What Maryland requires from immigrants to get a driver's license
Maryland issues driver's licenses 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 does not ask about immigration status during the process process. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) treats all applicants the same way once you have the required documents. This means you can hold a valid Maryland license whether you are a permanent resident, on a visa, or have another immigration status.
Your license will be a standard Maryland driver's license, not a special or marked version. It works the same as anyone else's for driving, identification at banks, and other everyday uses. However, it cannot be used as federal identification for air travel or entry to federal buildings — that requires a Real ID, which has different rules.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland issues standard driver's licenses to immigrants of any status if you have proof of identity, Maryland residency, and a Social Security number or ITIN.
- You must pass a written test on traffic laws and a driving skills test, just like any other applicant.
- Acceptable identity documents include a passport, national ID card, or visa paired with other documents — the MVA has a full list on its website.
- Proof of Maryland residency can be a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
- A standard Maryland license cannot be used for federal purposes like flying or entering federal buildings; you would need a Real ID for that.
Documents you need to bring to the MVA
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. The MVA requires one document from each of three categories: identity, residency, and Social Security or tax identification.
For identity, acceptable documents include a valid passport, national ID card from your home country, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or permanent resident card. If your document is in another language, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator. The MVA website lists all accepted documents by category.
For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and a Maryland address. Utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, insurance documents, or government mail all work. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count. If the document is in someone else's name, bring a second document showing you live there — for example, a lease in your name plus a utility bill in your spouse's name.
For tax identification, bring your Social Security card if you have one. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring an ITIN letter from the IRS. You can request an ITIN through the IRS website or by filing a tax return; the process takes several weeks to months.
Steps to get your Maryland driver's license
Start by scheduling an appointment at your local MVA office through the MVA website. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are often long, especially in busy areas. Appointments are free and usually available within one to three weeks.
At your appointment, bring all original documents listed above, plus your completed process form (DL-43). You can fill this out online before you go or on paper at the office. You will also need to provide your date of birth, address, and contact information.
Next, you will take a written test on Maryland traffic laws and road signs. The test is 25 questions; you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages — ask the MVA staff which languages are available at your location. Study materials are free on the MVA website.
If you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving skills test at a later date. This test checks whether you can safely operate a vehicle. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and passes inspection. A friend or family member can lend you their car if needed. The driving test usually happens within two to four weeks of passing the written test.
Once you pass both tests, you will receive your license. The MVA can issue it on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks, depending on the office.
What to do if you do not have a Social Security number yet
You have two options: get an ITIN or wait until you have a Social Security number.
An ITIN is a nine-digit tax identification number issued by the IRS. You do not need to be a citizen or have any particular immigration status to get one. You request an ITIN by filing a federal tax return, even if you did not earn income — you can file a return claiming zero income. The IRS processes ITIN requests with tax returns; if you file early in the tax year, you may receive your ITIN within four to six weeks. If you file later, it can take longer.
Alternatively, if you are working or expect to work, you can explore for a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration. This also takes several weeks. Bring your passport, visa, and proof of residency to your local Social Security office. You can find the nearest office on the SSA website.
Until you have one of these numbers, you cannot complete the MVA process. Plan ahead if you are new to Maryland and do not yet have either document.
Real ID versus a standard Maryland license
A standard Maryland driver's license works for driving and most identification purposes. It does not work for federal purposes: flying on a domestic flight, entering a military base, or entering a federal building that requires ID.
A Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your license for those purposes. Maryland offers Real ID licenses, but they have stricter document requirements. You must prove citizenship or lawful permanent residency — which means immigrants without permanent residency cannot get a Real ID in Maryland.
If you need to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, you have other options: a U.S. passport, a passport card, a permanent resident card, or an employment authorization document (EAD) all work for federal purposes. You do not need a Real ID license.
Renewing or replacing your Maryland license
Maryland licenses expire every five years. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. Online renewal is fastest and costs less. You will need your current license number and a credit or debit card.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any MVA office. Bring your identity and residency documents again, plus a police report if it was stolen. Replacement licenses cost less than a new license and are issued the same day.
If your immigration status changes — for example, you become a permanent resident — you do not need to get a new license. Your current license remains valid. However, if you want to upgrade to a Real ID after becoming a permanent resident, you can explore at an MVA office with your new permanent resident card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my passport instead of a Social Security number?
No. Your passport counts as proof of identity, but the MVA also requires a Social Security number or ITIN. These are separate requirements. If you do not have either, you will need to get an ITIN from the IRS before you can complete your license process.
What if my identity document is expired?
An expired passport or national ID can still work as proof of identity for a driver's license process. The MVA accepts expired documents as long as they are genuine and show your name and date of birth clearly. Bring the expired document along with your other required papers.
Do I need to pass the written test in English?
No. The MVA offers the written test in multiple languages including Spanish, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others. Call your local MVA office or check the website to confirm which languages are available at your location. You can take the test in whichever language you choose.
Can I use my visa as proof of residency?
No. A visa shows your identity but not your current Maryland address. For residency, you need a recent document — dated within 60 days — that shows your name and a Maryland street address. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. Your visa alone does not count.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can take the driving skills test. You pay a fee each time you test. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. You can practice with a licensed driver and return when you feel ready.