The drought resistance of maize in the bud stage directly affects the field emergence rate. In this paper, a simulated drought-resistance screening system was established by using PEG-6000 paper roll method. The drought-resistance of 248 maize inbred lines during germination was quantitatively evaluated according to the comprehensive subjection functions of bud length, bud weight, primary root length, root weight, total fresh weight, total root length and root surface area of inbred lines. The results showed that the optimal concentration of 20% PEG-6000 was used in the newly established drought-resistant screening system. There were wide differences in drought resistance of 248 maize inbred lines at the germination stage, and 31 resistant inbred lines and 45 medium resistant inbred lines were finally screened out. These excellent drought-resistant inbred lines will provide an important material basis for drought-resistant genetic improvement of domestic maize inbred lines.