Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card

Find out if you are eligible to exchange your current driver's license or ID card for a Maryland driver's license or ID card before you schedule an appointment.

Eligible driver's license and ID card exchanges

New residents can exchange their driver's license or ID card in these cases:

• a valid out-of-state U.S. driver's license for a Maryland driver's license
• an expired out-of-state U.S. driver's license if it expired within the past 12 months for a Maryland driver's license
• a valid out-of-country driver's license for a Maryland driver's license with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation
• a valid out-of-state U.S. ID card for a Maryland ID card
• a valid out-of-state U.S. driver's license for a Maryland provisional driver's license if you have been licensed for less than 18 months

You will be asked to surrender your current driver's license or ID card in exchange for a Maryland driver's license or ID card at your appointment.

Ineligible driver's license and ID card exchanges

New residents cannot exchange their driver's license or ID card in these cases:

• 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.
• a suspended out-of-state U.S. driver's licenses cannot be exchanged for a Maryland driver's license
• an expired out-of-state U.S. ID card cannot be exchanged for a Maryland ID card

If you have never obtained a driver's license and need a Maryland driver's license please apply for a learner's permit.

Collect the documents you need to bring to your appointment. Copies, scans, or photocopies of documents will not be accepted.

All customers must provide:

1. Proof of your age and identity
2. Proof of your Maryland residency (2 documents required)

ID card customers must also provide:

1. Current out-of-state ID card

Driver's license customers must also provide:

1. Vision screening results
2. Current out-of-state driver's license
   1. If you do not have the out-of-state driver's license card you will need to present a certified driving record from the licensing agency.
   2. The certified driving record cannot be more than 30 days old.

Proof of age and proof of identity

Acceptable documents to prove your age and your identity include:

• US Birth Certificate
• US Passport
• Permanent Resident Card
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Certificate of US Citizenship

If you are under 18

You must provide proof of a parental relationship or that you are a dependent if you are under 18. Acceptable documents to prove your parental relationship or dependency:

• Tax return
• Health insurance card
• Health insurance policy

If you are 65 or older

• If you have a DD-214, that is the ONLY document you need.
• If you do NOT have a DD-214, you must provide two of the following documents:
  • DD-214 Discharge Document
  • SSA Benefits Statement
  • US Veteran ID Card
  • US Baptism Certificate
  • US Hospital Birth Certificate
  • US Census Record of Birth

If you have a valid out-of-country driver's license and do not have valid United States Citizenship and Immigration Services documents

Please use the online document guide to determine which documentation you will need to bring to your appointment.

Proof of Maryland residency

You must bring TWO documents that have your name and Maryland address printed on them with you. The name printed on your documents must match the name on your proof of age and identity document. Acceptable documents to prove your Maryland residency include:

• Mail or benefits statement from a federal, state, or local government agency
• Checking, savings, financial account or collection agency communications
• Utility communications regarding your account
• Maryland Vehicle Registration Card or a vehicle title
• Insurance card or insurance policy
• Residential rental contract
• Credit card statement
• Telephone or cell communications regarding your account
• Cable or satellite TV communications regarding your account
• Mortgage account statement or other proof of home ownership
• Medical or hospital bill
• Property tax bill or receipt
• Loan document from a bank or other financial institution
• Residential service contract
• Selective Service card
• Sales tax or business license
• US college or university communications or mail
• US high school report card or transcript
• Copy of federal or Maryland income tax return filing
• Valid Maryland state-issued professional license
• Voter registration card

Vision screening results (required for driver's license customers only)

You must pass a vision screening to get a Maryland driver's license. Bring your vision screening results to your appointment. There are two available screening options:

1. Take the vision screening at the MVA branch office, or
2. Submit a completed Vision Screening Form (DL-043A) provided by a doctor within the previous 24 months.

Find out how much your Maryland driver's license or ID card will cost and decide which payment method you will use.

Find a MVA branch location and schedule an appointment online using the appointment scheduler at the MVA branch that is convenient for you.