Do you live in or around the Silver Spring, MD area? If so, you may be wondering how often to update your driver’s license. We’ve got you covered. This blog will outline when and how to keep it up to date.
Overview
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) requires all drivers to maintain a current and valid license. To keep your license valid, you need to update your license every eight years, or after major life changes. Major life changes could include a change of address, a name change, or a gender change.
If your license has expired for more than one year, you will need to retake the vision, written, and road skills tests. If you have a commercial license (CDL), you must update your license within 30 days of any change in your legal name, address, or gender. Drivers operating under just a regular license must update their licenses within 60 days of any change in their legal name, address, or gender.
How to Update Your License in Maryland
The MVA allows you to update your license online if you are a non-commercial driver. You will need to create an account with the MVA, then visit the Driver Services website and follow the steps to complete your application. The website also has a tutorial on how to take a new picture in case yours has become outdated since you got your license.
The Driver Services section of the website includes step-by-step instructions on how to replace lost or stolen licenses as well as how and when you can renew them. You can also update your address and change other aspects of your license or ID card from this one place.
What You Need to Update Your License in Maryland
When you are ready to update your Maryland license to drive, you should collect the following documents as they help the process go smoothly.
- A copy of a valid photo ID (e.g., U.S. passport or military card)
- Proof of legal name and date of birth (e.g., birth certificate or passport)
- A court order relating to a change in name (e.g., adoption records or marriage certificate)
- Proof of Social Security number (e.g., a Social Security card or W-2 form)
- Two documents verifying your Maryland residency (e.g., utility bills or mortgage documents)
Keeping your license to drive current is an important process to ensure that you can always legally drive. At DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring, we’re passionate about helping you have all of the information you need for a safe and reliable driving experience in the state of Maryland. Feel free to check out more of our must-know tips & tricks to keep learning today!
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