Maryland Issues Driver's Licenses to People Regardless of Immigration Status

Maryland does not require proof of legal immigration status to obtain a driver's license. This means you can get a standard Maryland driver's license even if you are not a U.S. citizen or do not have lawful permanent resident status. The state treats this as a separate question from immigration — a driver's license in Maryland is a document that shows you can operate a vehicle safely, not a document that proves your right to live or work in the country.

The license you receive is a standard Maryland driver's license with no special marking or restriction that indicates your immigration status. It works the same way as any other Maryland license for the purpose of driving, and it is valid for eight years from the date of issue (or until age 65 if you are older than 57 when you receive it).

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland does not ask about immigration status when you explore for a driver's license, and you do not need to prove you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • You must provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Social Security Number (SSN) — Maryland accepts either one.
  • You need to show proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of your Social Security Number or ITIN before you can take the written and road tests.
  • The process process is the same for everyone: written test, road test, vision screening, and a fee of $70 for an eight-year license.
  • You cannot use a Maryland driver's license to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building unless it is a REAL ID-compliant license, which requires proof of lawful status — but you can still use it to drive.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) requires you to bring specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security or ITIN status. You do not need to bring immigration documents, and the MVA does not ask for them.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport (from any country), a consular identification card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), a state ID from another state, a military ID, or a tribal ID. A birth certificate alone is not enough — you need a photo ID.

For proof of Maryland residency, bring two documents that show your name and a Maryland address. These can include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a bank statement, a property tax bill, or a mortgage statement. The documents must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (such as a tax notice or court document) also works.

For proof of your Social Security Number or ITIN, bring your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2 form, or an ITIN letter from the IRS. If you do not have any of these, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before you go to the MVA — this takes several weeks, so plan ahead.

how the process works at the MVA

You must explore in person at a Maryland MVA office. You cannot explore online or by mail. Go to the MVA website, find the office nearest you, and check the hours — some offices are open only certain days of the week.

When you arrive, bring all the documents listed above. You will fill out an process form (DL-43), pay the $70 fee (cash or card), and take a vision screening. You will then take a written test on Maryland traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean.

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a road test with an MVA examiner. This test usually happens within a few weeks of your written test. During the road test, you will drive a vehicle (usually your own) and show that you can operate it safely. The examiner will watch you start the car, drive on local streets, park, and respond to traffic signals and other vehicles.

Once you pass the road test, the MVA will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the office.

The REAL ID Problem: Driving vs. Federal Buildings

A standard Maryland driver's license issued without proof of lawful status is valid for driving anywhere in the United States. You can use it to rent a car, drive across state lines, and show police if you are stopped.

However, a standard Maryland license is not a REAL ID-compliant license. This means you cannot use it to board a domestic airplane or enter certain federal buildings (such as a courthouse or federal office building that requires ID screening). If you need to do either of those things, you would need a REAL ID-compliant license or passport, which requires proof of lawful immigration status.

Maryland does offer a REAL ID-compliant license, but you must show proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to get one. If you do not have that status, you cannot get a REAL ID license in Maryland. For air travel, you can use a valid passport from any country instead.

Renewal and Expiration

Your Maryland driver's license is valid for eight years. When it is about to expire, the MVA will mail you a renewal notice. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at an MVA office.

If you renew by mail or online, you do not need to bring documents again — the MVA will use the information from your original process. You will pay the renewal fee (which varies but is usually around $70) and your new license will be mailed to you.

If you renew in person, bring the same documents you brought for your original process: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security Number or ITIN. The renewal process is the same as the original process, except you do not take the written or road test again unless the MVA asks you to.

What Happens If You Are Stopped by Police

A Maryland driver's license is a valid form of identification for the purpose of driving. If a police officer stops you for a traffic violation, you must show your license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Having a valid Maryland driver's license satisfies the license requirement — the officer has no reason to ask about your immigration status based on the license alone.

However, if the officer asks you directly about your immigration status, you have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, how you entered the country, or your citizenship status. You should politely say, "I do not wish to answer questions about my immigration status," and ask if you are free to leave. If you are not free to leave, ask to speak to a lawyer.

Showing a valid driver's license does not give police the right to detain you or investigate your immigration status. If you believe an officer has violated your rights, you can file a complaint with the police department or contact a legal aid organization.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring documents that are expired or do not have your current name on them. If your name has changed (through marriage, court order, or other means), bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order, along with your old ID.

Do not assume that a utility bill or lease with a PO box counts as proof of residency — the MVA requires a street address. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, contact your local MVA office to ask about alternatives; some offices may accept a letter from a shelter or social service agency.

Do not wait until your license is about to expire to renew it. If your license expires, you cannot legally drive, and you will have to go through the full process process again (written test, road test, and all documents) rather than a straightforward renewal.

Do not assume that getting a Maryland driver's license changes your immigration status or creates any record that will be shared with immigration authorities. The MVA and immigration enforcement are separate systems. However, if you are concerned about privacy, you can contact a legal aid organization to understand the specific risks in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Maryland driver's license to prove my identity to an employer?

A Maryland driver's license is a valid form of photo ID and many employers will accept it. However, federal law requires employers to verify your work authorization using Form I-9, which asks for specific documents (such as a passport, work permit, or green card). A driver's license alone is not enough to satisfy I-9 requirements. You should speak with your employer or a legal aid organization about what documents you need.

What if I do not have a Social Security Number or ITIN?

You must have either a Social Security Number or an ITIN to get a Maryland driver's license. If you do not have either, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS by filing a tax return or by submitting Form W-7 directly to the IRS. This process takes several weeks, so plan ahead before you go to the MVA.

Will getting a driver's license affect my immigration case or status?

Getting a driver's license does not change your immigration status. However, if you are in the middle of an immigration case or are waiting for a decision on an immigration petition, you should speak with your immigration lawyer before explore. In some situations, creating a record with a government agency could have consequences, and your lawyer can advise you on the specific risks.

Can I get a Maryland driver's license if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?

No. Maryland will check the National Driver Register, which tracks suspensions and revocations from all states. If your license is suspended or revoked in another state, you cannot get a Maryland license until that suspension or revocation is lifted. You will need to contact the other state's DMV to find out how to clear the suspension or revocation.

What if I fail the written test or road test?

You can take the test again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, but you must wait at least one day between attempts. For the road test, you can usually schedule another attempt within a few weeks. Each attempt costs the same fee, so budget for multiple attempts if you need them.