Driving School Licensing & Certification

Below is the checklist for a new driving school application.

You must submit:

• Driver's School License Application (DE-001) - PDF - 273.14 KB - PDF - 273.14 KB
• Driver's School Instructor Approval Application (DE-002) - PDF - 150.05 KB - PDF - 150.05 KB
• Fire Safety Certification
• Zoning Approval
• Proof of required insurance: copy of workman's compensation insurance (even if no other person will be employed) and copy of general liability insurance
• Surety Bond Form (DE-015)
• Criminal Record Request Form (CS-011) - PDF - 76.85 KB - PDF - 76.85 KB: Authorization for a criminal background check or, if not a Maryland resident, a criminal background check from the state of last residence.  If applying for instructor license/certification, please follow the process for fingerprinting outlined in COMAR.
• List of instructors and vehicles with the following information:
  • Proof of owner's graduation from high school or GED or college degree
  • Proof of state and federal tax ID
  • Corporation documents if applicable​
• Vehicle Certification: An MVA vehicle certification form for each vehicle to be used for driver education, along with:
  • A copy of the vehicle state inspection certificate unless the vehicle is new
  • A copy of the registration for each vehicle to be used for training (must be in school's name)
  • An original certificate of insurance that covers all training vehicles (must be in school's name)
• Required fees

All forms must be completed in full.  Submit your application and fees to the MVA on the myMVA Business Portal.

The MVA will review your application and may inspect your school location and vehicles before approval. You may not operate until your license is approved.

Below is the checklist for the renewal application for 2-year licensing. Applications must be completed and returned to the MVA no later than 15 days prior to the date on which your school Wall License will expire. All forms must be completed in full.  

You must submit:

• Driver's School License Application (DE-001) - PDF - 273.14 KB - PDF - 273.14 KB
• Criminal Record Request Form (CS-011) - PDF - 76.85 KB - PDF - 76.85 KB: a new CS-011 should be submitted for each owner/partner.
• List of instructors: Provide a list of instructors currently at your school along with their instructor or apprentice badge number. Visit the Driving Instructor Licensing & Certification for more information on instructor licensing.
• List of driver training vehicles with the following information:
  • Year, make, VIN# and tag of each vehicle
  • Certificate of Inspection is required yearly for each vehicle.
  • Training vehicle form - if needed to add new vehicles (with a copy of the registration card) or delete any unused vehicles
• Certificate of insurance: Contact your insurance company and obtain a Certificate of Insurance for your Vehicle Liability, General Liability, Surety Bond and Workman's Compensation. Certificate must be dated no more than 30 days old.
• Certificate of Good Standing: Contact the Maryland State Department of Taxation and Assessments to obtain an original “Certificate of Good Standing" to indicate no outstanding tax obligations. Certificate must be dated no more than 30 days old.
• Renewal fee

Submit your application and fees to the MVA on the myMVA Business Portal.

The MVA will review your application and may inspect your school location and vehicles before approval. You may not continue to operate if your license expires before your renewal application is approved, so submit to the MVA no later than 15 days prior to the date on which your school Wall License will expire. 

All vehicles used for instruction must be approved and certified by the MVA. To add or remove a training vehicle for your driving school, submit the following:

Add a vehicle

• Driver Education Program Training Vehicle Form: check the box for ADD VEHICLE
• Copy of the following documents:
  • Certificate of Insurance (for the vehicle being added)
  • Certificate of Origin - if the vehicle is titled within the same year of the manufacturer's certificate of origin
  • Maryland State Inspection - if the vehicle is not registered in the same year as the Certificate of Origin
  • Vehicle Registration (in school's name)

Remove a vehicle

• Driver Education Program Training Vehicle Form: check the box for DELETE VEHICLE

All forms must be completed in full.  Submit your application and fees to the MVA on the myMVA Business Portal. Vehicles must be approved and remain current to be used for instruction. If certification expires, the vehicle may not be used for instruction.

You must notify the MVA in writing if your school's legal name, trade name, business address, or mailing address changes.

To add a new driver education school location or branch, submit the following:

• Driver's School License Application (DE-001) - PDF - 273.14 KB
• Zoning Form
• Fire Safety Certification Form

To open a branch in an already established school located inside of a school governed by the state board of education, then submit the following:

• Driver's School License Application (DE-001) - PDF - 273.14 KB
• Classroom Facility Verification Form

To renew your branch driver education program, submit the following for a 2-year license:

• Driver's School License Application (DE-001) - PDF - 273.14 KB

Applications must be completed and returned to the MVA no later than 15 days prior to the date on which your school branch Wall License will expire.

All forms must be completed in full.  Submit your application and fees to the MVA on the myMVA Business Portal.

If a driving school stops operating, the owner must:

• Notify the MVA in writing
• Return all required certificates and materials
• Maintain student records as required by law
• Arrange for proper transfer of student records, if applicable
• Tell students how they can access their records

Failure to properly close a school may result in administrative action.

$150

$200

$150

$135