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Moving to Maryland with a license from another state? Maryland law lets a new resident drive on a valid license from their former state for the first 60 days of residency, and drive a car still registered there for the same 60 days. The MVA may waive the knowledge and driving tests for holders of a valid US or Canadian license, but by law it can’t waive the vision test. Newer drivers coming from another state may start on a Maryland provisional license. Here is what that means for you.
Key facts (Maryland, as of November 2026)
- License: valid out-of-state license accepted for the first 60 days of residency (Transportation Article § 16-102).
- Vehicle: a car with valid registration from your former state is exempt for the first 60 days of residency (§ 13-402).
- Tests: the MVA may waive license exams for holders of a valid license from another state, US territory, DC, Puerto Rico or a Canadian province (§ 16-110).
- Vision test: can’t be waived for a new Maryland license (§ 16-110).
- Licensed less than 18 months: you may get a provisional license with a set holding period (§ 16-111).
Your 60-day window
Section 16-102 of the Transportation Article exempts a new resident from Maryland licensing during the first 60 days of residency if all three of these apply:
- You hold a valid license from the state where you used to live.
- That license covers the class of vehicle you are driving.
- You are at least the age Maryland requires for a resident to drive that class.
The third point matters for younger teens. A 15-year-old licensed in a state with a lower driving age is not covered, because Maryland’s own age rules apply. After day 60 you need a Maryland license.
Other groups the same section exempts include nonresident students at a Maryland (or bordering-state) college whose home state gives Maryland students the same privilege, and uniformed service members on active duty with their dependents, under conditions in the law.
Which tests the MVA can waive
For an original Maryland license, § 16-110 lists the full examination: vision, signs, traffic laws and a driving demonstration. It then lets the MVA waive any exam if you hold a valid license from:
- another state
- a US territory or possession, the District of Columbia or Puerto Rico
- a Canadian province or territory
The vision exam is the exception. The law allows that waiver only for a corrected license with an acceptable vision test in the last 12 months, so movers should expect an eye test at the MVA. If your license is expired, suspended or from another country, ask the MVA which tests you must take, and prepare with the Maryland knowledge test guide and the driving skills test explained.
Licensed less than 18 months? The provisional license rule
Maryland’s graduated system doesn’t vanish just because your experience was gained elsewhere. Under § 16-111(e), if you have been licensed in another state or country (or by the armed forces) for less than 18 months, the MVA may issue a Maryland provisional license. How long you then hold it depends on your experience:
| Time licensed before the move | Minimum time on the Maryland provisional license |
|---|---|
| Less than 6 months | At least 18 months |
| 6 months to under 12 months | At least 12 months, with no offense during that time |
| 12 months to under 18 months | At least 6 months, with no offense during that time |
| 18 months or more | The MVA may issue a full license without a permit or provisional stage |
A traffic offense while on the provisional license resets you to the standard waiting periods. Provisional drivers under 18 also face passenger, night and phone restrictions. See Maryland provisional license rules and Maryland points for new drivers.
Moving with a learner’s permit
Ask the MVA how an out-of-state learner’s permit converts. Maryland learners must complete driver education (30 hours of classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel) and logged practice. Bring your permit, course certificate and driving log, and ask the MVA what transfers. Background: Maryland driver education course requirements.
What to bring to the MVA
- Your valid out-of-state license.
- Proof of age and identity, Social Security number and Maryland residency. The MVA publishes the accepted documents. Bring originals.
- Extra documents if you want a REAL ID-compliant card. See REAL ID and your first US license.
- Glasses or contacts you wear to drive, for the vision test.
- Payment for the license fee. Check the current figure on the MVA’s fees page.
Check how to book an MVA appointment before you go; see how to book a DMV appointment.
Registering your car in Maryland
- 60 days: § 13-402 exempts a new resident’s vehicle from Maryland registration for the first 60 days of residency, as long as it displays valid registration from your former home.
- After that: title and register the car with the MVA. Under § 23-107, the MVA requires a valid inspection certificate before it titles and registers any used vehicle (historic vehicles excepted). The certificate is valid for 90 days, so time the inspection close to your MVA visit. The MVA may issue a temporary registration while you get it, but the car must then be inspected within 60 days. Ask the MVA whether your county also needs an emissions test.
- Insurance: get Maryland coverage before registering. See minimum car insurance by state and title, registration and inspection in the US.
Common questions
How long do I have to get a Maryland license after moving?
Your valid out-of-state license is accepted for the first 60 days of residency.
Do I have to take the knowledge test to transfer my license to Maryland?
Maryland law lets the MVA waive it if you hold a valid license from another state, a US territory, DC, Puerto Rico or Canada. Expect a vision test, which the MVA can’t waive.
I got my license in Pennsylvania 8 months ago. Do I get a full Maryland license?
Probably not straight away. With 6 to 12 months of experience, the law sets at least 12 months on a Maryland provisional license with no offenses.
How long can I drive my car on out-of-state plates?
For the first 60 days of residency, if its registration from your former state is valid.
I’m a student at a Maryland university. Do I need a Maryland license?
Not necessarily. Nonresident students are exempt if their home state extends the same privilege to Maryland residents and they carry their home license.
Can I drive in Maryland at 15 on my home state’s license?
No. The new-resident exemption only covers you if you are at least the age Maryland requires to drive that class of vehicle.
Moving between other states? See moving to a new state: transferring your license, or the full Maryland license guide.
Sources
- Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article § 16-102: Exemptions from licensing” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
- Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article § 16-110: Examination of applicants” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
- Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article § 16-111: Provisional licenses” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
- Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article § 13-402: Registration required, exceptions” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
- Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article § 23-107: Inspection of used vehicles” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
- Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article § 16-105: Learner’s instructional permits and driver education” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)