All MD driver’s license applications and renewals must meet certain vision requirements.
Customers renewing or obtaining a new Maryland commercial (CDL) or non-commercial driver’s license may:
- Take advantage of the MVA's
Authorized Online Vision Certification Service program. Please note that you will need a valid Maryland driver's license identification number. Your vision specialist will electronically submit results your vision examination to the MVA via a secure website, OR
- Have your vision specialist complete this downloaded
vision form, OR
- Have a vision screening conducted at the MVA.
Licensed drivers who are eligible to renew their non-commercial driver's license by using the
MVA's website, the self-service kiosks (located in the MVA branch offices), or the mail are notified of their options by the MVA. Drivers that are 40 years of age or older, must meet the following vision requirements to complete their renewal online, at the kiosks, or by mail:
- MVA’s website or self-service kiosk: vision exam results must be submitted electronically by an
Authorized Online Vision Certification Provider.
- Mail-in-renewal: drivers are required to have their vision provider complete the vision certification on the back of their renewal form.
Driver's License Requirements
To qualify for an unrestricted driver’s license, the State of Maryland requires drivers meet the following requirements without corrective lenses:
- Binocular vision, AND
- Visual acuity (Snellen) of at least 20/40 in each eye, AND
- A continuous field of vision of at least 140 degrees.
Restricted licenses may be issued to drivers with:
- Visual acuity more than 20/40, but at least 20/70 in one or both eyes, OR
- A continuous field of
vision less than 140 but at least 110 degrees, with at least 35 degrees lateral to the midline of each side, OR
- Require standard corrective lenses to meet MVA vision requirements.
Drivers with visual acuity more than 20/70 but no more than 20/100, or a continuous field of vision less than 110 degrees but not less than 70 degrees, require special handling by the MVA Glen Burnie Headquarters. Please contact the MVA Modified Vision Unit at (410) 768-7513 for information and special forms.
Commercial Driver's License Requirements
- Drivers applying for a commercial driver’s license must meet both state and federal vision requirements.
- Drivers that do not have binocular vision of at least 20/40 or better in each eye and a field of vision of at least 70 degrees in each eye may be eligible for a CDL under FMCSA’s alternative vision program as determined by a DOT Medical Examiner in consultation with an ophthalmologist/optometrist using FMCSA form MCSA-5871.
- Drivers must be able to distinguish between red, green, and amber colors to qualify for a CDL.
You cannot qualify for any Maryland driver's license if:
- You cannot achieve visual acuity levels of 20/100 or less, using either one or both eyes (without telescopic lens).
- You cannot achieve at least 70 degrees continuous field of vision.
Using the Vision Screening Form
MVA staff will screen your vision upon presentation for application or license renewal. If you fail to meet MVA requirements or the MVA has questions about your vision, you may be referred to a vision specialist before a license is issued. If you do not want the MVA to screen your vision, please give this
vision form to your vision specialist for completion, then present the completed form to the MVA when you present for your license.
Important Notes:
- Please be advised that if you have monocular vision, you will be unable to successfully pass the vision screening at the MVA. You need to see an eye specialist to complete this
vision form. Please bring the completed form with you to the MVA.
- Vision exams are valid for 24 months.
