervising driver must come with you to the test site. During the test itself, only you and the examiner are allowed in the vehicle, plus an MVA-approved interpreter if you need one.7

  • When you appear for the driving test with a learner's permit, a person qualified under § 16-105 to accompany a permit holder must be with you, and that person must have their driver's license with them. Any person authorized to drive that class of vehicle may drive you to the examination station and to the test starting point, as long as they carry a valid driver's license.30

  • A qualified supervising driver must come to the driving test with you, and that driver must have their own driver's license with them.31

  • You bring a qualified supervising driver to the driving test, and that driver must have their driver's license in their possession.32

The car and its insurance

You take the driving skills test in a vehicle you bring. It must have up-to-date license plates and registration, and you must have proof that it is insured.8

  • You must provide a motor vehicle of a type appropriate to test your ability to drive all vehicles that may be driven under the license class you apply for.33

  • You provide the vehicle for the test yourself. If it is a rental, your name must appear as an authorized driver on the rental agreement.34

  • The examiner inspects the vehicle first: safe, properly inflated tires with adequate tread; working headlights, brake lights and turn signals; working brakes, horn, mirrors, door handles and locks; a parking brake the examiner can reach; no loose objects inside; and no serious dashboard warning lights. If the vehicle fails this inspection, the test will not proceed.35

  • The vehicle used for the driving skills test must have up-to-date license plates and registration, and you must have proof that it is insured.36

  • You must provide your own motor vehicle for the driving test.37

Where to go

Who gives the tests

The MVA gives the driving test.38

Booking an appointment

Maryland takes driver license appointments online at https://mymva.maryland.gov/go/web/DriversLicenseAppointment.39

  • Maryland takes driver license appointments online at https://mymva.maryland.gov/go/web/AddAppointment.40

Office locations

Maryland lists its MVA branches and kiosks at https://mva.maryland.gov/appointments-online-services/visit-branch-office-or-kiosk.41

Other states

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Sources

Every numbered fact above is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.

  1. 1

    “the Administration may waive any driver’s license examination provided for under this title if the applicant: (1) Holds a valid driver’s license issued under this subtitle; (2) Is applying for a Class M license and has successfully completed the Administration approved basic motorcycle safety course; or (3) Holds a valid license from: (i) Another state; (ii) A territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; or (iii) A province or territory of Canada.”

    mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText

    Checked July 31, 2026

  2. 2

    “If your license has been expired for one year or more, you must pass: A knowledge test A driver’s skills test”

    mva.maryland.gov/…/get-maryland-drivers-license-or-id-card

    Checked August 4, 2026

  3. 3

    “You may retest the next business day after failing for the first time, if an appointment is available”

    web.archive.org/…/knowledge-tests

    Checked May 14, 2026

  4. 4

    “After failing two or more times, you must wait at least seven calendar days before retesting — this applies to all noncommercial and commercial knowledge tests”

    web.archive.org/…/knowledge-tests

    Checked May 14, 2026

  5. 5

    “You must pass a vision screening (within the previous 24 months) to get a Maryland driver's license.”

    mva.maryland.gov/…/get-maryland-drivers-license-or-id-card

    Checked August 4, 2026

  6. 6

    “The holder of a learner’s instructional permit may drive the same vehicle and combinations of vehicles as may a holder of the class of driver’s license for which the permit holder has applied, but only while accompanied by and under the immediate supervision of an individual who: (i) Is at least 21 years old; (ii) Has been licensed for at least 3 years in this State or in another state to drive vehicles of the class then being driven by the holder of the learner’s instructional permit; and (iii) Unless the vehicle is a motorcycle, is seated beside the holder of the learner’s instructional permit.”

    mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText

    Checked February 25, 2026

  7. 7

    “A “supervising driver” must come with you to the test site. Section 10 of this manual explains who supervising drivers are. Only you and the person giving you the test are allowed in the vehicle during the test. An interpreter that the MVA approves can also be in the car if you need one.”

    web.archive.org/…/DL-002.pdf

    Checked February 25, 2026

  8. 8

    “You take the driving skills test using a vehicle you bring to the test. It must meet the following requirements for you to use it for the test: • The vehicle must have up-to-date license plates and registration. • You must have proof that the vehicle is insured.”

    web.archive.org/…/DL-002.pdf

    Checked February 25, 2026

  9. 9

    “C. Temporary Lawful Status. In accordance with Maryland Vehicle Law, an applicant for a license or identification card with verifiable proof of temporary lawful status in the U.S. may be issued a limited term license or identification card.”

    regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/11.17.09.03

    Checked July 27, 2026

  10. 10

    “Your out-of-country license (may be valid or expired) Proof of age, identity and residency (from the online document guide) Vision screening results (see below) Payment for the required fees”

    mva.maryland.gov/…/international-movers

    Checked August 27, 2026

  11. 11

    “an expired out-of-state U.S. driver’s licenses that expired more than 12 months ago cannot be exchanged for a Maryland driver’s licenses. New residents with a driver’s license that expired more than 12 months ago will need take and pass the knowledge test, skills test, and vision test to get a Maryland driver’s license.”

    mva.maryland.gov/…/get-maryland-drivers-license-or-id-card

    Checked August 3, 2026

  12. 12

    “an expired out-of-state U.S. driver's licenses that expired more than 12 months ago cannot be exchanged for a Maryland driver's licenses. New residents with a driver's license that expired more than 12 months ago will need take and pass the knowledge test, skills test, and vision test to get a Maryland driver's license.”

    mva.maryland.gov/…/get-maryland-drivers-license-or-id-card

    Checked August 4, 2026

  13. 13

    “a valid out-of-state U.S. driver's license for a Maryland driver's license”

    mva.maryland.gov/…/get-maryland-drivers-license-or-id-card

    Checked August 4, 2026

  14. 14

    “An out-of-state learner’s permit cannot be exchanged for a Maryland learner’s permit”

    mva.maryland.gov/…/get-maryland-drivers-license-or-id-card

    Checked August 4, 2026

  15. 15

    “(8) Unexpired employment authorization documents (EAD), Form I-776 or I-688B, issued by the U.S. DHS; or”

    regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/11.17.09.04

    Checked July 27, 2026

  16. 16

    “A United States Passport that has been expired for less than 5 years.”

    dsd.maryland.gov/regulations/Pages/11.17.09.05.aspx

    Checked August 19, 2026

  17. 17

    “B. An applicant, to establish proof of age, full name, and identity, shall submit at least one of the following source documents: ... (1) Valid, unexpired U.S. passport; ... (4) Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551, issued by the U.S. DHS;”

    regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/11.17.09.04

    Checked July 27, 2026

  18. 18

    “(7) Unexpired foreign passport with a valid, unexpired U.S. visa affixed accompanied by the approved I-94 form documenting the applicant's most recent admittance into the U.S.;”

    regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/11.17.09.04

    Checked July 27, 2026

  19. 19

    “(3) The Administration may not use, include, or encode, in any form, an individual’s Social Security number on the individual’s driver’s license.”

    mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText

    Checked July 27, 2026

  20. 20

    “B. In the event of a SSN non-match with the SSA, the Administration shall issue a 45 day noncompliant license or 45 day identification card only if the Administration has reasonable grounds to determine that the applicant otherwise meets all eligibility requirements for a license or identification card, with the exception of the SSN non-match, as provided for under Transportation Article, §§ 16-121 (c) and 16-122 , Annotated Code of Maryland.”

    regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/11.17.09.07

    Checked July 27, 2026

  21. 21

    “(3) Valid SSN or the applicant's ineligibility for a SSN as set forth in Regulation .04D and .04E of this chapter; and”

    regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/11.17.09.03

    Checked July 27, 2026

  22. 22

    “You must pass the vision screening, submit a completed vision screening form (DL-043 or DL-043A) or have an authorized online vision certification provider electronically submit the vision results to the MVA.”

    mva.maryland.gov/…/international-movers

    Checked August 4, 2026

  23. 23

    “A vision screening tests how well you can see. The MVA or your eye doctor can do the screening.”

    web.archive.org/…/DL-002.pdf

    Checked February 25, 2026

  24. 24

    “At your appointment, you will complete: A vision screening A knowledge test”

    web.archive.org/…/learners-permit

    Checked July 16, 2026

  25. 25

    “To qualify for a driver’s license, the applicant must have: • Binocular vision. • Visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye. • A continuous field of vision of at least 140 degrees.”

    web.archive.org/…/DL-002.pdf

    Checked February 25, 2026

  26. 26

    “If provided by a doctor, it must have been administered within the previous 24 months.”

    mva.maryland.gov/…/international-movers

    Checked July 28, 2026

  27. 27

    “(2) A demonstration of the applicant’s ability to exercise reasonable control in driving a motor vehicle;”

    mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText

    Checked July 31, 2026

  28. 28

    “After reading this manual, test your understanding of the rules of the road by taking our Online Driver Test Tutorial. It is located on the MVA website, mva.maryland.gov/drivers.”

    web.archive.org/…/DL-002.pdf

    Checked February 25, 2026

  29. 29

    “Study the Maryland Driver's Manual to prepare. You can also take practice tests with the Maryland Online Driver Test Tutorial.”

    web.archive.org/…/learners-permit

    Checked July 16, 2026

  30. 30

    “Except as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4) of this subsection, when the holder of a learner's instructional permit appears for the driving test, the permit holder shall be accompanied by an individual qualified under § 16-105 of this subtitle to accompany the holder of a learner's permit while driving on a highway. That individual shall have his driver's license with him. ... The holder of a learner's instructional permit may be driven to the examination station and to the starting point where the examiner begins the test by any individual authorized to drive the class of vehicle in which the test is being given. That individual shall have a valid driver's license in the individual's possession.”

    mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText

    Checked July 31, 2026

  31. 31

    “Except as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4) of this subsection, when the holder of a learner's instructional permit appears for the driving test, the permit holder shall be accompanied by an individual qualified under § 16-105 of this subtitle to accompany the holder of a learner's permit while driving on a highway. That individual shall have his driver's license with him.”

    mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText

    Checked July 31, 2026

  32. 32

    “when the holder of a learner’s instructional permit appears for the driving test, the permit holder shall be accompanied by an individual qualified under 16-105 of this subtitle to accompany the holder of a learner’s permit while driving on a highway. That individual shall have his driver’s license with him.”

    mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText

    Checked July 31, 2026

  33. 33

    “for a required driver skills examination or driver road examination, each applicant shall provide a motor vehicle of a type appropriate to test the applicant’s ability to drive all vehicles that may be driven under the license class applied for.”

    mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText

    Checked August 1, 2026

  34. 34

    “You must provide a vehicle for the test. If you use a rental vehicle, your name must appear as an authorized driver on the rental agreement”

    mva.maryland.gov/…/behind-wheel-tests

    Checked August 27, 2026

  35. 35

    “Safe, properly inflated tires with adequate tread Working headlights, brake lights and turn signals Working brakes, horn, mirrors, and door handles and locks A parking break that the examiner can access At least half a tank of gas No windshield cracks that block the driver's view No loose objects that could become hazards inside the vehicle No serious dashboard warning lights on, such as Check Engine or ABS/Brake lights. If the vehicle fails the safety inspection, the test will not proceed”

    mva.maryland.gov/…/behind-wheel-tests

    Checked August 27, 2026

  36. 36

    “The vehicle must have up-to-date license plates and registration. • You must have proof that the vehicle is insured.”

    web.archive.org/…/DL-002.pdf

    Checked February 25, 2026

  37. 37

    “You must pass a knowledge test and a driving test in a motor vehicle that you must provide.”

    mva.maryland.gov/…/international-movers

    Checked July 28, 2026

  38. 38

    “The driving test is how the MVA checks to see that you have the skills to drive safely and responsibly.”

    mva.maryland.gov

    Checked August 27, 2026

  39. 39

    “https://mymva.maryland.gov/go/web/DriversLicenseAppointment”

    mva.maryland.gov/…/international-movers

    Checked July 28, 2026

  40. 40

    “https://mymva.maryland.gov/go/web/AddAppointment”

    web.archive.org/…/knowledge-tests

    Checked May 14, 2026

  41. 41

    “href="https://mva.maryland.gov/appointments-online-services/visit-branch-office-or-kiosk"”

    mva.maryland.gov/…/visit-branch-office-or-kiosk

    Checked August 27, 2026

Applying for a driver's license in Maryland?

Answer a few questions and see the steps that apply to you.

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