Maryland's Approach to Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants
Maryland allows you to get a driver's license without proving you are a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status. You do not need a Social Security number, and you do not need to show documents that prove your right to live in the United States. Instead, Maryland focuses on whether you can prove your identity and that you live in the state.
This policy has been in place since 2008. The license you receive is a standard Maryland driver's license — it looks the same as any other and works the same way for driving purposes. However, it cannot be used as federal identification for boarding a plane or entering a federal building.
The process itself is the same as for any other driver: you pass a written test, pass a road test, and pay the standard fees. The main difference is which documents you can use to prove who you are and where you live.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland does not require proof of citizenship or legal immigration status to get a driver's license.
- You must prove your identity and Maryland residency using documents that do not require legal status — such as a passport, consulate ID, or utility bills.
- You still must pass the written knowledge test and the road test, just like any other driver.
- A Maryland driver's license obtained this way cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight, but it is valid for driving and state identification.
Documents You Can Use to Prove Identity
To get a Maryland driver's license, you need to show documents that prove who you are. Maryland accepts a wider range of identity documents than many states specifically because the program is designed for people who may not have U.S. government-issued ID.
Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport from any country, a consulate ID card issued by your country's embassy or consulate in the United States, a national ID card from your home country, a birth certificate paired with another document that shows your name, or a foreign driver's license. You can also use documents like school records, medical records, or employment records if they show your name and date of birth.
The document does not have to be in English, but if it is not, you may need to bring a certified translation. Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) can tell you whether a specific document will work — you can call them or visit an MVA office to ask before you gather everything.
Proving You Live in Maryland
You must show that you actually live in Maryland. Documents that work for this include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government-issued document with your Maryland address on it.
The document should be recent — typically from the last 60 days — and should show your name and your current Maryland address. If you do not have documents in your name, you can sometimes use a document in a family member's name along with a notarized statement saying you live at that address, but policies vary by MVA office. Call ahead to confirm what your local office will accept.
The Written Test and Road Test
After you prove your identity and residency, you take the same written knowledge test that all Maryland drivers take. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages — Maryland offers the test in Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other languages depending on the MVA office.
You must score at least 70 percent to pass. You can take the test as many times as you need, though you may have to wait between attempts. Many people study using the free Maryland Driver's Manual, which is available online and in multiple languages.
Once you pass the written test, you schedule a road test with an MVA examiner. The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills — starting the car, turning, parking, stopping, and following traffic laws. You must bring the vehicle you will be tested in, and it must be registered and insured. After you pass the road test, you pay the license fee and receive your license.
What You Cannot Use This License For
A Maryland driver's license obtained without proof of legal status is valid for driving in Maryland and for most state purposes. However, it cannot be used as identification for federal purposes. This means you cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or access certain federal services.
If you need to fly within the United States, you would need a different form of identification — such as a passport from your home country or a consulate ID card. For driving purposes only, the Maryland license works everywhere in the United States and in Canada and Mexico.
Fees and License Validity
The fee for a Maryland driver's license is the same regardless of immigration status. As of the most recent update, a five-year license costs around $70 to $80, though this amount can change. You should confirm the current fee when you visit an MVA office or check the MVA website.
Your license is valid for five years from the date you receive it. Before it expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at an MVA office. Renewal is simpler than the original process — you do not have to retake the tests, though you may need to update your address or other information.
Where to Start: Finding Your Local MVA Office
Maryland has MVA offices throughout the state. You can find the one nearest you on the Maryland MVA website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.
Before you go, gather your identity documents and proof of residency. Call the office or check online to confirm that the specific documents you have will be accepted — this prevents a wasted trip. You can also ask whether the office offers tests in your language and what the current wait time is for road tests, since scheduling can take several weeks in some areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security number to get a Maryland driver's license?
No. Maryland does not require a Social Security number. If you have one, you can provide it, but it is not necessary. You can get a license using only your identity documents and proof of Maryland residency.
Can I use this license to fly on an airplane?
Not for domestic flights within the United States. Federal law requires a passport or other federally approved ID for airport security. You can use a passport from your home country, a consulate ID, or a Trusted Traveler card if you have one. The Maryland license works for driving only.
What if my identity document is expired?
An expired document can still work to prove your identity, especially if it clearly shows your photo and name. However, policies vary by MVA office. Call your local office to ask whether your specific expired document will be accepted before you make the trip.
How long does it take to get a license after I pass the road test?
You receive your license the same day you pass the road test. You pay the fee and walk out with your license. However, scheduling the road test itself can take several weeks depending on how busy your local MVA office is.
Can I renew my license by mail if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. Renewal by mail is available and works the same way as for any other driver. You send in your current license, the renewal form, and the fee. You do not have to retake the tests or reprove your identity unless the MVA specifically asks you to.