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Driver Services
November
11
2020

Maryland State TNO License Guide

A Lyft driver leaning against the hood of his car

Maryland law requires every rideshare driver in Maryland to obtain a Transportation Network Operator (TNO) license, and Lyft submits applications on behalf of those drivers to the Maryland Public Service Commission. You will not be eligible to do pickups in Maryland without a TNO license, and your ability to obtain one will be impacted if you do not have a REAL ID driver's license.

Tip:  The quickest way to get on the road is to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license at your local DMV, and then upload it to your driver profile. You can find more information about REAL IDs and the process to obtain one using the following links:

If you received a message that your application is still pending... 

Your driver's license may include phrases like "Not for Federal Identification," “Not Acceptable for Federal Purposes,”  “Limited Term,” or similar phrasing so you are not eligible to do pickups in Maryland until we receive confirmation from the PSC about your TNO license. We'll send you a notification as soon as we receive an update on the status of your application.

If you received a message that your application was rejected...

You'll need to contact the Maryland PSC to get your TNO license.

Here's how:

1. Send an email to tno.inquiry@maryland.gov with the following information:

  • Name

  • Address

  • Phone number

  • Email address

  • Front and back of your Social Security Card

  • Front and back of one of the following: Your valid United States Passport, Certificate of Naturalization, employment authorization, or permanent resident card.

2. Be sure to highlight that you are reaching out because your application was rejected. Here's a sample to get you started:

  • I drive with Lyft, and would like to give rides in Maryland, but my TNO license application was rejected. I have attached the front and back of my Social Security Card and the front and back copy of [pick one: either a valid United States Passport, Certificate of Naturalization, employment authorization or permanent resident card].

Email the Maryland PSC

Thanks for helping us stay compliant in Maryland!

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