NEW DRIVERS:
Proof of identity and residency are required of all applicants for a new Maryland driver's license, learner's permit or identification (ID) card; please use the online document guide to assist you with what to bring to the MVA.
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration will verify the information provided on your application to determine eligibility.
All applicants for a driver's license are checked with the National Driver Registry. If your license is suspended, revoked, canceled or refused, you are not eligible for a Maryland driver's license.
Drivers must meet certain vision requirements. Visit the MVA's vision requirements page for additional information.
The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is now printing/mailing one of the most secure driver’s licenses, learner’s permits and identification (ID) cards in the nation. All cards are now delivered through the mail within 4-7 business days. The new cards incorporate cutting-edge security features to help protect against identity theft and fraud. The new cards also meet all state and federal standards and are REAL ID compliant. As always, we encourage customers to Skip the Trip and renew their driver’s license or ID card via web, kiosk and mail. The MVA’s online services can be found here. Much more information on our new secure cards, including how to expedite delivery of the new products, can be found here.
Immigrants with temporary lawful status in the U.S. will be issued a limited term driver's license or ID card, valid for the duration of their lawful status in the U.S.
If you are seeking a Maryland driver’s license and have a foreign license that is not suspended or revoked, please complete the 3-hour alcohol and drug education program and present the license before taking your driving skills test. If you do not have a foreign license, you will need to obtain a learner’s permit, complete the Maryland Driver Education Program and meet other requirements before taking your driving skills test.
Immigrants, presenting foreign documentation without valid accompanying United States Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation, can obtain a federally noncompliant Maryland driver's license or ID card. Please visit the online document guide for more detailed instructions.
RENEWALS FOR ELIGIBLE DRIVERS
To improve customer service and reduce wait times, certain customers under the age of 40, who are eligible, must renew their driver’s license online, or by mail or MDOT MVA Kiosk.
Due to federal requirements, certain customers will be notified upon renewal to provide MDOT MVA with required documents. If you have already been notified, Click here to create your checklist and schedule an appointment to visit an MDOT MVA branch office.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR LICENSE CORRECTION
To request a change of address card, a corrected driver's license or ID card, please complete the transaction online here or by MVA kiosk.
An additional fee applies for new, corrected licenses or ID cards. A change of address card is sent at no extra cost, as an attachment, which should be stored with the license or ID card. The new license, ID card or attachment card will be mailed.
DUPLICATE DRIVER'S LICENSE OR ID CARD
Please request a duplicate driver's license or ID card online with the new online option here or by MVA kiosk. These transactions are no longer handled over the counter and the duplicate driver’s license or ID card is mailed to the address on record at the MVA.
MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD REFERRALS
For the safety of all drivers, the MVA’s Medical Advisory Board must consider your medical status as part of your license request. Please be assured that all medical information is kept confidential and is only reviewed by the MVA’s Medical Advisory Board physician.
All drivers are required to report medical conditions to the MVA, including:
- Diabetes that has caused a low blood sugar episode requiring assistance from another person in the last 6 months
- Epilepsy
- Seizure
- A heart condition that has caused a loss of consciousness in the past 6 months
- Stroke
- A condition that causes you to have dizzy spells, fainting, or blackouts
- Sleep apnea or narcolepsy
- A history of traumatic brain injury
- A condition that causes weakness, shaking, or numbness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet that may affect your ability to drive
- A hand, arm, foot, or leg that is absent, amputated, or has a loss of function that may affect your ability to drive
- An eye problem which prevents a corrected minimum visual acuity of 20/70 in at least one eye or binocular field of vision of at least 110 degrees
- Alcohol use problem
- Drug use problem
- A mental health condition that may affect your ability to drive
- Schizophrenia
- Dementia
Driver's License Learner's Permit Identification Card Sources of Proof Renewing Your Driver's License
