Driving School Licensing & Certification

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) regulates and certifies driving schools in Maryland. All schools must follow Maryland law and MVA regulations. 

Applying for and managing your driving school license is easy in the myMVA Business Portal. Create an account to manage everything online.

Applying for a new driving school license

To operate legally in Maryland, a driving school must be licensed and certified by the MVA. You must submit:

• Completed application
• Required fees
• Proof of required insurance
• Information about instructors and vehicles
• A copy of your business location lease or ownership documents

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.

Renewing your license

Driving school licenses must be renewed before they expire. To renew, you must:

• Submit a renewal application
• Pay the required renewal fee
• Maintain required insurance coverage
• Keep all instructor certifications current

Operating with an expired license is not permitted.

Managing your school vehicles

All vehicles used for instruction must be approved and certified by the MVA.

Adding a vehicle

When adding a vehicle, you must:

• Submit required vehicle information
• Provide proof of insurance
• Ensure the vehicle meets safety standards
• Complete any required inspections

The vehicle must be approved before being used for instruction.

Removing a vehicle

If a vehicle is removed from service, notify the MVA promptly to update your records.

Renewing vehicle certifications

Vehicle certifications must remain current. If certification expires, the vehicle may not be used for instruction.

Managing your school locations

Driving schools must receive approval for each instructional location.

You must notify the MVA in writing if your school's legal name, trade name, business address, or mailing address changes. Supporting documentation may be required. Operating under an unapproved name or address may result in compliance action.

Adding a location

Before operating at a new location, you must submit a request to the MVA with the address and site details and wait for approval. You may not operate at a new location until it is approved.

Closing a site

If a branch location closes, notify the MVA immediately to update records.

Closing your driving school

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.

Compliance and recordkeeping responsibilities

As a licensed driving school, you must:

• Maintain accurate student records
• Keep required insurance active
• Ensure instructors remain properly certified
• Follow all Maryland statutes and regulations governing driver education schools

The MVA may conduct inspections or audits to ensure compliance.

Need help?

If you have questions about licensing, certification, renewals, vehicle approvals, or school closures, contact the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration’s Driver Instructional Services unit.

MVA Business Licensing & Compliance Division

Driver Instructional Services

Email

[email protected]

Main

410-787-7769