What Do I Need To Transfer My License To Maryland?
Exchanging an Out-of-State License for a Maryland License – New Maryland residents must obtain a Maryland driver’s license within 60 days for a noncommercial driver’s license and within 30 days if it is a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
- You will need your out-of-state license(s), if you do not have the license in your possession, you will need to present a certified driving record from the licensing agency.
- You must pass a vision screening and one that is provided by a doctor must have been administered within the previous 24 months.
- The vision screening can be administered at the MVA branch office; or
- You can submit a completed vision screening form ( DL-043A )
If licensed for less than 18 months, you will be issued a Maryland provisional license. Click here for more information on the provisional license,
- If your license is expired for one year or more, you are required to pass a knowledge and driver’s skills test.
- Proof of age, identity and residency, are required. Please use the our online document guide to determine what you will need to bring with you to the MVA branch office,
- Please pay the required fees,
- An out-of-state learner’s permit cannot be exchanged for a Maryland learner’s permit. You must meet all the requirements of a new learner’s permit.
- You will be asked to surrender your out-of-state driver’s license before you can obtain a Maryland one.
Active Military
If you are on active duty military, some states grant an extension of the driver’s license validity period. The extension is for active duty U.S. military personnel and their dependants while they are stationed outside of their home licensing state. If the out-of-state driver’s license has been expired for one (1) year or more and the state grants a military extension, you will be required to provide:
- Acceptable proof of your current active duty status or military dependant status (i.e. military photo ID card), or
- Recent discharge records (each state grants a certain amount of days after discharge, and depending on your state’s extension, the testing requirements can be waived);and
- Proof of age, identity and residency, use our online document guide to determine what you will need to bring with you; and
- Pass a vision screening; and
- Pay the required fees,
Contents
- 1 How much does it cost to switch your license to MD?
- 2 How long do you have to register your car after moving to Maryland?
- 3 How long does it take to get your license in Maryland?
- 4 What is allowed for a proof of residency?
- 5 How much does it cost for a Maryland driver’s license?
- 6 How long do I have to live in Maryland to be a resident?
- 7 What can be used as evidence of residency?
- 8 What is allowed for a proof of residency?
How much does it cost to switch your license to MD?
What Documents Are Required to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Maryland? – In order to correctly transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Maryland, you must present:
Your current out-of-state driver’s license Two forms of identification Proof of your social security number Proof of your new MD residence with your new address Pass a vision test Pay all applicable driver’s license state fees (new Maryland residents will pay $42 to put their name in the state’s system, and $72 for all first-time Maryland residents to receive their driver’s license as a resident.)
Make sure you have all required documents and payment(s) to ensure the transfer process goes as smoothly as possible.
What proof do you need for Maryland driver’s license?
– The Real ID Core Four are the four documents you’ll need to verify who you are and where you live. One Proof of Age and Identity, One Proof of Social Security and TWO Proofs of Maryland residency. Don’t leave for your MDOT MVA visit without them! NEW: MDOT MVA may already have social security documents on file! Visit our REAL ID Look Up Tool with your driver’s license number to confirm if we have your verified social security documentation. *****Need additional document options? Click here,***** Please note: Documents must be the orig inal or certified copy.
Do I have to retake driving test if I move to Maryland?
What are the Requirements for People Who Have a Driver’s License From Another State or Country? – People who have a valid driver’s license from another state will not be required to take the skills test, although we suggest people obtain a refresher course at our Elite Driving School to improve their driving skills if they haven’t been behind the wheel of a vehicle for several years.
A person from another country such as Canada, France, The Republic of China (Taiwan), the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of South Korea, or from one of the U.S territories does not have to retake the Maryland MVA driving test so long as they have a valid driver’s license or an license that isn’t expired longer than one year.
The Maryland MVA driving test is given only in the English language.
What are two proofs of residency for MVA?
Rental/lease agreement with signatures of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident. Deed/title to residential real property. Mortgage bill. Home utility bill (including cellular phones).
How many proof of residency do you need for Maryland DMV?
What do I need to know about the process for immigrants who present foreign documents without valid US citizenship documentation? What do I need to do to make an appointment? What is the Real ID Act? Who is issued a federally compliant and federally non-compliant driver’s license or ID card? What happens to people who do not have a federally compliant driver’s licenses or ID card? What do I need to bring with me to get my driver’s license or ID card renewed? What documents are needed for a new driver’s license or ID card? What do I need to get my learner’s permit? What is needed to get an ID card? As a new resident of Maryland, how long do I have to obtain a Maryland driver’s license?
What do I need to know about the process for immigrants who present foreign documents without valid US citizenship documentation? Immigrants who present foreign documentation without valid accompanying United States Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation, to obtain a driver’s license, learner’s permit, moped permit or identification card will need to do the following:
Apply for an individual taxpayer identification number through the U.S. Internal Revenue Service ; File Maryland income taxes for the preceding 2 years and obtain a certification letter that is needed to make an appointment to present it to the MVA. You may obtain a certification letter by applying online here or by making an appointment to visit one of the Comptroller’s branch offices. Apply for and obtain identity documents such as a valid, current foreign passport; Obtain two residency documents such as copies of a residential lease, utility bill, or bank statement; and Study the Maryland Driver’s Manual and take the online driver test tutorial to prepare for the knowledge test. Schedule an appointment online. Please visit the online document guide to start the process and to schedule your appointment. Your Maryland driver’s license or ID card will be mailed to you.
Back to top What do I need to do to make an appointment? Please visit the online document guide to schedule an appointment. Back to top What is the Real ID Act? The Real ID Act is a federal law requiring states to meet certain federal standards when issuing driver’s licenses or ID cards.
- The cards are accepted for federal purposes that are designated by the secretary of the U.S.
- Department of Homeland Security, such as access to federal buildings, or the boarding of commercial aircraft.
- Back to top Who is issued a federally compliant and federally non-compliant driver’s license or ID card? Federally compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards are issued to US citizens, immigrants with permanent residence and non-immigrants with valid US Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation who can prove lawful status in the United States.
Immigrants who do not have valid US Citizenship and Immigration documentation can apply for a non-compliant driver’s license or ID card. Individuals with Maryland driver’s licenses or ID cards who do not have a verified social security number, and have maintained licenses or ID card without expiring for more than one year, can receive a federally non-compliant driver’s license or ID card when they renew.
Back to top What happens to people who do not have a federally compliant driver’s license or ID card? Those who do not have federally compliant cards will not have them accepted for federal purposes which are designated by the secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. They may find it harder to board a commercial aircraft or enter federal buildings.
They may be required to produce additional identity documents. Please contact the specific federal agency or the U.S. Transportation Security Administration for further information. They will not be able to use the non-compliant driver’s license or ID card to purchase fire arms.
Back to top What do I need to bring with me to get my driver’s license or identification card renewed? To renew a federally compliant driver’s license, click here, For an ID card that is federally compliant, click here, Back to top What documents are needed for a new driver’s licenses or ID card? Please go to the online document guide to find out what you will need for a new driver’s license or ID card.
Back to top What do I need to get my learner’s permit? Please go to the MVA’s Rookie Driver page for information on how to obtain a learner’s permit. Back to top What is needed to get an ID card? Please click here for information on Maryland ID cards.
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 if you hold a noncommercial license. You have 30 days if you hold a commercial driver’s license. Please refer to sources of proof for required documentation and instructions.
You will need to visit a full service MVA office, If you are under eighteen (18) years of age, you must also have a parent/guardian accompany you and co-sign your application. If you have a valid out-of-state (or expired less than one year) license, you must also pass a vision test/screening and your license cannot be suspended, cancelled, disqualified or refused.
How long do you have to register your car after moving to Maryland?
As a new resident of Maryland you must register your vehicle within 60 days of moving to Maryland. If you delay beyond 60 days, you will not be eligible for a tax credit for any titling tax paid in another state, and you may be subject to a citation for an out of state registration.
Active-duty military members do not have a time limit, if choosing to register in Maryland. Please Note: If an owner of a vehicle originally titled in Maryland obtains a title for the vehicle in another state in the same name, and returns to Maryland, it may be registered by surrendering the foreign title and securing a Duplicate Maryland Title,
There is a fee for a duplicate title.
How long does it take to get your license in Maryland?
I’ve Got a Valid Foreign License – Moving from another country? Welcome to Maryland! If you hold a valid driver’s license from Canada, Yukon Territory, South Korea, France, Germany, Japan, Taiwan or a U.S. Territory, the knowledge and driving skills tests will be waived for you.
- If your license from Canada, France, Yukon Territory or U.S.
- Territory has been expired for less than one year, you still won’t have to take the tests.
- Licenses from Germany and France must be surrendered when a Maryland driver’s license is issued.
- You don’t have to surrender your German or French license if you take all the tests (knowledge and skills).
Plan of Action
- Apply in person Visit one of the MVA’s full service offices, You don’t have to make an appointment, but you can if you want to. Use the MD MVA’s Scheduling System if you wish to make an appointment.
- Present your out-of-country driver’s license If you do not have your license, present a driving record from the country’s license issuing authority accompanied by an apostille or a letter from the embassy verifying the driving record. Have your license translated into English by an approved MVA translator or provide an international driver’s license,
- Complete a 3-hour drug & alcohol education program It’s required for every applicant who has never been licensed in the U.S. Click here to find the providers.
- Bring documentation required You must bring proof of the following:
- Age
- Identity
- Lawful status
- Social Security Number (or proof of ineligibility)
- Maryland residence ( 2 documents)
Use the MVA document guide to help you gather all the documents correctly.
- Pass a vision test To qualify for an unrestricted driver’s license, you must have a Binocular vision, visual acuity (Snellen) of at least 20/40 in each eye and a continuous field of vision of at least 140 degrees. Check other vision requirements here,
- Pass a knowledge test (not for the countries mentioned above) The test will contain questions about rules of the road, signs and procedures. You can try the MD driver test tutorial and take free practice tests online before you go. If you fail your test, you will have to schedule an appointment for the next business day if available or later. Check frequently asked questions – cc Knowledge test about MD knowledge test.
- Schedule and pass your Road test (not for the countries mentioned above) Use the MD MVA’s Scheduling System to make an appointment in advance. You will receive a confirmation number that will help you confirm your appointment online or change it if needed. If you don’t pass the test on your 1 st or 2 nd attempt, you must wait at least 7 days in between each subsequent attempt.
- Pay the fee $9.00 per year. The fee will depend upon the length of your new license validity which will be generated by the computer. The maximum length is 8 years. You can pay by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express.
- Receive your license The card will arrive in mail in 4-7 days. Call the MDOT MVA at 1-410-768-7000 if you do not receive your new license after 15 days. Call 1-800-492-4575 if you are hearing impaired.
73% more effective than the handbook Free Maryland MVA Practice Tests Show me Official driver’s manuals Maryland MVA Driver’s Manuals Show me
What is allowed for a proof of residency?
Lawful presence documents – 1 document from this group for either REAL ID or a Standard driver’s license/ID. Lawful presence means that you’re legally living in the United States according to federal immigration laws. All U.S. citizens and lawfully permanent residents have permanent lawful presence in the U.S.
- Non-U.S. citizens who are studying, working, or living temporarily in the U.S.
- May have temporary lawful presence that may vary in length. For U.S.
- Citizens, a valid, unexpired U.S.
- Passport is sufficient proof of lawful presence.U.S.
- Citizens may also provide a certified copy of their U.S.
- Birth certificate.
For permanent residents, a valid permanent resident card (green card) is enough. For non-U.S. citizens, you need to provide valid, verifiable immigration documents as well as proof that you’ve been granted a legal stay in the U.S. for at least 12 months.
Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
If your U.S. passport was issued within the last six months, bring your certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate
Original or certified version of U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements:
Issued by the city, county, or state of birth Lists applicant’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth Lists parent(s)’ full names Has the signature of the city, county, or state registrar Has the date filed with registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth) Has the seal of issuing authority
A Puerto Rican birth certificate will only be accepted if it was issued on or after July 1, 2010. For more information on the Puerto Rican birth certificate law, visit the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration website.
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the U.S. Department of State, Form FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545 Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) issued by DHS or INS Temporary I-551 stamp in foreign passport Unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) issued by DHS, Form I-766, or Form I-688B Unexpired foreign passport with a valid, unexpired U.S. visa affixed
A non-US passport must contain a current visa and be presented with an I-94 Record of Arrival and Departure, unless you have a Permanent Resident Card or other change in status. The I-94 can be either a paper version from U.S. Customs and Border Protection or a printout of an electronic version downloaded from their website, For applicable customers who have a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) or Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (DS-2019) documentation verifying the applicant’s most recent admittance into the United States must be shown
Certificate of Citizenship, Form N-560, or Form N-561, issued by DHS Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570) Re-Entry Permit (I-327) – accepted for Standard credential only Refugee Travel Document (I-571) – accepted for Standard credential only
Note: The federal government allows for some exceptions to those in temporary protected status (TPS). See Department of Homeland Security’s website for current countries designated for TPS.
How much does it cost for a Maryland driver’s license?
Driver Licensing Fees –
Commercial CDL | |
CDL Renewal/Conversion (Includes CDLIS fee) | $68.00 |
CDL Conversion (Out of State to MD CDL same class. Includes CDLIS fee 8 -year license) | $92.00 |
* Add Motorcycle Class CDL Duplicate | $45.00 $20.00 |
CDL Correction (w/o renewal) | $20.00 |
CDL Skills Retest | $20.00 |
CDL Learner’s Permit (Includes CDLIS & Skills Test fees) | $90.00 |
CDL HAZMAT Background Check (BRC) | $87.25 |
Non-Commercial License | |
Driver’s License Renewal ($6.00 per year) | $48.00 – 8 years* |
Driver’s License Duplicate | $20.00 |
Driver’s License Corrected | $20.00 |
Driver’s License New (under 21) | $9.00* per year |
Driver’s License New (21 & over) | $72.00*/$9.00* per year |
Learner’s Permit – Non CDL Type I (GLS) No previous license – includes conversion to full license) | $50.00 |
Learner’s Permit – Non CDL Type II (Currently/previously licensed) | $30.00 |
Learner’s Permit Corrected | $20.00 |
Motorcycle License – New (under 21) Motorcycle License – New (21 & over) | $9.00* per year $72.00*/$9.00* per year |
Moped License – New | $45.00 |
Moped License – Renewal | $30.00 |
Moped License – Duplicate | $20.00 |
Moped License – Corrected | $20.00 |
Photo ID Card – New/Renewal (under 18) | $15.00 * |
Photo ID Card – New/Renewal (18 & over) | $24.00 * |
Photo ID Card – Duplicate/Correction Photo ID Card – Homeless (New/Correction) | $20.00 $ 1.00 |
* Fees may be prorated per year Veteran’s Status and Organ Donor Designations: There is no fee to add or remove a veteran’s status or organ donor designation. Vision Restriction: There is no fee to add or remove the vision restriction code (B, C or F). Photo ID Card (all types): There is no fee for an ID card if you are 65 years of age or older, or if you have a disability which limits a major life activity. |
How long do I have to live in Maryland to be a resident?
Briefly stated, an individual is a resident of Maryland if the individual is domiciled in Maryland on the last day of the taxable year or if the individual maintains a place of abode in Maryland for more than six months of the taxable year and is physically present in the State for 183 days or more during the taxable
Do out of state points transfer to Maryland?
Can points be assessed against my Maryland driver record if I am convicted of a vehicle-related violation in another state? – Yes. If you are convicted of a vehicle-related offense in a jurisdiction outside of Maryland, the MVA may assess points. The Driver License Compact, to which Maryland is a signatory, guides the MVA’s actions.
Alcohol or drug related offenses; Leaving the scene of a personal injury accident; Homicide or manslaughter involving a vehicle; Use of a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony.
The point values identified in Maryland law for similar offenses determine the number of points that you will be assessed. For information about the Driver License Compact, see Maryland Law or the website of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA).
What can be used as evidence of residency?
Acceptable documents providing proof of residence include: –
Recent utility bill (e.g. gas, electricity or phone) or a certificate from a supplier of utilities confirming the arrangement to pay for the services on pre-payment terms (Please note that mobile telephone bills are not acceptable as they can be sent to different addresses). Utility bills in joint names are permissible* Local authority tax bill valid for the current year** UK full or provisional photo-card driving licene or a full old-style paper driving licence (if not already presented as a personal ID document). Old style provisional driving licences are not acceptable. Most recent HM Revenue and Customs tax notification (i.e. tax assessment, statement of account, notice of coding) a P45 or P60 is not acceptable. Financial statement (e.g. bank, building society, credit card or credit union statement) containing current address* Most recent mortgage statement from a recognised lender** Current benefit book or card or original notification letter from Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) confirming the rights to benefit (for example, child allowance, pension)** Current local council rent card or tenancy agreement Confirmation from an electoral register search that a person of that name lives at the claimed address*
*The date on these documents should be within the last three months and they must contain the name and address of the applicant. Photocopies and documents downloaded from the internet (e.g. bank statements) will not be accepted. ** These documents must be dated within the last 12 months : List of documents that can be used as valid proof of identity and/or proof of residence
What is allowed for a proof of residency?
Lawful presence documents – 1 document from this group for either REAL ID or a Standard driver’s license/ID. Lawful presence means that you’re legally living in the United States according to federal immigration laws. All U.S. citizens and lawfully permanent residents have permanent lawful presence in the U.S.
Non-U.S. citizens who are studying, working, or living temporarily in the U.S. may have temporary lawful presence that may vary in length. For U.S. citizens, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport is sufficient proof of lawful presence.U.S. citizens may also provide a certified copy of their U.S. birth certificate.
For permanent residents, a valid permanent resident card (green card) is enough. For non-U.S. citizens, you need to provide valid, verifiable immigration documents as well as proof that you’ve been granted a legal stay in the U.S. for at least 12 months.
Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
If your U.S. passport was issued within the last six months, bring your certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate
Original or certified version of U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements:
Issued by the city, county, or state of birth Lists applicant’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth Lists parent(s)’ full names Has the signature of the city, county, or state registrar Has the date filed with registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth) Has the seal of issuing authority
A Puerto Rican birth certificate will only be accepted if it was issued on or after July 1, 2010. For more information on the Puerto Rican birth certificate law, visit the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration website.
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the U.S. Department of State, Form FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545 Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) issued by DHS or INS Temporary I-551 stamp in foreign passport Unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) issued by DHS, Form I-766, or Form I-688B Unexpired foreign passport with a valid, unexpired U.S. visa affixed
A non-US passport must contain a current visa and be presented with an I-94 Record of Arrival and Departure, unless you have a Permanent Resident Card or other change in status. The I-94 can be either a paper version from U.S. Customs and Border Protection or a printout of an electronic version downloaded from their website, For applicable customers who have a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) or Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (DS-2019) documentation verifying the applicant’s most recent admittance into the United States must be shown
Certificate of Citizenship, Form N-560, or Form N-561, issued by DHS Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570) Re-Entry Permit (I-327) – accepted for Standard credential only Refugee Travel Document (I-571) – accepted for Standard credential only
Note: The federal government allows for some exceptions to those in temporary protected status (TPS). See Department of Homeland Security’s website for current countries designated for TPS.