What to Bring to the Maryland DMV for Your Permit Test
Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.
Before You Go
- →Book an appointment online to skip the long walk-in lines
- →Double-check that all documents are originals, not photocopies
- →Make sure your parent/guardian knows they must come with you
- →Study the Maryland Driver's Manual thoroughly before arriving
- →Arrive 15 minutes early to handle any paperwork issues
- →Bring a valid form of payment for the $50 fee
- →Get a good night's sleep so you're sharp for the test
Required Documents
Proof of Identity (Primary Document)
- ✓Valid U.S. Passport
- ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
- ✓Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- ✓Valid Foreign Passport with valid U.S. Visa and I-94
- ✓Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
You must bring the original document or a certified copy; photocopies are not accepted. If you want a REAL ID, you need one primary document plus proof of residency.
Proof of Social Security Number
- ✓Social Security Card
- ✓W-2 Form
- ✓SSA-1099 Form
- ✓Pay Stub with full name and SSN
- ✓Non-SSA-1099 Form
Maryland requires proof of your SSN. If you don't have a card, bring a W-2 or pay stub. If you are not eligible for an SSN, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are ineligible.
Proof of Maryland Residency
Bring 2 of these:
- ✓Utility bill (electric, gas, water, sewer) dated within 60 days
- ✓Bank statement dated within 60 days
- ✓Parent's lease or mortgage statement
- ✓School report card or transcript with current address
- ✓Medical or insurance document with current address
For a standard license, one document is usually enough, but for a REAL ID, you strictly need two different documents showing your Maryland address. Both must be dated within the last 60 days.
Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)
- ✓Parent or legal guardian must sign the application in person at the MVA office
- ✓Parent must present their own valid photo ID
- ✓If parents are divorced, the custodial parent must sign unless the court order states otherwise
- ✓Legal guardians must bring court documents proving guardianship
- ✓Foster parents must bring specific foster care documentation
The parent or guardian MUST be physically present with you at the MVA to sign the consent form. They cannot sign it at home and have you bring it in.
Fees & Payment
$50
This $50 fee covers the learner's permit application and the first 5-year license term. If you fail the knowledge test, there is a small retest fee, but the $50 is for the permit itself.
Accepted payment:
Forms
Application for Learner's Permit (DL-180TD)
Available at: MVA website or in-person at the office
You can fill this out online ahead of time to save time, but do NOT sign it until you are in front of the MVA employee. They need to watch you sign it.
What NOT to Bring
- ✗Your cell phone (use it only before/after, not during the test)
- ✗Large bags or backpacks (storage is limited)
- ✗Friends or siblings (they cannot sit in the waiting room with you)
- ✗Food or drinks (no eating inside the testing area)
- ✗Your own pen (MVA provides pens)
- ✗Pets (service animals only)
- ✗Sunglasses (unless medically necessary, but be ready to take them off for the photo)
At the Office
- →The knowledge test is computer-based and multiple choice
- →You must score 80% or higher to pass; if you fail, you can usually retake it the same day for a fee
- →Once you pass, you'll get an interim paper permit valid for 45 days
- →The official plastic card will arrive by mail within 15 days
- →You must hold this permit for at least 9 months before applying for your provisional license
Official Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) info: mva.maryland.gov
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