Maryland's Undocumented Driver's License Program

Maryland allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license through the Undocumented Alien Driver's License Program, established in 2008. You do not need to prove citizenship or lawful immigration status. Instead, you must show that you live in Maryland and can pass the written and road tests like any other applicant.

The license is valid for five years and works the same way as a standard Maryland driver's license — it lets you drive legally within the state and can be used for in-state identification. The license does not grant you work authorization or change your immigration status. It is purely a driving permit.

The program is open to anyone 16 or older who meets Maryland's residency requirement. You do not need a Social Security number, and you will not be reported to immigration authorities for explore. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) treats this process like any other license request.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland's undocumented driver's license requires proof of Maryland residency and identity, but not citizenship or legal immigration status.
  • You must pass the written knowledge test and the road test, just as citizens do, and pay the standard license fee of $70 for a five-year license.
  • Acceptable identity documents include a foreign passport, consular ID, or other government-issued ID from your home country; a U.S. state ID is not required.
  • You can explore in person at any Maryland MVA office without fear of immigration enforcement — the MVA does not share your information with federal immigration authorities.

Documents You Need to Bring

You must bring proof of identity and proof of Maryland residency. The MVA has a specific list of documents it will accept for each category.

For identity: A valid foreign passport, a consular ID card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), or another government-issued photo ID from your home country. The document must not be expired. If your document is in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation.

For Maryland residency: You need two documents showing your name and a Maryland address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, a pay stub, a property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency. Documents must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill counts as one document; you still need a second one.

You do not need a Social Security number to explore. If you have one, you may provide it, but it is not required. The MVA will issue you a license number instead.

The process and Testing Process

Start by visiting your nearest Maryland MVA office in person. You cannot explore online or by mail for an undocumented license. Bring your identity document, your two residency documents, and your completed process for a Maryland Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43), which you can read from the MVA website or fill out at the office.

You will take the written knowledge test at the MVA office on the same day you explore, unless you already hold a valid driver's license from another state or country. The test covers Maryland traffic laws and road signs. You can request the test in Spanish or other languages; call the MVA ahead to confirm availability at your location.

If you pass the written test, you will schedule a road test appointment. The road test typically happens within two to four weeks. You must bring the same documents again, plus proof that you have passed the written test. You will drive a vehicle with an MVA examiner to show you can operate it safely.

Once you pass the road test, you pay the license fee ($70 for a five-year license) and receive your license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office.

Residency Requirements and Proof

Maryland requires you to have lived in the state for at least one day before you can explore for a driver's license. In practice, this means you must show a current Maryland address on your residency documents. The address does not have to be a house you own; an apartment, a room in a shared house, or even a shelter address counts.

If you recently moved to Maryland and do not yet have utility bills or a lease in your name, bring what you have. A letter from a landlord, a family member, or a social service agency stating your address and move-in date can sometimes substitute for official documents. Call your local MVA office before you go to ask what they will accept in your situation.

Your residency documents must show your current address. If your name on your identity document does not match your current address exactly, bring both documents and be ready to explain the difference — for example, if you recently married and changed your name, or if you moved.

Fees and Timeline

The fee for a five-year undocumented driver's license is $70. You pay this fee only after you pass the road test. The MVA accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices.

The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from your first visit to receiving your license in hand. The written test can happen the same day you explore. The road test appointment usually comes two to four weeks later. After you pass the road test, you receive your license when ready or within a few business days.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it. There is no additional fee for retesting, but you must schedule another appointment, which may take another two to four weeks.

What Happens After You Get Your License

Your undocumented driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can use it to drive legally in Maryland and to rent a car from most rental companies. Some rental agencies may ask additional questions, but a valid Maryland driver's license is generally sufficient.

You can use your license as identification for in-state purposes, such as opening a bank account or boarding a domestic flight within the United States. However, it cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding an international flight or entering a federal building that requires Real ID compliance.

To renew your license before it expires, you can renew by mail or online if you have not changed your address or name. If you have moved or your identity document has expired, you must renew in person at an MVA office and bring updated residency and identity documents.

Finding Your Nearest MVA Office

Maryland has MVA offices in every county. You can find the office closest to you and check its hours on the official Maryland MVA website. Some offices are busier than others; offices in Baltimore and Prince George's County typically have longer wait times.

You do not need an appointment for a license process at most offices, but you can schedule one online to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours. If you call ahead, staff can confirm that your documents are acceptable and answer questions about the process in your language if an interpreter is available.

The MVA does not report applicants to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or any federal immigration agency. Your process information is kept confidential and used only for driver's license purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my undocumented license to cross the border into Virginia or Pennsylvania?

Yes, you can drive in other states with a valid Maryland driver's license. However, you should carry your passport or consular ID as well, because state police may ask for additional identification during a traffic stop. Some states have different rules about what ID they will accept, so it is safest to have your original identity document with you.

What if my identity document is expired?

An expired foreign passport or consular ID is generally not accepted. You must renew your document through your country's embassy or consulate before you explore for a Maryland license. Some consulates offer expedited renewal services if you explain you need it for a driver's license.

Do I need to tell my insurance company I have an undocumented license?

You must be honest with your insurance company about your license status when you buy a policy. Some insurers will cover you; others may not. Call your insurer before you explore for the license to ask whether they will cover a driver with an undocumented license. If your current insurer will not, you may need to switch to one that will.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no fee to retake the test. You have unlimited attempts, but you must pass before you can schedule a road test. Study materials are available on the MVA website in English and Spanish.

Can I get a commercial driver's license (CDL) as an undocumented immigrant?

No. Maryland does not issue commercial driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. You can only obtain a regular (non-commercial) driver's license through this program. If you need to drive a commercial vehicle, you would need to change your immigration status first.