The information in this section applies to all active duty members of the United States (U.S.) military and their dependents.

Active Duty Military Personnel and their Dependents Currently Holding a MD Driver's License

Maryland driver's licenses remain in effect for active members of the armed forces and their dependents (who reside with the active member outside of Maryland), while they are absent from Maryland.  The licensees have 30 days after they return to Maryland, or when they are discharged or separated from active service, to visit an MVA office for their license renewals.

While on active duty, the service members and their dependents must keep their Maryland driver's licenses (which have not been suspended, revoked, or canceled) and a verification of active service with them at all times.

Upon returning to Maryland, active duty service members and their dependents must follow the steps listed below to renew their Maryland driver's license:

Please bring:
Your expiring driver's license and the fee.

• You must pass a vision test or submit a Vision Screening form.
• You will be required to disclose your social security number.  Applicants not eligible for a social security number will be required to provide a self-certification.
• The license may be renewed without additional tests, other than vision.
• If the MD license has been expired for a period of one (1) year or more from it's expiration date, proof of active duty status will be required.

OR

If absent from state:  Active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents (who temporarily reside with the active duty member outside of MD) may apply for a renewal, duplicate or corrected license while absent from MD.  To apply for an absentee driver's license, the licensee must request an application by mail by calling 1-800-950-1MVA (1682) or e-mail us.  Proof of Active Duty Status may be required.  In addition, if the licensee will be absent from MD for less than 90 days a 45 or 90 day temporary license may be requested.  The licensee must fax in a written request with their full name, date of birth, out-of-state or out-of-country address, and telephone number along with their written signature.   Please fax the request to 410-787-2988.

Military Personnel Possessing an Out-of-State License Wishing to Obtain a Maryland Driver's License or Photo Identification Card

The holder of the out-of-state license must present:

Proof of age, identity, Maryland residence, out-of-state license(s), and the appropriate fee for each license class for which you apply.  Please refer to Sources of Proof for required documentation.

• You must pass a vision test.
• The license cannot be suspended or revoked.
• If licensed for less than 18 months, you will be issued a Maryland Provisional License.
• If you are exchanging an out-of-state license that has been expired for one (1) year or more, and if your former state of domicile does not grant military extension, you will be required to take the knowledge and skills test in addition to the vision test.  If your former state of domicile does grant extension to driver's licenses for active military personnel and/or their dependents, proof of active duty status will be required in order to avoid taking the knowledge and skills test.
• You will be required to disclose your social security number.  Applicants not eligible for a social security number will be required to provide a self-certification.
• A valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card or Federal/MVA waiver (if applying for a commercial driver's license).
• A hazardous material (HAZMAT) test is required to keep your HAZMAT endorsement (if applying for a commercial driver's license).
• Out-of-state learner's permits cannot be exchanged for a Maryland Learner's Permit or license.

Note:  If you are presenting an out-of-state license with foreign issued documents, you will be required to schedule an appointment.  Applicants presenting a valid Employment Authorization Card (I-688A, I-688B, or I-766), or a valid passport with a valid United States visa and valid I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), or a valid Permanent Resident Card (I-551), are not required to make an appointment and may visit any full-service MVA office, Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm or Saturday 8:30 am - 12 pm.  For additional information on scheduling an appointment call 1-800-950-1682.

Military Personnel Exchanging an Armed Forces License for a Maryland License

Please bring:
Proof of age, identity, Maryland residence, armed forces license(s), and the appropriate fee for each license class applied for.  Please refer to Sources of Proof for required documentation.

• You must pass a vision test, knowledge test, and driving test.
• You will be required to disclose your social security number.  Applicants not eligible for a social security number will be required to provide a self-certification.
• An armed forces license may be a valid license or an expired license.  The license cannot be suspended.
• If licensed for less than 18 months, you will be issued a Maryland provisional license.
• You must submit a certificate verifying completion of a 3-Hour Drug and Alcohol Awareness Course.
• A valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card or federal/MVA waiver is needed if applying for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

For additional driver licensing information...

For vehicle registration information for military personnel...