Welcome to the official guide for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). If you’re looking for an appointment, you must know the single most important rule in the state: Appointments are mandatory for all services.
The Maryland MVA does not accept walk-ins for driver’s licenses, permits, renewals, or vehicle registrations.
The good news is that Maryland uses a single, unified online portal for all services, from getting your first permit to registering your car. This guide will show you how to use that system, what to book, and the exact documents you need to bring.
How to Schedule Your MVA Appointment
All in-person services are booked through the same central portal.
- Go to the MVA Portal: Navigate to the official MVA Central Scheduling System.
- Select Your Service Category: You will see a list of categories (e.g., “Driver’s License Services,” “Vehicle Services”). Click the one you need.
- Choose Your Specific Service: This is the most important step. A new menu will appear. You must select the exactservice you need (e.g., “Apply for a Learner’s Permit” or “Vehicle Titling and Registration”).
- Select Your Location: Choose your preferred MVA branch office from the list or map.
- Pick a Date and Time: A calendar will show you all available slots. Select the date and time that works for you.
- Enter Your Details: Fill in your name, email, and phone number.
- Confirm & Save: You will receive a confirmation email and/or text. You must bring this confirmation (either printed or on your phone) to your appointment.
What to Book: A “Cheat Sheet” for MVA Services
The service list can be confusing. Here is exactly what to select based on what you need to do.
If you are… A New Resident
- Service to Select: “Driver’s License Services” → “Out-of-State Driver’s License”
- What to Know: This is the one-stop appointment to transfer your old license and get a new MD REAL ID. Our complete guide on how to get a Maryland driver’s license from another state has the full checklist of what to bring.
If you need a… Learner's Permit (Written Test)
- Service to Select: “First-time driver/ID service” → “Apply for a Learner’s Permit”
- What to Know:
- This one appointment includes both your document check, vision test, and the knowledge (written) test.
- You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old.
- You must bring your REAL ID documents (see Section 3).
- If under 18, you must bring a parent/guardian to co-sign the application and a School Attendance Form (DL-300) in an unopened envelope from your school.
- The test has 25 questions, and you must get at least 80% to pass.
If you need to… Take Your Driving Test
- Service to Select: “First-time driver/ID Service” → “Driver Skill Test”
- What to Know:
- You must have held your learner’s permit for the required time (e.g., 9 months for teens).
- You must bring a licensed driver (age 21+ with 3 years of experience) who must stay for the entire test.
- You must bring your Driver’s Education course completion certificate.
- The vehicle you use must have valid registration, insurance, and be in safe working order.
If you need to… Register & Title a Car
- Service to Select: “Vehicle Services” → “Vehicle Titling and Registration”
- What to Know: This is the correct appointment for a new purchase, a transfer, or a special case like gifting a car in Maryland. If you just bought a car from a private seller, you will first need to get Maryland temporary tags to drive it legally to the inspection and MVA.
If you need to… Renew Your Driver's License
You have two paths for renewal.
- Path A (Online Renewal): This is the fastest way. If you are eligible, you can renew online at the myMVA portal and skip the trip entirely.
- Path B (In-Person Appointment): You must make an appointment if you are not eligible for online renewal (e.g., your last renewal was online, or you are getting your first REAL ID).
- Service to Select: “Driver’s License Services” → “Renew Driver’s License”
The REAL ID Documents (What You MUST Bring)
For any in-person driver’s license, permit, or ID card service, you must bring the following original documents to get your REAL ID / Secure ID.
- 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 Number (One required):
- Social Security Card
- W-2 or 1099 form (must show full SSN)
- 3. Proofs of Maryland Residency (TWO required):
- You must bring TWO recent (within 90 days) documents from different sources with your name and MD address.
- Examples: Utility bill, bank statement, paystub, lease agreement, MVA registration card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You cannot walk in for these services. The “best time to visit” is irrelevant because all MVA branches are by appointment only. Any article that says otherwise is incorrect.
Open your confirmation email. There will be a direct link to “Cancel” or “Reschedule” your appointment. You can also go to the main appointment portal and use the “Search/Cancel Appointment” feature.
The main MVA customer service line is 1-800-950-1682. Use this for general questions. It is not the primary way to book an appointment; you should always use the online portal.
You cannot book a “renewal” appointment. You must first clear your suspension. This may involve paying fines or completing other requirements. You can check your status on the myMVA portal or book a “Reinstatement“ appointment to speak with a specialist.
Conclusion
To get your service done at a Maryland MVA, planning is everything. Remember the two Golden Rules: appointments are mandatory, and you must use the official online scheduling portal for everything.
The best way to succeed is to book your appointment weeks in advance and use our “Cheat Sheet” to select the exactservice you need. Before you go, use our document checklist to gather your REAL ID documents (proof of identity, SSN, and two proofs of residency) to ensure your visit is a success.
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