PRESS RELEASE


PROVIDENT BANKSHARES CORPORATION COMPLIANT WITH NASDAQ CONTINUED LISTING
REQUIREMENTS

BALTIMORE: (November 17, 2005) - On November 17, 2005, Provident Bankshares
Corporation (NASDAQ:PBKS), the parent company of Provident Bank, received notice
from the Nasdaq Stock Market that the filing of its Form 10-Q for the period
ended September 30, 2005 has brought the Company into compliance with Nasdaq
Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(14). Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(14) requires the
Company to file with Nasdaq copies of all reports and other documents filed with
the SEC on or before the date they are required to be filed with the SEC.
Compliance with Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(14) is necessary for continued listing
of the Company's common stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market. As previously
announced, the Company delayed the filing of its Form 10-Q for the period ended
September 30, 2005 past its due date. On November 16, 2005, this delay caused
Nasdaq to issue a Staff Determination letter indicating Provident's
non-compliance with Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(14). The Form 10-Q for the third
quarter was filed on November 17, 2005, and as a result, the Nasdaq Staff has
determined that the Company is in compliance with Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(14)
and the matter is now closed.

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Contact:
Media: Lillian Kilroy 1-410-277-2833
Investment Community: Melissa P. Kelly 1-410-277-2080