What Maryland Requires From Immigrants to Issue a Driver License
Maryland will issue a driver license to immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency. What you do need is proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
The state treats immigrant applicants the same as any other applicant once you have these documents. You will take the written test, the vision test, and the road test just like anyone else. The license itself looks identical to a license issued to a citizen and has no marking that indicates immigration status.
Maryland's approach is straightforward: if you live here and can prove who you are and where you live, you can drive legally. This matters because driving without a license carries fines, vehicle impoundment, and criminal charges that can affect your immigration case.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland issues driver licenses to immigrants of any status if you have proof of identity, Maryland residency, and a Social Security number or ITIN.
- An ITIN is a nine-digit tax ID number issued by the IRS and does not require immigration status; you can get one by filing a tax return or through an ITIN process.
- You will need to bring original documents or certified copies to the Motor Vehicle Administration office; photocopies and digital images are not accepted.
- The written test, vision test, and road test are the same for all applicants, and you can request the written test in languages other than English.
- A Maryland driver license is valid for driving but does not serve as proof of legal presence for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight.
Documents You Need to Bring to the Motor Vehicle Administration
Maryland requires original documents or certified copies — not photocopies or photos on your phone. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will not accept digital images or uncertified copies, so plan ahead if you need to request certified documents from another country or agency.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a national ID card from your country of origin, a consular ID card, a foreign driver license, or a birth certificate (if you also bring a second document like a school record or medical record). If your documents are in another language, bring the original and a certified English translation.
For proof of Maryland residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Maryland address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail all work. A letter from a shelter or social service agency works if you are unhoused.
For the Social Security number or ITIN, bring your Social Security card or ITIN letter from the IRS. If you do not have either, you will need to get an ITIN before you can get a license.
How to Get an ITIN If You Do Not Have a Social Security Number
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS. It is designed for people who need to file taxes but do not have a Social Security number. You do not need to be a permanent resident or have any particular immigration status to get one.
The fastest way is to file a federal tax return with the IRS, even if you did not earn income or do not owe taxes. You can file for free using IRS Free File or through a tax preparation service. When you file, you request an ITIN on the form. The IRS will mail your ITIN letter to you, usually within two to three weeks.
If you did not work and do not want to file a tax return, you can explore directly using IRS Form W-7 and submitting it by mail with certified copies of your identity and residency documents. This takes longer — typically four to six weeks — and you must use a certified acceptance agent or mail it directly to the IRS. Many community organizations and legal aid offices help with this for free.
Once you have your ITIN letter, bring it to the MVA along with your other documents. The letter itself is your proof; you do not need a card.
Steps to Take at the Motor Vehicle Administration
Go to your local MVA office with all your original documents. Bring your ITIN letter or Social Security card, your identity document, and your proof of residency. You will fill out a form, pay the fee (currently $70 for a five-year license for adults), and have your photo taken.
You will then take the written test. Maryland offers the test in English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other languages. When you arrive, tell the staff which language you need, and they will provide it. You must answer at least 24 out of 30 questions correctly to pass.
If you pass the written test, you will schedule a road test at a later date. You must bring a vehicle and a licensed driver to supervise. The road test checks your ability to start the car, turn, brake, park, and follow traffic laws. You must pass this before your license is issued.
Once you pass both tests, the MVA will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the office. Your license will be valid for five years.
What Your Maryland Driver License Can and Cannot Do
A Maryland driver license allows you to drive legally in Maryland and in all other U.S. states. Police will accept it as proof that you are authorized to operate a vehicle. It does not expire when your visa expires or when your immigration status changes.
However, a Maryland driver license is not proof of legal presence for federal purposes. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or prove immigration status to an employer. For those purposes, you would need a Real ID-compliant document, which Maryland does not issue to immigrants without a Social Security number.
If you are stopped by police, your driver license shows you are licensed to drive. It does not tell the officer your immigration status. Immigration enforcement is separate from traffic enforcement, though traffic stops can lead to immigration inquiries depending on the circumstances.
Real ID and Why It Does Not explore to You Right Now
Maryland offers a Real ID-compliant driver license, which is required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings as of May 2025. However, Maryland currently issues Real ID licenses only to applicants with a Social Security number, not to those with an ITIN.
This is a federal rule, not a Maryland choice. The federal government requires that Real ID applicants prove lawful status, and the Social Security Administration does not issue numbers to people without work authorization. An ITIN does not satisfy this requirement.
If you need to fly domestically or enter a federal building, you would need a passport from your country of origin or another federal document like a consular ID. A standard Maryland driver license will not work for these purposes after May 2025, but it will still be valid for driving.
What Happens If You Are Stopped While Driving
If a police officer stops you for a traffic violation, show your Maryland driver license. The license proves you are authorized to drive. The officer will check your license status in the system and proceed with the traffic stop as normal.
A traffic stop is not an immigration enforcement action. The officer's job is to address the traffic violation, not to investigate immigration status. However, if the officer has reason to believe you are in the country unlawfully — for example, if you tell them or if they discover it through other means — they may contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Many Maryland jurisdictions have policies limiting cooperation with ICE, but this varies by county and city. If you are concerned about immigration enforcement, you have the right to remain silent and to request a lawyer. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born or how you entered the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Maryland driver license if I am on a visa?
Yes. Maryland does not restrict licenses based on visa type. You need proof of identity, Maryland residency, and a Social Security number or ITIN. If you are on a work visa and have a Social Security number, you can get a license the same way as anyone else.
What if my identity document is expired?
An expired passport or national ID is still acceptable proof of identity to the MVA. The document does not need to be current, only authentic. Bring the original or a certified copy.
Do I need a Maryland address to get a license, or can I use a shelter address?
You can use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a mailing service address as your residency proof. You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing that address. If you are unhoused, a letter from a shelter or social service agency stating your current address works.
Will getting a driver license affect my immigration case?
A driver license itself does not affect your immigration case. It is a state document for driving. However, the documents you use to get it — like an ITIN or passport — create a record. If you are concerned about how any document might affect your case, speak with an immigration attorney before explore.
Can I renew my license online if I am an immigrant?
No. Maryland requires in-person renewal for all applicants, including immigrants. You must return to the MVA with your current license and proof of residency to renew.