Maryland issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status
Maryland allows you to get a driver license even if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You do not need to prove legal immigration status. 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 process is the same as for any other Maryland driver: you pass a written test, a vision test, and a road test. The license you receive works the same way and looks the same as any other Maryland license. It does not indicate your immigration status in any way.
Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is the state agency that issues licenses. You will explore in person at an MVA office, bring specific documents, and pay the standard fee.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland does not require proof of legal immigration status to get a driver license, but you do need an ITIN or Social Security Number.
- You must show proof of identity (passport, consular ID, or other government-issued document), proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your ITIN or Social Security Number.
- The written test covers Maryland traffic laws and road signs; you can request it in multiple languages including Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and others.
- You must pass the vision test and road test before the MVA issues your license, just as any other applicant would.
- A Maryland driver license is valid for eight years and costs the same whether you are a citizen or immigrant.
What documents you need to bring to the MVA
The MVA requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of your Social Security Number or ITIN.
For proof of identity, you can bring a valid passport, a consular ID card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a national ID from your country of origin, or a foreign driver license. The document must have your photograph and signature. If your document is not in English, bring the original and an English translation.
For proof of Maryland residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your Maryland address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.
For proof of your Social Security Number or ITIN, bring your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2 form, or a letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) showing your ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security Number or ITIN yet, you will need to obtain one before you can get a driver license.
How to get an ITIN if you don't have a Social Security Number
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security Number but need to file taxes or have other tax obligations. You can get an ITIN even if you are not authorized to work in the United States.
To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can file by mail or in person at an IRS office. You will need to include proof of identity and proof of foreign status. The process usually takes four to six weeks by mail.
Many immigrant-serving organizations in Maryland offer free help with ITIN applications. Search online for "ITIN help near me" or contact a local nonprofit that serves immigrants in your area. The IRS website also lists certified acceptance agents who can help you file.
The written test: what to study and what languages are available
The Maryland written test covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and parking rules. You must answer at least 24 out of 30 questions correctly to pass. You have 30 minutes to complete the test.
The MVA offers the written test in multiple languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Korean, French, Tagalog, Russian, and Arabic. When you schedule your appointment or arrive at the MVA office, tell the staff which language you need.
You can study for free using the Maryland Driver's Manual, which is available online at the MVA website in English and Spanish. The manual covers everything on the test. Many libraries also have printed copies. Some immigrant organizations offer free study groups or classes to help people prepare.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can take it, but you must pass before you can take the road test.
The vision test and road test requirements
After you pass the written test, you will take a vision test at the MVA office. The test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be able to retake it after getting new glasses or contacts.
Once you pass the vision test, you schedule an appointment for the road test. The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. An MVA examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive on real streets. They check whether you can control the car, follow traffic laws, and react safely to other drivers and pedestrians.
You must bring your own car to the road test, and the car must be registered and insured. The examiner will check that the car is safe to drive (working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn). If you do not have access to a car, some driving schools in Maryland rent cars for the road test.
If you fail the road test, you can schedule another one. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can take it.
Timeline and fees for getting your Maryland license
The entire process from your first visit to the MVA to receiving your license usually takes two to four weeks, depending on how quickly you pass each test and how busy your local MVA office is.
The fee for a standard eight-year driver license is $70. If you need a replacement or renewal, the fee may differ. Payment methods accepted at MVA offices include cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices also accept money orders.
After you pass all three tests (written, vision, and road), the MVA will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few business days. Your license will be valid for eight years from the date of issue.
What happens if your immigration status changes
Your Maryland driver license does not expire or become invalid if your immigration status changes. If you become a U.S. citizen, your license continues to work. If your visa expires or your status changes, your license is still valid until its expiration date.
If you move out of Maryland, you will need to get a driver license from your new state. If you move back to Maryland, you can renew your Maryland license at any MVA office.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any MVA office. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you did for your original license. The replacement fee is $7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security Number to get a Maryland driver license?
No. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you do not have either, you will need to get an ITIN from the IRS before you can get a driver license. The process takes four to six weeks.
Can I use a passport from my home country as proof of identity?
Yes. A valid passport with your photograph and signature is acceptable proof of identity at the MVA. If your passport is not in English, bring the original and an English translation certified by a translator.
What if I don't have a utility bill or lease to prove I live in Maryland?
You can use a bank statement, mortgage statement, government mail, or a letter from your employer or a social service agency showing your name and Maryland address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The MVA offers the written test in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Korean, French, Tagalog, Russian, and Arabic. Tell the MVA staff which language you need when you schedule your appointment or arrive at the office.
What if I fail the road test?
You can schedule another road test appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can take it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. Some driving schools offer lessons to help you prepare for your next attempt.