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FAQ

Driver License Mail-In Renewal Questions

Driver Record Questions

Rookie Driver Questions

Low Speed Vehicle Questions

What do I need to get my learner's permit?

To get a Maryland learner's permit, please bring proof of age, identity, and Maryland residence, and if you are under 16 years of age, the Learner's Permit School Attendance Form. Please refer to sources of proof for required documentation.

What happens if a driving test is not taken before the expiration date of a learner's permit?

If the learner's permit has expired beyond one day, the applicant must reapply as though it is their first permit and pay applicable fees. If the applicant is a minor this includes having their parent/guardian co-sign the application. If the learner's permit expires on a day the MVA is closed (i.e., Sunday, holiday, emergency closing), the learner's permit holder may have one (1) attempt on MVA's next business day only to successfully pass their skills test on the expired permit. If they fail the skills test, then they must reapply as indicated above.

What do I do if my license is lost or stolen?

A lost driver's license is not required to be reported to the MVA. To replace a lost driver's license you follow the same procedure as obtaining a duplicate license. You must bring proof of age, identity, and residence, along with the fee to the MVA. Please refer to sources of proof for the required documentation. If your driver's license or permit has been stolen, please contact the MVA's Customer Ombudsman's office at 410-787-7856 or via email at msorenson@mdot.state.md.us.

What do I do if my name changes from the one stated on my driver's license?

You must go to a full-service MVA office and bring proof of the name change such as a marriage certificate or court name change order, and your current license. There is a fee for a corrected license or permit. A corrected license will be issued for name/address changes to the holder of a commercial driver's license or if an applicant is under 21 years of age. Other applicants changing their name/address on their license will be issued a corrected renewal license, and the expiration date will be set at 5 years. There is a fee for a corrected renewal license.

What is needed to get an identification card?

To get a new identification card, please bring proof of age, identity, and Maryland residence. Please refer to sources of proof for required documentation. For applicants 16 years of age or older, the ID is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance with a fee. Under 16 years of age, the ID is valid for 2 years with a fee. The identification card will be mailed to the address on record.

As a new resident of Maryland, how long do I have to obtain a Maryland driver's license?

You must obtain a driver's license within 60 days after becoming a Maryland resident. Visit a full-service MVA and bring proof of name, identity, residence, and your out-of-state license, if you are under 18, you must also have a driver education certificate. You must pass a vision test and your license cannot be suspended.

As active military personnel, what happens to my license if it expires while I am out-of-state?

Maryland driver's licenses remain in effect for active duty members of the United States armed forces and their dependents (who must reside with the active member), while they are absent from Maryland. The licensees have 30 days after they return to Maryland, or when they are discharged or separated from active duty service, to visit an MVA office for their license renewals. While absent from this state, the active duty member and their dependents must possess both their Maryland driver's license and active duty military ID card (the license must not be suspended, revoked, or canceled) while operating a motor vehicle.

As a hearing impaired customer, how do I arrange for a sign language interpreter at the MVA?

Hearing impaired customers may arrange for a sign language interpreter by calling the following TDD telephone number: 1-800-492-4575.
The MVA will schedule a sign language interpreter for the following reasons:
1. Driver licensing knowledge tests
2. Medical Advisory Board Interviews