Driving Tests

Maryland Learner’s Permit and Driver’s License Documents: Checklist

informational·how to guide·Published July 5, 2026

What documents do I need for a Maryland learner’s permit or driver’s license?

To get a Maryland learner’s permit or driver’s license, bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or U.S. passport), proof of your Social Security number, and two documents that show your Maryland address. Bring the original documents: the MVA does not accept photocopies. Under 18, a parent or guardian must co-sign. Under 16, also bring school form DL-300 or DL-300A.

Where the Maryland document facts come from

The permit documents come from the MVA learner’s permit page. The license documents after a move come from the MVA page for new residents and the MVA page for international movers. The Social Security and lawful status rules come from Maryland Transportation Article § 16-103.1, and the co-signer rules come from § 16-107. The two proofs of address, the copy rule and the co-signer proofs also come from the Maryland Driver’s Manual (DL-002, October 2025 edition). The name change and non-compliant license facts come from older MVA pages (April 2026 copies). This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Maryland MVA (mva.maryland.gov) before you drive.

Maryland MVA document checklist

1
Proof of identity
Accepted documents include a birth certificate, U.S. passport, Permanent Resident card, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship.
2
Proof of your Social Security number
Bring your Social Security card. If the card is not available, a current W-2, SSA-1099, non-SSA-1099 or pay stub that shows your name and full Social Security number can work instead.
3
Two proofs of Maryland address
Bring two documents that show your name and Maryland address. The name must match the name on your proof of identity.
4
Proof of lawful status, if you were born outside the U.S.
Anyone born outside the United States must bring a document that proves lawful status. Under Maryland law, the MVA may not issue a license without satisfactory evidence of it.
5
Extra papers for your situation
Check the sections below if you are under 18, new to Maryland, or you changed your name. Then use the MVA Online Document Guide or the myMVA Document Selector tool to confirm your exact documents.

Which documents prove a Maryland address?

A residential rental contract, or a mortgage statement or other proof of home ownership
Mail from a utility, phone, or cable or satellite TV company about your account
Mail or a benefits statement from a federal, state or local government agency
Mail from your bank or other financial account, or a credit card statement
A Maryland vehicle registration card or title, or an insurance card or policy
A U.S. high school report card or transcript, or mail from a U.S. college or university
A voter registration card or a property tax bill

Can I bring copies of my documents to the Maryland MVA?

Not plain copies. Bring original documents. The Maryland Driver’s Manual also accepts copies certified by the agency that issued them. It does not accept photocopies, notarized copies, or documents with changed or erased information. The MVA page for new residents is stricter: originals only, with no copies, scans or photocopies.
If you do not have your original birth certificate, ask the agency that issued it for a certified copy before your appointment.

What do I bring if I am under 18?

A parent or legal guardian must co-sign your application, and you must show proof that they are your parent or guardian. Examples are an original or certified birth certificate that shows your parent’s name, or court documents that show legal guardianship.
If your identity document does not show a parent or guardian name, also bring proof of a parental relationship or dependency, such as a tax return or health insurance card.

Extra papers if you are under 16 or in DSS custody

You are under 16 and use school form DL-300

Your school or county home school coordinator completes it. Bring it to the MVA in the sealed, unopened envelope from the school.

You are under 16 and use form DL-300A

A parent or guardian co-signs the form. This is the other choice to DL-300.

You are a minor in Department of Social Services (DSS) custody or guardianship

The DSS director or designee brings their state ID card and an original court document with a seal that shows the custody or guardianship.

How do I book the MVA permit appointment?

You can do the pre-application and book your appointment online through your myMVA account. The appointment is at a full-service MVA office, and you bring all your documents to it. At the appointment you take a vision screening and a knowledge test. After the appointment, the MVA mails your permit to you. For the rules that apply after you get the permit, see our guide to Maryland learner’s permit rules.

What else do I bring if I moved to Maryland with a license?

Your current out-of-state license or ID card. If you do not have the license card, bring a certified driving record from the licensing agency that is not more than 30 days old.
A passed vision screening from within the previous 24 months.
Your identity, Social Security and two address documents, as originals only.
If you moved from another country, use the Online Document Guide. Your documents may need electronic verification through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to confirm lawful status.
For the deadline and the tests, see our guide to moving to Maryland with a license.

What if I changed my name?

The MVA says that if you use a name other than your birth name, you must bring the document that changed your name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court-ordered name change. Bring the original or a copy certified by the agency that issued it. If your valid U.S. passport already shows your new name, you need no more name change papers.
If the name on your Social Security card is different, change it with the Social Security Administration first. Allow time for that office to record the change before your MVA appointment.

What if I do not have valid U.S. immigration papers?

The MVA says that applicants who show foreign documents without valid U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documents apply for a federally non-compliant license or ID card, by online appointment. First, file Maryland income taxes for the 2 years before you apply. Then get a certification letter from the Comptroller’s Office of Maryland as proof that you filed. You need this letter before you can make the appointment. If you update your immigrant status, you may qualify for a REAL ID compliant license or ID card.

Key takeaways

Bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number and two proofs of Maryland address.
Bring originals. The MVA does not accept photocopies or notarized copies.
Under 18, a parent or guardian co-signs. Under 16, also bring form DL-300 or DL-300A.
Check your exact list with the MVA Online Document Guide or the myMVA Document Selector before you go.
Next step: practice on the free Maryland Class C practice test.

Maryland MVA documents: common questions

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You can request a duplicate card on the Social Security Administration website. You can also use a current W-2, SSA-1099 or non-SSA-1099 form, or a pay stub, that shows your name and full Social Security number. If you are not eligible for a Social Security number, bring documents that prove that instead.

Who can co-sign if I have no parent or guardian, or I am married?

Maryland law lets an adult employer or another responsible adult co-sign in that case. If you are married, a husband or wife who is 18 or older can co-sign, and you must show proof of marriage. Without a parent, guardian or spouse, you also need proof such as your parents’ death certificates or proof of emancipation, which means a court decided you are no longer under your parents’ control.

What does a parent agree to when they co-sign my application?

Under Maryland law, the co-signer gives the MVA a mailing address. While you are a minor, the co-signer must tell the MVA about a change of that address within 30 days. The co-signer also certifies that the statements in your application are true to the best of their knowledge, information and belief.

Does my proof of age have to show my full name?

Yes. The Maryland Driver’s Manual says that the document that proves your age must include your full name, for example your birth certificate or passport. Your two proofs of Maryland address must also show your name, and it must match the name on your proof of age and identity. If your name changed, also bring the document that changed it.