Information for our Active-Duty Service Members

We thank you for your service – allow us to serve you! Choose what type of service you need for more information:

Vehicle Registration

I’m an active-duty Military Service Member Temporarily Stationed in Maryland

If you are only temporarily stationed in Maryland, you’ll want to apply for a non-resident permit for your vehicle(s). This applies if you are an active-duty service member of the armed forces or the United States Public Health Service and your vehicle is currently registered in your state of residence.

To apply for a non-resident permit:

You must complete and sign the Application for Non-Resident Permit (form VR-111)
Provide a copy of your valid out-of-state driver's license
Provide a copy of the vehicle's current registration card
Provide a copy of your current military ID or a written statement from a commanding officer verifying your active duty.

You can mail the application, documents, and fee to MVA's Mail In Title Unit, 6601 Ritchie Highway N.E., Glen Burnie, MD 21062 or take in-person to any of the MVA’s full-service branch offices.

A non-resident permit is a sticker you will place on your vehicle and is valid for one (1) year or until the expiration of your current registration (whichever comes first). A non-resident permit may be renewed, as long as you maintain valid registration in your home state.

For more information about Non-Resident Permits, click here.

I’m a Military Service Member moving to Maryland

Making Maryland your new home? If you are staying in Maryland, you must title and register your vehicle within one year of moving to Maryland. If you delay beyond one year, you will not be eligible for a tax credit for any titling tax paid in another state, and you may be subject to a citation for an out-of-state registration. Click here for more information.

I’m a Military Service Member from Maryland Temporarily Stationed Outside of Maryland...

...and I want to record my out-of-state address.

Maryland residents in the military may record their out-of-state/country address on file with the MVA by completing an Address Certification - United States Government Employee (form VR-102). This form must be completed in its entirety and returned to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway N.E., Room 202, Glen Burnie, MD 21062.

...and I want to title a vehicle in Maryland. 

If you purchase a used vehicle while stationed outside of Maryland and want to title it in Maryland, you will need to complete the following forms:

Temporary Inspection Waiver (form VR-129), complete Section A and B

Be sure to include your insurance information; your vehicle liability insurance policy must conform to Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements. This form must be signed by your commanding officer.

Application for Certificate of Title (form VR-005) to title the vehicle

This form must also be signed by your commanding officer.

And, if you would like to record your out-of-state address also include the Address Certification - United States Government Employee (form VR-102)

The waiver allows you to title and temporarily register a used vehicle in Maryland without having the vehicle undergo a Maryland Safety Inspection. When you return to Maryland, the vehicle must be immediately inspected. The military personnel inspection waiver is valid for two years and may be renewed if necessary (if still stationed out-of-state). 

You must title your vehicle at the same time as applying for the inspection waiver. To be eligible you must be: 

On active duty in the U.S. military; and, 
Stationed outside of Maryland; and, 
Your home of record is in Maryland; and, 
You apply for the waiver when you apply for the vehicle's Maryland title.

You can submit the forms and documents with the applicable fee in-person at any of the MVA's full-service branch offices, mail your documents and fee to the MVA's Mail In Title Unit in the Glen Burnie office, or go to an MVA licensed tag and title service where they will assist you in applying. Licensed tag and title services will charge a fee for this service.

A registration card and standard metal license plates will be issued to you if you apply in person. Otherwise, these items will be mailed to you. The registration card must be carried in the vehicle. While the vehicle's registration period will be two years, you are expected to have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible. 

TOP

License Plates

The MVA has a variety of ways for military service members, veterans, and their families to celebrate their service and show their pride.

A search tool is available with pictures of the active-duty and combat-related military plates, along with all the information needed to apply on the Military plate page here.

TOP

Driver License / ID

I'm an Active U.S. Foreign Service Members or Their Dependent(s) with a Maryland Driver's License

Maryland driver's licenses remain in effect for active members of the U.S. Foreign Service and their dependents (who reside with the active service member outside of Maryland) while they are absent from Maryland. 

HOW LONG AFTER I RETURN TO MARYLAND DO I HAVE TO RENEW MY DRIVER’S LICENSE?

You have 30 days after you return to Maryland or are separated from employment in the military or U.S. Foreign Service to visit an MVA office to renew your driver’s license.

DO I NEED TO KEEP MY MARYLAND DRIVER’S LICENSE WITH ME WHILE SERVING?

While employed with the U.S. Foreign Service, you and your dependents must keep your Maryland driver's license(s) (which have not been suspended, revoked, or canceled) and a verification of active service with you at all times.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR AN ABSENTEE MARYLAND DRIVER’S LICENSE?

Please request an absentee driver’s license application by calling 410-768-7442.

NOTE FOR CDL HOLDERS: ARE THERE MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS?

Military or U.S. Foreign Service members stationed outside of Maryland who hold a CDL, and any dependents residing with them who may also hold a CDL, are required to provide the MVA with a copy of their current valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate as needed. You can upload your certificate quickly and easily with myMVA Online Services here. Otherwise, their driver’s license/privilege will be downgraded. 

I Need to Renew an Expired Driver's License After Returning to Maryland

Upon returning to Maryland, active-duty service members and their dependents please call the MVA Call Center at 410-768-7000 to determine which documents you need in order to renew your driver’s license(s).

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?

Because of federal document requirements, please call the MVA Call Center at 410-768-7000 to determine if documents are needed in order to renew your license.   

WHAT IF MY DRIVER’S LICENSE HAS BEEN EXPIRED FOR OVER A YEAR?

If your Maryland driver's license has been expired for one (1) year or more, you must make an appointment at your local MVA branch with your expired Maryland driver's license and one (1) of the following:

Military order which indicates you are in active military service outside of Maryland; or, 
Your discharge or separation from active military service documents.

If you are unable to present the required acceptable military documentation, or if the 30-day return grace period has expired, the vision, knowledge and driving skills tests will be required to renew your driver’s license. You will be required to make an appointment to complete your transaction at a full service MVA branch.

WHAT TEST WILL I BE REQUIRED TO RETAKE?

You must pass a vision screening. The driver’s license may be renewed without additional tests if the driver’s license is still valid or has been expired for less than one (1) year.

I'm a Military Service Member (or contract employee with DOD) with an Out-of-State Driver’s License/ID Card and want a Maryland Driver's License/ID Card

Like Maryland, some states grant an extension of the driver’s license validity period to active-duty U.S. military personnel or a contract employee of the Department of Defense (DOD) and/or their dependents. 

The extension is for active duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents while they are stationed outside of their home licensing state.

HOW DO I OBTAIN A MARYLAND DRIVER’S LICENSE OR ID CARD WHEN MOVING TO MARYLAND?

View the requirements below. You can click here to start the process online and get step-by-step instructions with myMVA Online Services. 

The driver’s license cannot be suspended or revoked. If the out-of-state driver’s license has been expired for one (1) year or more and the state grants a military extension, you will be required to provide:

Acceptable proof of your current active-duty status, military dependent status, or DOD civilian status (i.e. military photo ID card), OR
Recent discharge records (each state grants a certain amount of days after discharge, and depending on your state’s extension, the testing requirements can be waived); and
Proof of age, identity and residency - use our online document guide to determine what you will need to bring with you.

Pass a vision screening 
Pay the required fees.

If licensed for less than 18 months, you will be issued a Maryland provisional driver’s license. (Out-of-state learner's permits cannot be exchanged for a Maryland learner's permit or driver’s license.)

Note on Armed Forces Licenses

U.S. Armed Forces Military operators permits or licenses are not recognized as proof of having a current driver’s license, so you cannot exchange an armed forces license for a Maryland license. Armed force’s licenses must be accompanied by a U.S. state or a foreign country driver’s license.

If applicants are unable to provide acceptable proof of ever holding a license from another state or country, they must be processed as a new driver and must complete all of the Maryland Graduated Licensing System requirements.

The Maryland MVA assists veterans in their transition from their military occupation (driving commercial vehicles) to a civilian career. Click here for more information.

HOW DO I OBTAIN A MARYLAND DRIVER’S LICENSE OR ID CARD WHEN MY OUT-OF-STATE DRIVER’S LICENSE IS EXPIRED?

There is no automatic extension for active-duty military.  

You should contact the state in which your last driver’s license was issued to find out if a military extension is granted before visiting the MVA.
Tests may be waived for active-duty military or a contract employee of the DOD and their dependents if the issuing state grants military extensions.
Maryland will then review the procedures of the state in which the driver’s license was issued before determining whether the transfer can be done without testing.

NOTE FOR CDL HOLDERS: WHAT DO I NEED TO OBTAIN A COMMERCIAL MARYLAND DRIVER’S LICENSE?

A valid Medical Certification and waiver/exemption (if required) if applying for a commercial driver's license (CDL).
A hazardous material (HAZMAT) knowledge test is required to obtain your HAZMAT endorsement if applying for a commercial driver's license. A new hazardous materials endorsement background record check must also be completed in Maryland to transfer or keep your HAZMAT endorsement.

The MVA, under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, will waive the CDL skills test requirements for a class A or B commercial license for active-duty personnel, reservists and national guard personnel who meet specific criteria. Click here for more information.

TOP

Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program

I'm an Active-Duty Military Service Member Serving Outside of Maryland and Need an Out-of-Area/Military Waiver

The MVA can assist in delaying your emissions inspection or accepting a vehicle emissions inspection test result from another state.

To determine if the state you will be in is one of those states, check here.

If you are not in one of these states, complete the relevant sections of a VEIP Certified Statement and send to the MVA with a copy of your military orders. To be eligible for a military waiver, at least one owner listed on the registration is an active-duty member with military orders for deployment outside the United States or an assigned duty station in a jurisdiction that is not subject to vehicle emissions controls and inspection program. 

You can request an emissions inspection waiver online with myMVA. Click here to get started.

For more information on the vehicle emissions inspection program, click here.

TOP

Back to Service Members and Veterans home page.