Moving to Maryland, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how long a new resident may drive on an out-of-state license.
• You can describe what an out-of-country license holder must complete.
• You can explain how a recently licensed driver fits into the provisional system.
• You can describe REAL ID.
• You can explain renewal timing.

What you need to know and understand

• New residents may drive on a valid license and registration from their former state during the first 60 days of residency.
• Drivers licensed elsewhere for at least 18 months can get a Maryland license without a permit or provisional stage.
• Licensed less than 6 months: hold a provisional license at least 18 months. 6 to 12 months: at least 12. 12 to 18 months: at least 6, with no offenses.
• Out-of-country license holders take vision, knowledge and skills tests plus a 3-hour roadway safety program.
• A license not in English needs an International License or an approved translation.
• Licenses for drivers 21 and older last up to 8 years; under 21, they expire within 60 days after your 21st birthday.
• You may renew up to 12 months before expiry, and within 1 year after expiry without a driving test.
• A REAL ID-compliant card is needed for domestic flights and some federal buildings unless you use another accepted ID such as a passport.

From another U.S. state

Book an MVA appointment and bring identity, Social Security and two Maryland residence documents, plus your current license. If you have been licensed at least 18 months, the MVA can issue a full Maryland license; it may still examine your driving if it chooses.

If you have been licensed less than 18 months, you get a provisional license with the matching restrictions, and the time you must hold it depends on how long you were licensed before.

From another country

1. Pass the vision screening.
2. Pass the knowledge test.
3. Pass the driving skills test.
4. Complete an MVA-approved 3-hour roadway safety driving education program.
5. If your license is not in English, bring an International License or a translation from an MVA-approved provider, a court translator or your country's embassy, with the translator's printed name, phone number and signature.

REAL ID and renewals

Since May 2025, federal rules require a REAL ID-compliant card, marked with a star, or another accepted ID such as a passport, to board domestic flights. Bring the full set of identity documents when you first apply so the MVA can issue a compliant card.

The MVA mails a reminder at least 60 days before your license expires. Some renewals can be done without visiting if your photo is less than 16 years old. If you develop a reportable medical condition, you must tell the MVA. Our guide to moving to Maryland and license transfer covers documents in detail.

Common mistakes

• Waiting past 60 days to switch your license after moving.
• Bringing photocopies of documents. Originals or certified copies only.
• Assuming a foreign license swaps directly. Out-of-country drivers must test and complete the 3-hour program.
• Letting a license expire for more than a year, which can mean retesting.

Test yourself: Moving to Maryland, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

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