Maryland allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license through a separate process

Yes, undocumented immigrants can get a driver's license in Maryland. The state created a distinct pathway called the Maryland REAL ID-exempt driver's license, which does not require proof of lawful presence in the United States. This license works for driving within Maryland and is accepted by Maryland police, but it cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a plane or entering a federal building.

The key difference is that you will use a different process process and bring different documents than someone with a Social Security number or proof of legal status. Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles both pathways, and staff at MVA offices are trained to process REAL ID-exempt applications.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland offers a REAL ID-exempt driver's license that does not require proof of lawful immigration status.
  • You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS instead of a Social Security number, plus documents proving your identity and Maryland residency.
  • The process happens at any Maryland MVA office, and you pay the same fee as other drivers.
  • This license is valid for driving in Maryland but cannot be used for federal purposes like air travel or federal building entry.

What documents you need to bring to the MVA

The MVA requires you to prove three things: your identity, your date of birth, and that you live in Maryland. For identity, you can bring a passport from your country of origin, a national ID card, a consular ID (like a matricula consular), or a birth certificate paired with another document that shows your photo.

For proof of Maryland residency, bring one document from this list: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current Maryland address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, a letter from your landlord or a family member stating that you live at that address, signed and dated, can work.

Instead of a Social Security number, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number. You bring your ITIN documentation — usually your IRS letter or a tax return showing the number — to the MVA. If you do not yet have an ITIN, you will need to obtain one from the IRS before you can get your Maryland license.

How to get an ITIN if you do not have one

An ITIN is issued by the Internal Revenue Service and takes several weeks to receive. You request one by filing a tax return (even if you did not earn income) or by submitting Form W-7 directly to the IRS. Many community organizations and tax preparation nonprofits in Maryland help people file for an ITIN at no cost, especially during tax season (January through April).

Once the IRS approves your ITIN, they mail you a letter with the number. Keep this letter — you will show it at the MVA. The entire process from filing to receiving your ITIN letter usually takes four to six weeks, though it can take longer during busy tax season.

The step-by-step process at the MVA

First, find your nearest Maryland MVA office on the MVA website and check their hours. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though some offices now use an online reservation system. Bring all your documents: your identity document, proof of residency, and your ITIN documentation.

At the office, tell the staff member you are explore for a REAL ID-exempt driver's license. They will give you a Form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit). Fill it out with your name, address, date of birth, and ITIN. You will take a photo and a vision test at the MVA. The fee is the same as for any Maryland driver's license — currently $70 for an eight-year license, though this amount may change.

You will receive your temporary license on the spot, and your permanent card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving when ready.

What this license does and does not allow

Your Maryland REAL ID-exempt driver's license is a valid form of identification for driving in Maryland and for interactions with Maryland police. You can use it to rent a car, open a bank account, or show to an employer as proof of identity. It is also accepted by some private businesses as ID.

However, this license cannot be used for federal purposes. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or access a federal building that requires ID. If you need to fly, you would need a passport from your country of origin or another document accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Renewing your REAL ID-exempt license

Your Maryland REAL ID-exempt driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. To renew, you return to the MVA with the same documents you brought for your initial process: your identity document, proof of Maryland residency, and your ITIN documentation. You can renew in person at any MVA office or by mail if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo.

The renewal fee is the same as the initial fee. If your ITIN documentation has expired or changed, bring your current IRS letter or tax return showing your ITIN.

Common reasons applications are delayed or denied

The most common issue is bringing documents that do not meet the MVA's requirements. Residency documents must be dated within 60 days, so an old utility bill will not work. Identity documents must be original or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your name on your residency document does not match your identity document exactly, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court name-change order to explain the difference.

Another frequent delay happens when someone does not yet have an ITIN. You cannot complete your process without one, so if you are in this situation, you will need to file for your ITIN first, wait for the IRS letter, and then return to the MVA. Planning ahead for this step prevents a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my REAL ID-exempt license online or by mail?

You can renew by mail if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo. Otherwise, you must renew in person at an MVA office. Mail-in renewal takes longer than in-person renewal, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.

What if I do not have a passport or national ID from my country?

You can bring a birth certificate paired with another photo ID, such as a school ID, work ID, or consular ID. The MVA accepts combinations of documents as long as they together prove your identity and date of birth.

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

No. Maryland's REAL ID-exempt license is a state document for driving purposes only. It does not report information to immigration authorities or change your legal status. However, you should consult an immigration attorney if you have specific concerns about your situation.

How much does a REAL ID-exempt driver's license cost?

The fee is the same as a standard Maryland driver's license. Currently that is $70 for an eight-year license, though fees may change. Check the MVA website for the current fee before you go.

Can I use this license to cross the border into Delaware or Virginia?

Yes. Your Maryland REAL ID-exempt driver's license is valid for driving in other states. However, some states may have different rules about what ID they accept for other purposes, so if you need ID for something other than driving, ask first.