Maryland allows undocumented immigrants to get a standard driver's license

Yes, you can get a driver's license in Maryland regardless of immigration status. Maryland does not require proof of citizenship or legal residency to obtain a license. This means undocumented immigrants can take the written test, pass the road test, and receive a full driver's license that works the same way as any other Maryland license.

The process is straightforward: you show up with the documents Maryland actually requires, pass the tests, and walk out with a license. There is no separate category, no special marking, and no additional scrutiny based on immigration status. Maryland treats this as a driving privilege, not a citizenship benefit.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland does not ask about citizenship or immigration status when you explore for a driver's license.
  • You need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Social Security Number to explore, along with proof of Maryland residency and identity.
  • The process process is the same for everyone: written test, road test, and payment of the standard fee.
  • Your Maryland driver's license is valid for driving within the state and can be used as identification for many everyday purposes.

What documents you need to bring

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) requires specific documents from all applicants, regardless of immigration status. You will need proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and a tax identification number.

For identity, bring a valid passport, consular ID card, or other government-issued photo ID from your country of origin. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail showing your Maryland address. For the tax ID, you can use a Social Security Number if you have one, or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the IRS. If you do not have either, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before visiting the MVA.

Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies alone will not work. The MVA staff will review your documents on the spot and tell you when ready if anything is missing.

The written test and road test

After you submit your documents, you will take the written knowledge test, which covers Maryland traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can request the test in Spanish or several other languages if English is not your first language. The test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 19 correctly to pass.

Once you pass the written test, you schedule a road test with an MVA examiner. During the road test, you drive a vehicle (yours or one provided by the MVA) while the examiner watches and scores your ability to handle basic driving tasks like turns, stopping, and parking. You must have a valid learner's permit or another valid driver's license to take the road test.

If you do not have a learner's permit from another state, you will need to get a Maryland learner's permit first. This requires passing the written test and paying a small fee. You can then practice driving with a licensed driver before taking the road test.

Fees and how long it takes

The fee for a Maryland driver's license varies depending on how long you want it to be valid. A five-year license costs one amount, and an eight-year license costs more. Check the MVA website for current fees, as they change periodically.

The timeline depends on how quickly you schedule your tests. The written test can often be taken within days of explore. The road test may take longer to schedule—anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on how busy your local MVA office is. Once you pass both tests, you receive your license on the same day or within a few days.

Using your Maryland license

Your Maryland driver's license is a valid form of identification for driving and for many other purposes. You can use it to rent a car, open a bank account, or board a domestic flight within the United States. Some businesses may ask for additional documentation depending on what you are doing, but the license itself is legitimate and widely recognized.

Your license will expire on the date printed on it. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at an MVA office before the expiration date. Renewal is simpler than the original process—you do not need to retake the tests unless the MVA asks you to.

Where to go and what to bring on the day

Find your nearest MVA office on the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration website. Call ahead or check online to see if you need an appointment or if you can walk in. Bring all your original documents, your ITIN or Social Security Number, and the process fee in cash or card.

Arrive early, especially if you are going without an appointment. Bring a pen to fill out the process form. If you are taking the road test, bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The MVA will inspect the vehicle before the test begins.

What happens if you do not have an ITIN yet

If you do not have an ITIN or Social Security Number, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before you go to the MVA. You will need to file a tax return or Form W-7 (process for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) with the IRS. This takes several weeks, so plan ahead.

Once you receive your ITIN in the mail, bring it to the MVA along with your other documents. Some MVA offices may accept an ITIN process receipt as temporary proof while you wait for the actual number, but call your local office first to confirm their policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Getting a driver's license is a separate process from immigration matters. The MVA does not report immigration status to immigration authorities, and obtaining a license does not change your legal standing. Maryland treats licensing as a driving privilege, not an immigration benefit.

Can I use my Maryland driver's license to fly on an airplane?

Yes, you can use your Maryland driver's license for domestic flights within the United States. It is an acceptable form of ID for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). However, it cannot be used for international travel or to cross the U.S. border.

What if I fail the written test or road test?

You can retake either test. There is usually a waiting period of a few days before you can retake the written test, and you pay the test fee again. For the road test, you schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the tests.

Do I need a Maryland address to get a license?

Yes, you need to show proof of a Maryland residential address. This can be a lease, utility bill, or other official mail. A P.O. box does not count as a residential address. If you are living with someone else, you can use their address with a letter from them confirming you live there.

Can I renew my license by mail if I do not have a Social Security Number?

Yes. When you renew, you can use your ITIN the same way you did when you first applied. Renewal by mail is available for most people, but check the MVA website or call your local office to confirm the process for your situation.