Vision Requirements

All MD driver’s license applicants 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 your vision examination results to the MVA via a secure website; or
have their vision specialist complete the downloaded vision form or
have a vision screening conducted at the MVA.

Customers who are eligible to renew their non-commercial driver's licenses by using the MVA's website, the self-service kiosks (located in the MVA branch offices), or the mail are notified of the options by the MVA. Customers who are 40 years of age or older, must meet the following vision requirements to complete their renewals online, at the kiosks or by mail:

for the MVA’s website or self service kiosk: vision exam results must be submitted electronically by an Authorized Online Vision Certification Provider
for mail-in-renewal: customers 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 to have:

Binocular vision
Visual acuity (Snellen) of at least 20/40 in each eye
A continuous field of vision of at least 140 degrees

Restricted licenses may be issued to persons having:

Visual acuity of at least 20/70 in one or both eyes
A continuous field of vision of at least 110 degrees, with at least 35 degrees lateral to the midline of each side

Note: These two requirements must be simultaneous.

Persons with visual acuity levels less than 20/70, but no worse than 20/100, require special handling by the MVA's Glen Burnie Headquarters. Please contact the MVA’s Modified Vision Unit at (410) 768-7513 for information and special forms.

Commercial Driver's License Requirements

Applicants for commercial driver licenses must meet both state and federal vision requirements. The minimum requirements are:

Binocular vision
Visual acuity (Snellen) of at least 20/40 or better in each eye
A field of vision of at least 70 degrees in each eye
The ability to distinguish between red, green and amber colors

You cannot qualify for any Maryland driver's license if:

You cannot achieve visual acuity levels of 20/100 or better, using either one of the eyes (without telescopic lens)
You cannot achieve at least 110 degrees continuous field of vision

Using the Form

The MVA staff will screen your vision when you apply for, or renew a license. If you fail to meet the requirements or the MVA has questions about your vision, you may be referred to a vision specialist before the license is issued. If you don't want the MVA to screen your vision, please give this form to your vision specialist for completion, then present the completed form to the MVA when you apply for your license.

Important Notes:

Please be advised that if you have monovision you will be unable to successfully pass the vision screening at the MVA. It is highly recommended that you visit your ophthalmologist/optometrist to complete this form. Please bring the completed form with you to the MVA.
Vision exams must have taken place within the last 12 months. Vision specialists may record the results of a previous exam providing it was conducted within the last 12 months.
This form may not be used for persons with visual acuity levels that are less than 20/70.