Driver's License Renewals

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Active U.S. foreign service members and their dependent(s) with a Maryland driver's license

Maryland driver's licenses remain in effect for active members of the U.S. Foreign Service and their dependents who reside with the active member outside Maryland while they are absent from Maryland.
You must keep your Maryland driver's license(s) (which have not been suspended, revoked, or canceled) and a verification of active service with you at all times while serving and employed with the U.S. Foreign Service.

Absentee driver's licenses

Military members currently stationed outside Maryland can apply for an absentee driver's license. Please request an absentee driver’s license application by calling 410-768-7442.

Medical requirements for CDL Holders

Uniformed service or U.S. Foreign Service members stationed outside of Maryland who hold a CDL, and any dependents residing with them who may also hold a CDL, are required to have a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate from an examiner certified with the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Learn more about the certificates and requirements.

Renew your driver's license when you return to Maryland

You have 30 days from the date you return to the State, are separated from employment in the uniformed service or U.S. Foreign Service, or are discharged from active service, to renew you driver’s license.

You can renew their driver’s license without retaking the skills and knowledge tests if your driver’s license is still valid or has been expired for less than one (1) year.
Bring your discharge or separation paperwork and use the MVA document selector to determine which documents are required to renew your license.
You must pass a vision screening.
If your Maryland driver's license has been expired for one (1) year or more, you must make an appointment at your local MVA branch with your expired Maryland driver's license and one (1) of the following:
- Military order which indicates you are an active service member outside of Maryland; or, 
- Your discharge or separation from active service member documents.
If you are unable to present the required acceptable military documentation, or if the 30-day return grace period has expired, the vision, knowledge and driving skills tests are required to renew your driver’s license.
- You are required to make an appointment to complete your transaction at a full-service MVA branch.

Military service members or contract employees with DOD with an out-of-state driver’s license or ID card

Some states grant an extension of the driver’s license validity period to active service members or a contract employee of the Department of Defense (DOD) and/or their dependents. The extension is for active service members and their dependents while they are stationed outside of their home licensing state.

Obtain a Maryland driver’s license or ID card when moving to Maryland

You can start online and follow step-by-step instructions with myMVA Online Services.

Step 1: Make sure your license is eligible

Your out-of-state driver’s license cannot be suspended or revoked.

Step 2: Start your application

Begin your application online with myMVA Online Services to get step-by-step instructions.

Step 3: If your out-of-state license is expired for more than one (1) year

If your out-of-state driver’s license has been expired for more than one (1) year and your state grants a uniformed service extension you must bring:

One of the following:
- Acceptable proof of your current status as:
  - An active service member,
  - A military dependent, or
  - A DOD civilian (for example, a military photo ID card),
- Recent discharge records
  - Each state allows a certain number of days after discharge.
  - Depending on your state’s extension, testing requirements may be waived.
Proof of age, identity, and residency
- Use the online document guide to see exactly what you need to bring.

You must also:

Pass a vision screening
Pay the required fees

Important license rules

If you have been licensed for less than 18 months, you will be issued a Maryland provisional driver’s license.
Out-of-state learner’s permits cannot be exchanged for a Maryland learner’s permit or driver’s license

Uniformed services licenses

Uniformed service operators' permits or licenses are not recognized as proof of having a current driver’s license, so you cannot exchange a uniformed services license for a Maryland license. Uniformed services licenses must be accompanied by a U.S. state or a foreign country driver’s license.

If applicants are unable to provide acceptable proof of ever holding a license from another state or country, they must be processed as a new driver. See next question for information on the Maryland Graduated Licensing System.

Start the driver's license pre-application

If you’re not sure which documents you need, use the online document guide to see exactly what you need to bring or contact the MVA before you visit.

Obtain a Maryland driver’s license as a new driver

As a new driver, you must complete all of the Maryland Graduated Licensing System requirements. 
The Maryland Graduated Licensing System requires proof of successful completion of a driver education program approved by the State of Maryland.
Before you sign up for a driver education program, please make sure that the Maryland MVA will accept that program’s certificate of completion.

The Maryland Graduated Licensing System also requires six (6) hours of behind-the-wheel (BTW) training. For students completing the BTW training on a military base, some, but not all, of this training will count toward your 6 hours. This is because some of our BTW program cannot be completed when you are on base only. You will need to complete the remaining BTW hours when you return to Maryland.

The Maryland MVA needs your BTW curriculum to determine how many BTW hours you will need to complete in Maryland. You can email the BTW curriculum for your driver education program to the MVA and request a decision on how many hours will be needed in Maryland.

Obtain A Maryland driver’s license or ID card when your out-of-state driver’s license is expired

There is no automatic extension for an active service member. 

Contact the state in which your last driver’s license was issued to find out if a military extension is granted before visiting the MVA.
Tests may be waived for an active service member, a contract employee of the DOD, and their dependents if the issuing state grants military extensions.
Maryland will then review the procedures of the state in which the driver’s license was issued before determining whether the transfer can be done without testing.

Obtain A Commercial Maryland Driver’s License (CDL)

A valid Medical Certification and waiver/exemption (if required) if applying for a commercial driver's license (CDL).
A hazardous material (HAZMAT) knowledge test is required to obtain your HAZMAT endorsement if applying for a commercial driver's license. A new background record check (or valid TWIC card) for a hazardous materials endorsement must also be completed in Maryland to transfer or retain your HAZMAT endorsement.