Moving to Maryland? Check Your License-Transfer Readiness

The step-by-step check needs JavaScript. Here's the full checklist instead.

Who this covers

Adults 18 and older, new to Maryland, with a valid regular license from another U.S. state, the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory, or one expired less than 12 months ago. MVA says to get your Maryland license within 60 days of becoming a resident. (New Maryland Residents (MVA))

If this isn't you

• Go to MVA's ID card route. This check covers driver's licenses only. MVA says a valid out-of-state ID card can be exchanged, but an expired one can't. MVA's page walks through the ID route. Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card (MVA) · Document Selector (MyMVA)
• Use MVA's Returning to Maryland route. MVA has a separate "Returning to Maryland" appointment type for people who held a Maryland license before. This check doesn't cover it. New Maryland Residents (MVA)
• Check MVA's rules for drivers under 18. This check covers adults 18 and older. MVA's license page and Document Selector cover the extra questions for younger drivers. Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card (MVA) · Document Selector (MyMVA)
• Follow MVA's commercial license rules. MVA has a different deadline for commercial license holders. This check doesn't cover CDLs, so use MVA's license page. Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card (MVA)
• Contact MVA first. MVA says a suspended license can't be exchanged. If your license is suspended or revoked, MVA's license page is the place to start. Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card (MVA)
• Follow MVA's learner's permit route. This check covers full licenses only. MVA's license page covers learner's permits. Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card (MVA)
• Use MVA's International Movers page. Licenses from other countries follow a different route. MVA's International Movers page explains it. International Movers (MVA)
• Start with a learner's permit. MVA says people who've never been licensed start with a learner's permit. MVA's license page covers it. Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card (MVA)
• Confirm with MVA before you book. MVA says a license expired 12 months or less can be exchanged, and one expired longer needs knowledge, skills and vision tests. If you're at 12 months or more, or not sure, check with MVA before you book. Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card (MVA)

Checklist

If you don't have these yet, get them first

• A certified driving record from your previous state, dated no more than 30 days before your visit. (Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card (MVA))
• An identity document as an original or certified copy. Use the Document Selector to see which ones MVA accepts. (Document Selector (MyMVA))
• Your name-change document (certified court order, marriage certificate or divorce decree) as an original or certified copy. (COMAR 11.17.09.04 (documents))
• A document that proves your Social Security number, from MVA's accepted list. (Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card (MVA))
• 1 more Maryland address document with your name and Maryland address. (Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card (MVA))
• 2 Maryland address documents with your name and Maryland address. (Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card (MVA))

Bring what applies to you

• Your current license card. MVA keeps it when you get your Maryland license. (Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card (MVA))
• Your valid, unexpired U.S. passport. (COMAR 11.17.09.04 (documents))
• Your valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card. (COMAR 11.17.09.04 (documents))
• Your U.S. birth certificate, original or certified copy. (COMAR 11.17.09.02 (definitions))
• Your name-change document, original or certified copy. (COMAR 11.17.09.04 (documents))
• Your Social Security number document. (Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card (MVA))
• Two Maryland address documents with your name and Maryland address. (Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card (MVA))
• The one Maryland address document you already have. (Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card (MVA))
• Originals or certified copies only. MVA doesn't accept copies, scans or photocopies. (Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card (MVA))

Confirm with MVA if it applies to you

• You've held your license less than 18 months, so MVA says you'll get a Maryland provisional license. (Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card (MVA))
• Check that your identity document is on MVA's list using the Document Selector. (Document Selector (MyMVA))
• MVA has separate requirements for common-law name changes. Check MVA's name-change page before you go. (Update Name, Address or Other License Info (MVA))
• Check your Social Security document against MVA's list in the Document Selector. (Document Selector (MyMVA))
• Ask your eye doctor whether they can send results to MVA. MVA accepts exams up to two years old from an authorized eye doctor. (Vision Tests & Requirements (MVA))
• Plan for a vision screening at the MVA during your visit. (Vision Tests & Requirements (MVA))
• Vehicle documents (title, registration, inspection and insurance) aren't covered by this check. (New Maryland Residents (MVA))

Not confirmed yet

• MVA's name-change page says to update your name with Social Security at least 72 hours before your MVA appointment. That page is written for current Maryland license holders, so confirm with MVA whether it applies to you. (Update Name, Address or Other License Info (MVA))

Your next steps on MVA's site

1. Use MVA's Document Selector to pick your exact documents and print your summary. (Document Selector (MyMVA))
2. Start your Pre-Application on MyMVA: New to Maryland/New to Country, then Driver's License Only, then Begin Your Pre-App. (New Maryland Residents (MVA))

Bringing a car? Don't choose Driver's License Only. MVA lists a combined Driver's License, Title, and Registration appointment for new residents; use MVA's New Maryland Residents page to start it. (New Maryland Residents (MVA))

Need help with proof of address? Read our guide: Two Proofs of Address the MVA Accepts