How to Get a Maryland Driver’s License from Another State

November 5, 2025
4 Min Read

If you are a new resident of Maryland, you have come to the right place. You must obtain a Maryland driver’s license within 60 days of moving to the state. If you hold an out-of-state commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must transfer it within 30 days.

The process is straightforward, but it requires one mandatory, in-person appointment. You will need to surrender your previous state’s license to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and provide a specific set of documents.

This guide will walk you through the correct steps, the real document requirements, and the most important rules to avoid re-taking the driving test.

The Most Important Rule: Do You Need to Re-Test?

This is the #1 question new residents have, and the rules are very strict. You DO NOT have to take the knowledge (written) test or the road test IF you meet two conditions:

  1. Your out-of-state license is current and valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked).
  2. You physically surrender the valid, out-of-state license card to the MVA.

CRITICAL: If your out-of-state license is expired by even one day, or if you have lost the physical card and cannot surrender it, you MUST take and pass all three tests: the Vision Test, the Knowledge (Written) Test, and the Skills (Road) Test.

Your Required Documents (The “REAL ID” List)

You must bring original documents for your appointment. The MVA does not accept photocopies. You will need one document from each of the first two categories and two from the third.

  • 1. Proof of Age & Identity (One required):
    • U.S. Passport or U.S. Birth Certificate
    • Permanent Resident Card or other immigration documents
  • 2. Proof of Social Security (One required):
    • Social Security Card
    • W-2 or 1099 form (must show your full SSN)
    • Note: The MVA will not accept a laminated SSN card.
  • 3. Proofs of Maryland Residency (TWO required):
    • You must bring TWO recent (within 90 days) documents from different sources with your name and new Maryland address.
    • Examples: Utility bill, bank statement, paystub, lease agreement, MVA vehicle registration, or an official letter from a government agency.
  • 4. Your Out-of-State License Card:

How to Schedule Your “New to Maryland” Appointment

You must schedule an appointment to transfer your license. Walk-ins are not accepted for this service.

  1. Visit the Official MVA Portal: Go to the MVA’s Central Scheduling System at [https://mymva.maryland.gov/TAP/IND/_/].
  2. Select Your Service: Click the “Schedule an Appointment” button. From the list of categories, select “Driver’s License Services” or “New to Maryland/New to Country.”
  3. Choose the Specific Service: Select “Out-of-State Driver’s License Transfer.”
  4. Complete the Pre-Application: The system may guide you through a pre-application to enter your information and confirm you have the required documents.
  5. Select Location & Time: Choose the most convenient MVA branch office from the list and select an available date and time.
  6. Confirm Your Appointment: Enter your name, email, and phone number, then click “Submit.” You will receive a confirmation email. You must bring this confirmation (either printed or on your phone) to your appointment.

Cost and What to Expect at Your Appointment

  • Cost: The fee for a new, standard 8-year Maryland non-commercial driver’s license is $72. (The $114 fee mentioned in your original article is incorrect).
  • The Process:
    1. You will arrive at your scheduled time and check in.
    2. An MVA agent will call you to review all your REAL ID documents.
    3. You will surrender your old out-of-state license card.
    4. You will take and pass the vision test.
    5. (If your old license was expired) You will be directed to take the knowledge and road tests.
    6. You will have a new photo taken.
    7. You will pay the $72 fee.
    8. You will receive a temporary paper license. Your new, permanent license card will be mailed to your Maryland address within 7-10 business days.

FAQs from New Maryland Residents

Do my driver’s license points transfer from my old state?

No. Maryland does not transfer the points from your old record. You start with a clean 0-point record in Maryland. However, the MVA will review your out-of-state driving record. If you have an active suspension or revocation in your previous state (or any other state), you cannot get a Maryland license until you have cleared that suspension.

Do I have to register my car at the same appointment?

No, and you can’t. This is a critical point. Your driver’s license and your vehicle registration are two separate processes with different requirements.
>Your License: Requires the REAL ID documents.
>Your Car: Requires a Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate before you can title or register it. You must get your car inspected at a licensed station first, then book a separate MVA appointment for “Vehicle Titling and Registration.”

I don’t have my physical Social Security card. What can I use?

This is a common problem. The MVA willaccept an original W-2 form or an SSA-1099 (Social Security benefit statement) as long as it shows your full, unredacted Social Security Number. A paystub may also be accepted if it shows your full name and SSN.

I’m also changing my name (e.g., from marriage). Can I do that at the same time?

Yes. You must bring your original, legal name-change document (like a certified Marriage Certificate or a court order) in addition to all the other documents listed.

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