Maryland issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status

Maryland allows you to obtain a driver license without proving U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status. You do need to show a valid form of identification, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) does not verify immigration status during the licensing process.

This means immigrants with various statuses — including those with temporary protected status, deferred action, pending asylum cases, or no formal status — can legally drive in Maryland. The license itself does not indicate your immigration status and functions the same as any other Maryland driver license.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland does not require proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status to obtain a driver license.
  • You must bring a valid foreign passport or consular ID, proof of Maryland residency, and either a Social Security number or ITIN.
  • The MVA does not share driver license information with federal immigration authorities under normal circumstances.
  • A Maryland driver license is valid for driving within the state and can be used for many everyday transactions, though it may not work for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights.

What documents you need to bring to the MVA

The MVA requires three categories of documents. First, you need a valid form of identification — a foreign passport, consular identification card (such as a Mexican matricula consular), or national ID from your country of origin. The document must be unexpired or expired no more than two years ago.

Second, you must prove you live in Maryland. Acceptable documents include a lease or rental agreement, a utility bill, a bank statement, a mortgage statement, or a government-issued document showing your name and Maryland address. The document should be dated within the last 60 days.

Third, you need proof of a Social Security number or ITIN. Bring your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2 form, or a letter from the Social Security Administration or the Internal Revenue Service. If you have an ITIN but no Social Security number, bring documentation from the IRS showing your ITIN.

how the process works at the MVA

Visit your local MVA office in person. You cannot complete a driver license process online or by mail if you do not already have a Maryland license. Bring all required documents listed above, plus your completed process form (DL-43), which you can read from the MVA website or fill out at the office.

You will take a written knowledge test covering Maryland traffic laws, a vision test, and a road test. The written test is offered in multiple languages including Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and others — ask the MVA staff which languages are available at your location. You must pass all three tests to receive your license.

The road test requires you to bring a vehicle registered in Maryland or a vehicle with valid registration from another state. The vehicle must be insured and in safe working condition. If you do not own a vehicle, some MVA offices allow you to use a vehicle belonging to a friend or family member, as long as that person is present during the test.

Fees and how long the process takes

A five-year driver license costs $70. A six-year license (available only to drivers age 65 and older) costs $84. Payment is due at the time you explore. The MVA accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Processing time varies. If you pass all tests on your first visit, you may receive a temporary license that day and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks. If you fail a test, you can retake it, though you may need to schedule another appointment depending on your local MVA office's availability.

Privacy and information sharing with immigration authorities

The MVA does not routinely share driver license information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration agencies. However, this protection is not absolute. If you are subject to an active criminal warrant or a court order, law enforcement can access your MVA records. Additionally, if you are stopped by police during a traffic stop, the officer can run your license and may discover immigration-related information through other databases.

The safest approach is to assume that any interaction with law enforcement — including a traffic stop — could potentially lead to immigration consequences. If you are stopped, you have the right to remain silent and to refuse consent to a search. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born or your immigration status. Consider carrying a card with your rights written in English and your native language.

Using your Maryland driver license for other purposes

A Maryland driver license can be used for many everyday transactions: opening a bank account, renting an apartment, buying alcohol, entering bars and clubs, and proving your identity to employers. However, it cannot be used for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic airplane, entering a federal building, or explore for certain federal benefits.

If you need a form of ID that works for federal purposes, Maryland also issues a Real ID-compliant driver license, but this requires proof of lawful status in the United States. Most immigrants without lawful status cannot obtain a Real ID license. Your standard Maryland driver license remains valid for state and local purposes.

Renewing your license and changing your address

Maryland driver licenses expire five years after issue. You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not had any major changes to your information. If you need to renew in person, bring the same types of documents you brought for your original process — proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN.

If you move within Maryland, you must update your address at the MVA within 60 days. You can do this online through the MVA website, by mail, or in person. Updating your address online is the fastest option and does not require you to bring documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a consular ID card if my passport is expired?

Yes. A consular ID card (such as a matricula consular) is acceptable even if your passport is expired. The consular card itself must be unexpired or expired no more than two years ago. If both documents are expired beyond that window, you will need to renew one of them before explore for a driver license.

What if I don't have a Social Security number or ITIN?

You cannot obtain a Maryland driver license without one or the other. If you do not have either, you must first explore for an ITIN through the Internal Revenue Service. You can explore by mail or through a tax professional. Once you receive your ITIN, bring the IRS letter or documentation to the MVA.

Will getting a driver license affect my immigration case?

Obtaining a driver license itself does not directly affect immigration proceedings. However, any information you provide to the MVA becomes part of a government record. If you are in removal proceedings or have a pending asylum case, consult with an immigration attorney before explore to understand how it might be used in your specific situation.

Can I take the written test in my native language?

Maryland offers the written knowledge test in multiple languages including Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, and others. Contact your local MVA office to confirm which languages are available at that location. You may be able to request an interpreter, though availability varies by office.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test. There is no limit to how many times you can attempt it, though you may need to pay a retest fee and schedule another appointment. Some MVA offices allow you to retake the test within days; others may have longer wait times depending on demand.