In Maryland, a drivers license is issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) . To obtain a drivers license, you must provide the MVA with documentation that proves your identity, age, and that you live in Maryland. Examples of documents that will sufficiently prove your identity and age include a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a permanent resident card. Issuance of a driver’s license indicates that you have successfully met the criteria regarding vision, the ability to read and understand highway signs, knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving practices, demonstrated ability to exercise control in driving a motor vehicle, and physical and mental fitness to drive a motor vehicle safely.

There are different types of drivers licenses, including commercial drivers licenses (CDLs) and non-commercial drivers licenses. In Maryland, minors are subject to certain restrictions when driving, such as not being able to drive between the hours of 12 midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied and supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, or driving to or from a job, official school activity, organized volunteer program, or participating in an athletic event or related training session.

It is important to note that while some people believe that a drivers license is not required to legally drive on public roads, this is not true. The US Supreme Court has confirmed a states authority to establish licensing requirements for drivers, and a drivers license is a verification that the holder has at least a minimal understanding of the shared rules that keep us safe on the roads.