The issue date on a Maryland driver's license is labeled ISS and appears on the front of the card. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) issues licenses valid for 8 years for most adult drivers. Here is where to find ISS and what every field on your Maryland license means.

Where to find the issue date on a Maryland driver's license

On the current Maryland MVA license design, the issue date is labeled ISS and printed on the front of the card. ISS stands for Issue Date and marks when the MVA issued your current card. Because Maryland licenses are valid for 8 years, ISS may be several years behind the current date on a card that has not expired. Renewing resets ISS while your license number stays the same.

Date fields on a Maryland driver's license

• ISS — Issue date. When your current card was printed.
• DOB — Date of birth. Your birthdate for identity and age verification.
• EXP — Expiration date. Maryland licenses are valid for 8 years for most adult drivers.

What does DD mean on a Maryland driver's license?

DD stands for Document Discriminator, a unique serial number for each physical card. It changes every time a new card is issued and is different from your license number. Banks, rental agencies, and identity verification systems use it to confirm the card has not been altered.

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Restrictions on a Maryland driver's license

Maryland licenses display restrictions in the RSTR field. Common codes:

• A — Corrective lenses required
• B — Daylight driving only
• C — No expressway or highway driving
• E — Automatic transmission only

Maryland REAL ID

Maryland offers both standard and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID Maryland license has a gold star in the upper right corner. From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another accepted federal document is required for domestic air travel and federal facilities. To get a Maryland REAL ID, visit an MVA branch in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and two documents showing your Maryland address.

How to renew a Maryland driver's license

Maryland MVA offers online renewal at mva.maryland.gov for eligible drivers. Online renewal is available if you do not need a new photo and your address has not changed. In-person renewal at an MVA branch is required for first-time REAL ID, new photos, and name or address changes. Maryland also has MVA Express locations at select Motor Vehicle offices with shorter wait times for routine transactions.

How to find your original Maryland licensing date

The ISS date on your card shows when your current card was issued, not when you first became licensed in Maryland. To find your original licensing date, request a certified copy of your Maryland driving record through the MVA website or in person at an MVA branch.