Maryland Driver's License
Requirements
In Maryland, driver's licenses are issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) — under the Maryland Department of Transportation. The standard non-commercial credential is a Class C License. Maryland operates the "Rookie Driver" Graduated Licensing System: a Learner's Permit at 15 years 9 months, a Provisional License at 16 years 6 months, and a full Class C at 18 (or 18 months after the Provisional License with a clean record). Maryland's rookie driver program requires a state-certified Driver's Education program (30 classroom hours + 6 behind-the-wheel hours), 60 hours of supervised practice (including 10 at night), and a 9-month permit holding period — among the most rigorous in the U.S. Maryland also issues federally-compliant REAL ID licenses (the gold star) — required to board domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. Maryland additionally offers a Standard Driver's License to residents without federal lawful-presence documentation under the 2013 Highway Safety Act.
Requirements Overview
Must be a Maryland resident. The MVA requires two documents proving Maryland residency. Maryland is one of a small group of states that issues a Standard Driver's License (non-REAL ID) to residents without federal lawful-presence documentation, under the 2013 Highway Safety Act. New residents from another state must transfer their license within 60 days of establishing Maryland residency.
Required Documents
Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted. Verify the complete current list at the official Maryland DMV website.
- Proof of identity and date of birth (U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, or valid permanent resident card)
- Social Security number — bring SSN card, W-2, or 1099 showing the full number
- Two proofs of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, MD vehicle registration with your name)
- For a name change: marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree
- For Standard (non-REAL ID) license without federal documentation: passport, consular ID, or other documents from MVA's alternate-document list
- Parental/guardian signature on the Provisional License application — required in person for applicants under 18
- Maryland Driver Education completion certificate from a state-certified provider (required for applicants under 25)
- Rookie Driver supervised-practice log (60 hours, signed by parent/guardian)
Fees & Costs
Fees change frequently. Always verify the current fee at the official Maryland DMV website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get your Maryland driver's license. Steps may vary based on your age and residency status — always confirm with the official DMV.
Study the Maryland Driver's Manual
Download the current Maryland Driver's Manual from mva.maryland.gov. The written knowledge test is 25 questions covering MD traffic law, road signs, the state's Move Over and seat belt laws. You need 88% (22 correct) to pass — Maryland's threshold is among the higher in the U.S.
Apply for the Learner's Permit at 15 years 9 months
Make an online appointment at any MVA branch. Bring your documents, your parent for in-person Rookie Driver agreement signature, and the $50 permit fee. You'll pass a vision test and the written test on a computer.
Pro tip: Smaller MVA branches (Glen Burnie, Westminster, Easton) typically have shorter waits than the Beltsville and Gaithersburg locations.
Enroll in a State-Certified Driver Education Program
Maryland requires every applicant under 25 to complete a state-certified Driver's Education course: 30 hours of classroom instruction + 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Many high schools offer it free; private schools cost $300–$500.
Log 60 Hours of Supervised Practice (10 at Night)
During the 9-month permit period, log at least 60 hours of supervised driving — 10 of which must be at night. The supervising driver must be 21+ with at least 3 years of licensed driving experience.
Pro tip: Use the MVA Rookie Driver app or a printable log. Both you and your parent sign each entry.
Hold Permit for 9 Months with Clean Record
Maryland mandates a 9-month permit-holding period before the Provisional License road test for under-18 applicants. The clock resets if the permit holder is convicted of any moving violation during the period — making it one of the strictest GDL programs in the country.
Take and Pass the Road Skills Test
Schedule the road skills test online via the MVA portal. Bring your Learner's Permit, completed Rookie Driver Practice and Skills Log signed by your parent, your Driver Ed completion certificate, vehicle insurance/registration, and a sober adult sponsor. The test includes parallel parking, three-point turn, intersections, and lane changes.
Pro tip: Road-test slots fill 4–8 weeks out — check multiple MVA branches within driving distance.
Receive the Provisional License at 16 years 6 months
Pay the $72 license fee. The Provisional License has restrictions: no driving 12am–5am unless accompanied by a licensed adult 21+ (limited exceptions), no passengers under 18 for the first 5 months (immediate family excluded). Provisional drivers also cannot use any handheld electronic device — even hands-free is restricted.
Upgrade to Full Class C at 18 (or 18 months after Provisional)
On the 18th birthday OR after 18 consecutive months of holding the Provisional License with no convictions, the Provisional automatically converts to a full Class C License. The 8-year renewal cycle starts. No additional test or visit required.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Rookie Driver program is Maryland's comprehensive Graduated Licensing System for drivers under 25. It requires (1) state-certified Driver Education (30 + 6 hours), (2) 60 hours of supervised practice (10 at night), (3) a 9-month permit holding period with a clean record, and (4) a Provisional License period with passenger and night-driving restrictions until age 18 or 18 months elapse with no violations. It is among the strictest GDL programs in the United States.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Maryland DMV to start your application with the correct, up-to-date requirements.
This website is not affiliated with any government agency or DMV office. Information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official DMV website before taking action.