Maryland driver license and ID card: first license, renewal, replacement and REAL ID

How Maryland's Rookie Driver program works from learner's permit to full license, how new residents exchange an out-of-state license within 60 days, how to renew or replace a license with myMVA, and how to get an ID card.

Guide · Maryland · REAL ID · Driver licenses · Renewals · ID cards · updated October 29, 2026

Maryland driver's licenses and ID cards are issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), part of the Maryland Department of Transportation. The MVA also gives the knowledge and driving skills tests. Many renewals, replacements and address changes can be done online with myMVA or at a self-service kiosk. This guide covers each step. For booking and branch visits, see Visiting the Maryland MVA.

Your first license: the Rookie Driver program

Maryland uses a graduated licensing system with three stages: learner's permit, provisional license and full license.

Learner's permit

You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply. Study the Maryland Driver's Manual, complete the pre-application, and make an appointment at a full-service MVA office through myMVA. Bring:

  • Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, U.S. passport or Permanent Resident Card
  • Proof of your Social Security number
  • If you are under 16, a school attendance form: DL-300, completed by your school, or DL-300A, co-signed by a parent or guardian

The knowledge test for a Class C permit has 25 questions. You have 20 minutes, and you need a score of 88% or higher to pass. The MVA lists the learner's permit fee for people with no previous license at $65, which includes conversion to the full license. Your permit is mailed to you.

With a permit, a qualified supervising driver must be with you at all times. That driver must be at least 21 and have held a license for at least three years, and must sit in the front passenger seat. You may not use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911.

Driver education and the provisional license

You must complete a certified driver education course with 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Then pass the MVA's driving skills test. The minimum permit period and practice hours depend on your age:

  • 16 to 18 without a high school diploma: hold the permit at least 9 months and log 60 supervised hours, including 10 at night.
  • 18 with a diploma, or 19 to 24: hold the permit at least 3 months and log 60 hours, including 10 at night.
  • 25 or older: hold the permit at least 45 days and log 14 hours, including 3 at night.

In every case, you must have no moving violation convictions (or probation before judgment) in the past 9 months. Drivers under 18 need a parent, guardian or co-signer's permission.

Provisional drivers under 18 face several restrictions:

  • For the first 151 days, no passengers under 18 other than immediate family, unless a qualified supervising driver is in the car.
  • No driving between midnight and 5 a.m., unless a licensed driver aged 21 or older with 3 years of driving experience is with you, or you are driving to or from work, an official school activity, an organized volunteer program or an athletic event.
  • No use of any wireless device, even hands-free.

Full license

You qualify for a full license once you are at least 18 and have held the provisional license for 18 months with no convictions. The MVA converts it automatically and mails you an attachment card to carry until your next renewal.

Moving to Maryland

The MVA says you must replace your out-of-state license with a Maryland license within 60 days of moving to Maryland. Out-of-state CDLs must be transferred within 30 days. You can exchange a valid U.S. license, or one that expired within the past 12 months. If you have been licensed for less than 18 months, you exchange it for a Maryland provisional license. A license that expired more than 12 months ago cannot be exchanged; you must pass the knowledge, skills and vision tests.

Book a "New to Maryland" appointment and bring original documents:

  • Proof of age and identity
  • Proof of Social Security number
  • Two proofs of Maryland residency
  • Your out-of-state license, or a certified driving record no more than 30 days old

You must also pass a vision screening taken within the previous 24 months. You surrender your old license at the appointment.

Renewing

The MVA says Maryland licenses are typically renewed for 8 years. You can renew up to one year before expiration. The MVA mails and emails a renewal notice that tells you whether you can renew online, by mail or in person.

  • Online or at a kiosk, if your notice says you are eligible.
  • By mail, only if the MVA sends you a renewal-by-mail notice. Mail your form at least 15 days before your license expires.
  • In person, by appointment. This is required if your license is limited-term, has been expired a year or longer, or you are not eligible to renew online or by mail.

If you are 40 or older, you need a vision exam no more than two years old. It must be submitted electronically by an MVA-approved provider, or recorded on the vision certificate on a mail renewal form. The MVA lists the renewal fee at $64 for an 8-year license.

Your new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. A license expired a year or more means applying again as a new driver, with vision, knowledge and driving tests.

Replacing a lost license

You can order a duplicate online through myMVA, at a self-service kiosk, or in person at a branch. A duplicate has the same number and expiration date, and the fee is $30. For online or kiosk orders you need your license or ID number, your date of birth, and either your MVA PIN or the last four digits of your Social Security number. The MVA says no police report is needed. Allow up to 10 business days for delivery.

Name and address changes

  • Address: Maryland law requires you to report a new address within 30 days of moving. You can change it online with myMVA or at a kiosk at no charge. The MVA mails you a Change of Address card to carry with your license. See also updating your DMV address after a move.
  • Name: update your name with the Social Security Administration at least 72 hours before your MVA appointment. Bring your current license and an original or certified name change document, such as a marriage certificate. Name changes must be done in person. A corrected license costs $30.

REAL ID

The MVA says Maryland driver's licenses meet REAL ID standards, and so do Maryland ID cards issued to applicants who prove lawful presence. To make sure your card is compliant, bring the identity, lawful presence, Social Security and two residency documents listed by the MVA's online Document Guide. See REAL ID explained and how to tell if a license is REAL ID.

State ID cards

Any Maryland resident with legal status in the U.S. can get a Maryland ID card; you do not need to drive. You must apply in person, by appointment, with original documents proving:

  • Identity
  • Legal presence
  • Maryland residency
  • Social Security number

The MVA lists a new or renewal ID card at $40. There is no fee if you are 65 or older or have a disability that limits a major life activity.

Children under 15 must come with a parent or guardian, while teens aged 15 to 17 may come alone. ID cards are mailed in 7 to 10 business days. Eligible customers can renew online or at a kiosk. People who cannot prove lawful presence may qualify for a non-compliant ID that cannot be used for federal purposes.

Sources · checked October 29, 2026

We wrote this summary ourselves from the official pages above on the date shown. Agencies change rules without notice: the official page always wins. DMVorganization.org is independent and not a government agency.

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