Out-of-State Driver's License Transfer In Maryland State

When you're ready to relocate to Maryland, there are several steps you must take to ensure that your out-of-state driver's license and out-of-state vehicle registration are properly transferred to the state of Maryland. Here's what you need to know about transferring out-of-state paperwork.

Documents Needed

To properly transfer your out-of-state driver's license to the state of Maryland, you must present the following documents:
  • Valid out-of-state driver's license
  • There are two types of identification.
  • A copy of your social security card
  • Proof of your new MD address and proof of your new MD residence
  • Pass a vision exam
  • Pay all applicable driver's license state fees (new Maryland residents will pay $42 to enter their information into the state's system, and all first-time Maryland residents will pay $72 to receive their driver's license as a resident.)
Make sure you have all the documents and payment(s) for the transfer to go as smoothly as possible.

What You'll Need To Do

Here's the definitive guide to converting your out-of-state driver's license to a Maryland one. This is especially true if you have a US driver's license from another state and want to switch to a Maryland driver's license.

Step 1: Pass The Vision Test

The State of Maryland requires the following qualifications for an unrestricted MD driver's license:
  • Binocular vision
  • Each eye must have a visual acuity of at least 20/40.
  • At least a 140-degree continuous field of vision
If you have any of the following, you may be issued a restricted MD driver's license:
  • At least 20/70 vision in one or both eyes
  • A continuous field of vision of at least 110 degrees, with at least 35 degrees lateral to each side's midline
Please keep in mind that these two requirements must be met at the same time. If your vision is less than 20/70 but no worse than 20/100, you must contact the MVA's Modified Vision Unit at (410) 768-7513 for special handling requirements.

Step 2: The Written Exam

The Maryland written exam consists of 25 true or false questions. These questions are based on Maryland's driver's manual information and cover traffic signs, traffic laws, and driver safety.

Step 3: The Title Transfer

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) oversees most of the state's vehicle and licensing services. As a new Maryland resident, you will go to your local MVA office to transfer your out-of-state vehicle registration and take care of other vehicle issues.

Step 4: Vehicle Registration

If you brought your vehicle to Maryland, you have 60 days to register it with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Failure to register your vehicle with the state of Maryland may result in various penalties. Contact the DMV in your previous state to find out if you need to surrender your license plates or notify them of your address change.

Step 5: Get A Car Insurance

Before driving a car in Maryland, you must first obtain a valid MD auto insurance policy. In Maryland, you must obtain certain types of auto insurance coverage, such as
  • $30,000 for bodily injury
  • $60,000 for two or more persons
  • $15,000 for property damage
Failure to obtain the required auto coverage in Maryland could result in a $150 fine for the first 30 days and a $7 fine for each additional day you drive without proper insurance. These fees could reach a yearly maximum of $2,500 per uninsured vehicle. In addition to the fees for driving without proper auto insurance, your vehicle's registration will be suspended. If you drive a vehicle with a suspended registration, it may be impounded, and you may be fined and ticketed. If you do not respond to the MD MVA insurance notifications, your case will be transferred to the Central Collections Unit (CCU). When your case is sent to the CCU, you will be charged a 17 percent collection fee, and your income tax return will be intercepted.

Step 6: Emission Inspection

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration enforces a Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP). This emissions inspection program requires that you have your vehicle inspected for emissions every two years. If you drive an environmentally friendly vehicle, you may be exempt from the emissions rule.

Vehicle Registration Requirements In Maryland

Specific paperwork is required when registering your vehicle in Maryland. In Maryland, you can register your vehicle by mail or in person. The documentation required is the same whether you register your vehicle in person or by mail. The following documents are required to register your vehicle in Maryland:
  • The previous state's title for the vehicle
  • A completed Certificate of Title Application (Form VR-005) This form is used to title and register your vehicle.
  • You must provide your lease agreement and proof of monthly payments if you lease your vehicle.
  • A completed Security Interest Filing Statement (Form VR-217) is only required if your vehicle has multiple lean.
  • If someone other than yourself is registering your vehicle and signing the Maryland vehicle titling forms, you must have a Power of Attorney.
  • A Maryland-licensed inspection station issued the Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate.
  • All applicable Maryland vehicle registration and titling fees and taxes must be paid.
If you register your vehicle in person, take the above documents to your local MD MVA title and tag service office. Send the above documentation to the MVA's out-of-state unit if you are registering your vehicle by mail at: N.E. Ritchie Highway, 6601 Glen Burnie, Maryland 21062 Your vehicle title will be mailed to you whether you apply in person or by mail. If you apply by mail, you will receive your vehicle's registration card, license plates, and stickers. If you apply for your vehicle registration in person, you will receive your registration card, license plates, and stickers immediately.