What Maryland Requires for Immigrant Drivers

Maryland issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have lawful permanent resident status. The state accepts a range of identity documents and proof of Maryland residency, and the process is the same as for any other applicant — you take a written test, a vision test, and a road test.

The key difference is in which documents the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will accept to prove who you are and where you live. If you have a passport, that works. If you have a national ID card from your country of origin, that also works. If you have a combination of documents — a birth certificate plus a utility bill, for example — that can work too. The MVA publishes a specific list of acceptable documents, and you need to bring originals or certified copies.

Maryland does not require a Social Security number to get a driver license. If you do not have one, you can still explore. The MVA will issue you a license with a different number format so the state can track you in their system.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland issues driver licenses to immigrants of any immigration status, and you do not need a Social Security number.
  • You must bring an original or certified copy of an identity document (passport, national ID, birth certificate, or combination) plus two proofs of Maryland residency.
  • The written test, vision test, and road test are the same for all applicants; you can request materials in languages other than English.
  • The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from the time you submit your process at an MVA office.
  • If you have a valid driver license from another country, you may be able to skip the written test, depending on which country issued it.

Identity Documents the MVA Will Accept

The MVA maintains a list of documents that prove identity. A passport (from any country) is the strongest single document. A national ID card from your country of origin also works on its own. If you do not have either, you can combine documents: a birth certificate (original or certified copy) plus a document that shows your name and date of birth, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or school records.

If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original plus a certified English translation. A certified translation means a translator has signed and dated it, confirming the accuracy. You can find certified translators through the Maryland Court of Appeals or through private translation services; the cost varies but typically ranges from $15 to $50 per document.

Do not bring photocopies of identity documents unless the MVA has certified them. Bring originals or documents certified by the issuing authority. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, request a certified copy from the vital records office in the country or region where you were born.

Proof of Maryland Residency You Will Need

You must bring two documents that show your name and a Maryland address. These documents must be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a letter from a government agency.

If you live with someone else and the documents are in their name, bring a signed letter from that person stating that you live at that address. Include a copy of their ID. This is common for people who are newly arrived or living with family.

Do not bring documents older than 60 days. If you just moved to Maryland, bring whatever you have — a lease, a utility bill in your name, or a signed letter from your landlord. The MVA will work with you if you are new to the state.

Steps to explore at an MVA Office

First, schedule an appointment at an MVA office near you. You can do this online at the Maryland MVA website or by calling 410-768-7000. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments move faster. When you book, select "Driver License process" as your transaction type.

Bring all documents in person: your identity document (passport, national ID, or birth certificate plus supporting document), two proofs of residency, and proof of your Social Security number if you have one (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). Bring your current out-of-state driver license if you have one. Bring glasses or contacts if you need them to drive.

At the office, an MVA staff member will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fingerprints. You will complete an process form (DL-43). You will take a vision test. If you pass, you will be scheduled for a written test and a road test. The written test covers Maryland traffic laws and road signs. The road test is a 20-minute drive with an examiner.

You can request the written test in a language other than English. Maryland offers the test in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and several other languages. Tell the MVA staff when you arrive which language you need.

Written Test, Road Test, and Fees

The written test has 25 questions. You must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. You can take it the same day as your appointment or schedule it for another day. Study materials are available free on the Maryland MVA website, and a handbook is available in multiple languages.

The road test is scheduled after you pass the written test. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the lights, wipers, horn, and brakes before you drive. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws.

The process fee is $97 for a five-year license or $147 for an eight-year license. Immigrants can choose either term. Payment is by cash, check, or card at the MVA office. The fee covers the process, written test, and road test. There is no separate charge for the vision test.

If You Have a Valid Foreign Driver License

If you hold a valid driver license from certain countries, Maryland may waive the written test. The state recognizes licenses from Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and several other countries. You must bring your foreign license to your appointment, and the MVA staff will tell you whether you may have access to for the waiver.

Even if your written test is waived, you must still pass the vision test and the road test. You must also meet all other requirements: valid identity documents, proof of residency, and the process fee.

If your foreign license has expired, it may still may have access to for the waiver, but check with the MVA first. Call 410-768-7000 or visit an office to confirm before you schedule your appointment.

Timeline and What Happens After You Pass

After you pass both the written and road tests, the MVA will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your permanent card is being made. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within four to six weeks.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it. There is no additional fee for retakes. You can schedule another test as soon as the next available appointment, which is usually within one to two weeks.

Your Maryland driver license is valid for five or eight years, depending on which term you chose. You can renew it online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office before it expires. Renewal is simpler than the initial process and does not require a new road test unless the MVA has reason to require one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Maryland driver license?

No. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the MVA staff. They will issue you a license with a different identification number. You can still drive legally in Maryland and in other states.

Can I take the written test in my native language?

Yes. Maryland offers the written test in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, French, Amharic, and Tagalog. Tell the MVA when you arrive or when you schedule your appointment which language you need.

What if my identity documents are not in English?

Bring the original document plus a certified English translation. A certified translator signs and dates the translation to confirm accuracy. You can find certified translators through the Maryland Court of Appeals website or private translation services.

Can I use a letter from my employer as proof of residency?

No. The MVA requires documents that show your name and your Maryland address. Acceptable documents are utility bills, leases, mortgage statements, bank statements, and government letters. An employer letter does not show your home address.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it at no additional cost. Schedule another appointment through the MVA website or by phone. Most people retake the test within one to two weeks. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it.