Everyone, except perhaps the teenager applying for a new license, dreads a trip to the Motor Vehicle Administration. Come prepared and reduce the hassle.
Here’s what you need to know to get or renew your Maryland driver’s license.
New residents
You have 60 days after moving to Maryland to obtain a new driver’s license and register your vehicle. To obtain a license, bring proof of name, identity, and residency plus your out-of-state license to a full-service MVA location.
- You must pass an eye exam or bring a Vision Certification Form (DL-043a) completed by your ophthalmologist or optometrist.
- Your old out-of-state license cannot expire for more than one year or be suspended.
- The fee for a new Maryland license is $ 45, and a photo ID for those 16 and older is $ 15 and $ 5 for those under 16.
- Those under the age of 18 who wish to convert an out-of-state license must also have a driver’s education certificate. If you are licensed for less than 18 months, you will be issued a provisional license.
Applicants with a foreign license who wish to obtain a learner’s permit, driver’s license or identification card and do not have a valid employment authorization card (I-688A, I-688B or I-766) or a valid passport with a visa From the United States and the Refugee Arrival / Departure Record (I-94) or a Permanent Resident Card (I-551), you must make an appointment by calling 1-800-950-1682.
Renew your license
Under Maryland law, you can renew your license by mail or in person at an MVA branch. The renewal fees are
- $ 30 for driver’s license
- $ 50 for commercial driver’s license (CDL)
Renew your license by mail
You may be able to renew your driver’s license by mail if you received a new “renew by mail” package. Complete the “renewal mail” application and submit it with the appropriate fee 15 days before your current license expires. Your license will be mailed to you.
You can not renew by mail if
- your address is incorrect on the renewal notice.
- Your address has changed.
- you have submitted a request to correct or update your address to the MVA since you received your renewal packet.
Note: If you are over 40, you should ask your doctor to complete and sign the “vision certification” portion of your renewal form. You must use the form that comes with your renewal pack or your renewal will not be processed.
Renew your license in person
Bring your expired license and the applicable fee to an MVA branch. You have up to one year after the expiration date of your license to renew without having to take additional tests. However, it is illegal to drive with an expired license. If you are over 40 years old, you will need to have an eye exam at the MVA or bring a vision form completed by your doctor.
New drivers
If you have never had a license, you must first obtain a learner’s permit, which after six months of training can be converted to a provisional license. After having the provisional license for 18 months, drivers can apply for a full license. Applicants for a learner’s permit must be at least 15 years and 9 months old.
