EXHIBIT 32.0


                            CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
                             18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
                                   AS ADDED BY
                  SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

     In connection with the Quarterly Report of Provident Bankshares Corporation
(the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2003 as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Report"), the
undersigned certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as added by Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

   (1)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
        15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

   (2)  The information contained in the report fairly presents, in all material
        respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
        Company as of and for the period covered by the Report.



                                          /s/ Gary N. Geisel
                                          ------------------
                                          Gary N. Geisel
                                          Chairman and Chief Executive Officer




                                          /s/ Dennis A. Starliper
                                          -----------------------
                                          Dennis A. Starliper
                                          Chief Financial Officer



Date:  November 12, 2003


A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided to Provident Bankshares Corporation and will be retained by Provident
Bankshares Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission
or its staff upon request.