Maryland drivers licenses allow residents of the state to legally drive motor vehicles. Different types of licenses are available for varying costs to applicants. Unrestricted DMV licenses are most often utilized by MD residents. To obtain permits, drivers must follow an application process developed by the state. Personal information, official documents and payment for fees is required from applicants. Various exams that test driving ability and knowledge are also administered.

The steps for receiving driving privileges vary between adult and teen applicants. Drivers younger than age 18 are subject to special restrictions by the state. Parents and legal guardians of young drivers are also heavily involved in the application process. Discover comprehensive information for MD driving permits in the sections below.

How to Apply for a Drivers License in Maryland as an Adult (18 or Older)

The DMV drivers licensing procedure requires drivers to reveal personal information, provide documentation and make monetary payments. Understanding the steps involved is helpful for applicants to make the procedure go as smoothly as possible. Additionally, alternative steps may arise for different types of vehicle licenses.

Maryland eligibility requirements are established to ensure license applicants are qualified and safe drivers. New driver licenses are only granted when residents successfully prove their eligibility in the state. To do this, drivers complete MA driver applications by providing personal information and backup documentation. Acceptable documents are listed below.

1. One proof of Social Security Number (SSN)
   • Social Security Card, must be original
   • W-2 form
   • SSA-1099 form
2. One proof of identity and age, such as:
   • Official Birth Certificate
   • United States Passport
   • Permanent Resident Card
   • Foreign passport, must be unexpired
   • Employment authorization form
   • Certificate of Citizenship
   • Certificate of Naturalization
3. Two proofs of residency, such as:
   • Insurance card
   • Financial statement
   • Federal or MD tax return
   • Recent government-issued mail
   • Loan document
   • Property tax statement
   • Professional state license
   • Mortgage documents
   • Letter stating applicant’s name and residential address
   • School-issued transcripts or report cards

Additionally, for provisional licenses, applicants must be no younger than 16 years and 6 months old. For regular drivers licenses in the state, applicants cannot be younger than age 18.

Steps to Apply for a New Drivers License in Maryland as an Adult

When new drivers meet basic eligibility requirements, the application process for licensing may begin. Applying for drivers licenses online is not available in Maryland. Instead, applicants are required to visit an official MVA office to obtain driving privileges.

MD drivers license requirements state that all new drivers must hold learner’s permits before applying for unrestricted licenses. Applicants may submit a completed permit application to an MVA office for processing. Submission of verification documents is also required during the visit.

Next, drivers are required to pass a knowledge exam and vision test. Upon completion of the tests and successful fee payment, permits are granted. While using learner’s permits, specific requirements apply.

New drivers from age 21 to 24 must:

• Complete 60 hours of supervised driving, including 10 nighttime hours, and record data on a log sheet.
• Hold learner’s permits for 3 months.

New drivers age 25 and older must:

• Complete 14 hours of supervised driving, including 3 nighttime hours, and record the information on a log sheet.
• Hold learner’s permits for 45 days

MD residents are eligible to take the road test for provisional licenses when these permit requirements are satisfied. Applicants must schedule an MVA appointment for the exam in advance. Provisional licenses are earned upon successful completion of the road test and fee payment.

Drivers must hold provisional licenses for 18 months before being granted an unrestricted license. While unsupervised driving is allowed during this period, restrictions still apply.

Lastly, unrestricted DMV drivers licenses are automatically earned when the provisional licensing period is over. Applicants are mailed special cards to attach to their provisional licenses indicating this information. When drivers renew their permits, unrestricted license cards are provided.

Getting a Maryland Drivers License as a New Resident

New MD residents must learn how to get a drivers license after moving to the state. By 60 days after establishing residency, an updated permit is needed. Applicants with less than 18 months of out-of-state driving experience are only eligible for provisional licenses.

Applicants may determine where to get a drivers license by finding the closest MVA office to their new homes. During the transfer process, the following requirements apply:

• Drivers must complete a vision exam.
• Drivers must complete a knowledge and driving test, if out-of-state licenses are expired for a year or more.
• Drivers must pay all licensing fees.

Additionally, drivers should present specific documentation during the application process. These items include:

• Out-of-state license or current driving record.
• Social Security Card.
• Proof of Maryland residency.

New licenses are granted when all documents and fees are successfully processed.

How to Apply for a Drivers License in Maryland as a Teen (Younger Than 18)

Maryland drivers who are younger than age 18 should familiarize themselves with the process of obtaining a valid license. Understanding the required steps prevents teens from running into problems when applying for driving privileges. Furthermore, parents and guardians of young MD residents should anticipate involvement with licensing procedures.

Specific drivers license information and eligibility requirements apply to teen drivers in Maryland. These guidelines are established for drivers age 18 and younger to ensure only qualified drivers are granted new licenses. Basic eligibility rules for teen Massachusetts residents include:

• Drivers must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply for permits
• Drivers below age 16 must submit a Verification of Identity or School Attendance form #DL-300 contained in a sealed, unopened envelope
• New drivers must successfully pass the required written, vision and skills tests when apply for a permit/license
• Parents or legal guardians of drivers younger than age 18 must sign and endorse driving license applications for regular licenses
• Parents and legal guardians can withdraw consent for teen driving privileges of dependents

Additionally, young residents must meet the standard residency, citizenship, identity and age requirements for new drivers.

Drivers Ed Requirements to Get a Drivers License in Maryland

All new drivers in Maryland are required to attend drivers education courses before applying for provisional licenses. When attending a drivers license education class, students are provided with 30 hours of classroom instruction. During these hours, basic road rules, safety tips and driving practices are covered. Additionally, 6 hours of on-road driving practice are completed. Students must receive learner’s permits before enrolling in drivers education courses.

Throughout the state, private schools offer drivers education courses for new drivers. For certification to be valid, applicants should attend a school licensed and certified by the state.

Steps to Get a New Drivers License in Maryland as a Teen

In Maryland, licensed driving begins with applying for a learner’s permit. Teen drivers can apply for driver license services by visiting an official MVA location with the necessary documents and information. A completed permit application signed by parents or guardians is also required.

Next, applicants take the standard knowledge exam and vision test. Learner’s permits are granted when drivers pass the exams and pay the required fees.

Certain requirements apply to teen drivers using learner’s permits. New drivers age 21 and younger must complete 60 hours of supervised driving practice, with 10 hours occurring at night. Supervisors may use an official log sheet to record these hours. Additionally, learner’s permits must be held for the following time periods:

• Nine months for drivers age 18 or under without high school diplomas
• Three months for drivers age 18 with high school diplomas
• Three months for drivers age 19 to 21

The road test for provisional licenses is the next step after meeting all learner’s permit standards. An appointment for the test at an MVA office should be made in advance. When the road test is passed and fees are paid, provisional licenses are granted to teen drivers.

Driving under provisional licenses is necessary for 18 months before residents can obtain an unrestricted license. The following restrictions apply to teen drivers using this license:

• Hands-free and wireless communication devices may not be used while driving.
• Safety belts are always required while driving.
• Passengers cannot ride with drivers unless a qualified supervisor is present.
• Driving under the influence of any amount of alcohol is not allowed.

After the 18-month period, unrestricted DMV drivers licenses are automatically mailed to drivers. Initially, special cards signifying this information are applied to the regular provisional license card. Unrestricted license cards are provided when residents renew their permits.

Maryland Drivers License Costs

The following costs apply to licenses and exams for new drivers in Maryland:

• New license under age 21: $9 per year
• New license for ages 21 and older: $72 for five years
• Learner’s permit: $50

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