Vision Certification Information for Eye Care Providers

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) works with licensed eye care providers to certify that drivers meet Maryland’s vision standards. This page is for optometrists, ophthalmologists, and authorized clinical staff. 

Are you a driver submitting a vision test?

If you are a driver looking for information about submitting a vision form, please visit the MVA driver vision requirements page.

MVA driver vision requirements page

Maryland vision standards

Under the Maryland Transportation Article, drivers must meet minimum visual acuity and visual field standards to qualify for or maintain a Maryland driver’s license.

As an eye care provider, you may be asked to:

• Evaluate a patient’s visual acuity
• Evaluate horizontal visual field
• Confirm whether corrective lenses are required
• Complete a vision certification for the MVA

All certifications must accurately reflect the patient’s current clinical findings.

Submitting vision certification

Online certification with Vision Certification Service

The MVA's Vision Certification Service allows approved providers to submit vision results directly and securely to the MVA. 

Benefits of the Vision Certification Service

• Immediate electronic submission
• Faster processing
• Reduced paperwork
• Secure provider access

How to use the Vision Certification Service

To submit vision certifications electronically, you must enroll as an Authorized Vision Provider (AVP).

To enroll as an AVP, you must:

• Hold active Maryland licensure as an optometrist or ophthalmologist
• Have a valid National Provider Identifier (NPI), if applicable
• Complete the MVA enrollment process

Enrollment approval is required before system access is granted. Once approved, you will receive credentials and instructions for secure system access.

Paper certification

If you are not enrolled as an AVP, you may complete the required MVA vision form provided by the patient. When completing paper certifications:

• Print clearly and complete all required sections
• Include license number and contact information
• Ensure the form reflects current clinical findings
• Sign and date the certification

Incomplete or illegible forms may delay processing.

Provider responsibilities

As a certifying provider, you are responsible for:

• Ensuring clinical findings meet Maryland vision standards
• Accurately recording visual acuity and visual field measurements
• Indicating whether corrective lenses are required
• Maintaining patient records consistent with professional standards

Submitting false or misleading information may result in administrative action.

Vision Certification Service access

To sign up for Vision Certification Service, visit the MDOT MVA Medical Portal. Your licensing status will be verified with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. 

Once you are enrolled, you can login and the system will automatically check the status of your Maryland medical license each time you use the system. The instantaneous check confirms your authority to submit the vision results to the MVA.​

Protecting your access

The online Vision Certification Service is a secure system. Providers must:

• Protect login credentials
• Prevent unauthorized access
• Notify the MVA of changes to licensure status

Access may be suspended if requirements are not maintained.

Need help?

Contact the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration for assistance with:

• AVP enrollment
• Online system access
• Technical support
• Vision certification requirements