What You Need to Know Before You Start
Maryland issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency. The state accepts several forms of identification to prove who you are, and you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security Number if you don't have one.
The process takes about 30 minutes at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. You'll need to pass a written test on road rules, a vision test, and a driving test. The license costs $70 and is valid for eight years. If you're under 18, the rules are different — you'll need to complete a graduated licensing program.
Maryland's approach is straightforward: the state treats the license as a driving credential, not a citizenship document. This means you can walk into any MVA office with the right paperwork and move forward without extra steps or delays based on immigration status.
Key Takeaways
- You need proof of identity (passport, national ID card, or consular document), proof of Maryland residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security Number or ITIN before you visit an MVA office.
- Maryland accepts ITINs from immigrants who don't have a Social Security Number, so lack of SSN is not a barrier to getting a license.
- You must pass a written knowledge test, vision screening, and road test to receive your license; the written test is offered in multiple languages.
- The license costs $70, takes about 30 minutes to process at the MVA, and is valid for eight years from the date of issue.
- If you already have a valid license from another state or country, you may be able to transfer it or exchange it rather than taking all three tests.
Documents You'll Bring to the MVA
Bring original documents — not copies — to your MVA appointment. You'll need proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of your tax identification number. The MVA will not accept expired documents for identity, but some residency documents can be older.
For identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a national ID card from your country of origin, a consular ID card issued by your country's embassy or consulate in the U.S., or a permanent resident card (green card). If your passport or national ID is expired, you can still use it as long as it was valid when you entered the U.S.
For Maryland residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and a Maryland address. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. A cell phone bill does not. If you rent and don't have a utility bill in your name, a signed lease with your name and the landlord's signature is acceptable.
For tax identification, bring your Social Security card if you have one. If you don't, bring your ITIN documentation — the IRS letter that assigned you an ITIN, or a tax return you filed using that number. The MVA will record whichever number you provide.
The Written Test and Language Options
Maryland offers the written knowledge test in English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. You choose your language when you schedule your appointment or when you arrive at the MVA office. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices. You need to score at least 70 percent to pass.
Study materials are free. The MVA publishes a driver's manual in multiple languages on its website at mva.maryland.gov. You can also request a printed copy when you visit the office. Many public libraries in Maryland have copies available, and some community organizations offer free study groups for immigrants preparing for the test.
You get two chances to pass the written test on the same day. If you fail both times, you can return another day and try again. There's no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you'll pay the $70 license fee each time you test.
The Vision Screening and Road Test
The vision test is straightforward: you read letters on a chart from a set distance. You need vision of at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test and while driving. The MVA will note on your license if correction is required.
The road test lasts about 20 minutes. An MVA examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive on local streets. They're checking that you can control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond safely to other drivers and pedestrians. You must use your own car or borrow one — the MVA does not provide test vehicles. The car must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
If you fail the road test, you can schedule another one. There's typically a wait of a few days to a few weeks depending on how busy your local MVA office is. You don't retake the written test — only the road portion.
If You Already Have a License From Another Country
If you hold a valid driver license from another country, you may not have to take all three tests. Maryland recognizes licenses from many countries and allows you to exchange them for a Maryland license without retesting. The countries recognized include most of Europe, Canada, Australia, and many others, but not all.
Call your local MVA office or check the website before you visit to confirm whether your country's license qualifies for exchange. If it does, bring your foreign license along with your identity and residency documents. The process is faster and costs the same $70.
If your country is not on the recognized list, you'll need to take the written and road tests. You may still be waived from the vision test if your foreign license shows you've passed one recently, but this varies. Ask the MVA when you call.
Finding an MVA Office and Scheduling Your Appointment
Maryland has 26 MVA offices across the state. You can visit any of them — you don't have to go to the one closest to where you live. The busiest offices are in Baltimore and the Washington, D.C. suburbs, and wait times there can be longer.
You can schedule an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov or by calling 410-768-7000. Appointments are free and typically available within a week. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 1 to 3 hours depending on the office and time of day. Mornings on weekdays are usually less crowded than afternoons or weekends.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they don't get lost. Arrive 10 minutes early. Wear clothes you can move in for the road test — no flip-flops or very loose clothing. If you're taking the test in a language other than English, confirm when you arrive that an examiner is available in that language, though this is almost always the case.
After You Pass: Getting Your License and Renewing It
Once you pass all three tests, you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the card.
Your Maryland license is valid for eight years. When it expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at an MVA office. Renewal by mail or online is cheaper and faster — you don't have to retake any tests. You'll need to renew in person only if your address has changed significantly or if you want to update your photo.
If you move out of Maryland, your license remains valid until it expires. You don't have to turn it in. If you move to another state and want a license there, each state has its own rules — some will exchange your Maryland license, and others will require you to test again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security Number to get a Maryland driver license?
No. If you don't have a Social Security Number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring the IRS letter that assigned you the ITIN or a tax return showing that number. The MVA will record your ITIN in place of an SSN.
What if I don't have a lease or utility bill to prove I live in Maryland?
You have other options. A bank statement, government mail, insurance documents, or a letter from a social service agency all work if they show your name and Maryland address and are dated within 60 days. If none of these are available, ask the MVA office what documents they can accept — some offices have flexibility for people in temporary housing situations.
Can I take the written test in my native language if it's not one of the seven offered?
No. Maryland offers the test in English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Tagalog only. If your language is not listed, you'll need to take the test in English or ask someone to help you study so you can understand the English version. Some community organizations offer tutoring in other languages.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can schedule another road test without retaking the written test. There's usually a wait of a few days to a few weeks. You pay the $70 fee again only if you want to retake the written test; the road test retake is included in that fee. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Can I use my Maryland driver license to board a plane or enter federal buildings?
A standard Maryland driver license is not a federal ID. You cannot use it to board a domestic flight or enter federal buildings. You'll need a passport, REAL ID-compliant license, or other federal ID. Maryland does offer a REAL ID license for an extra fee if you want one that works for federal purposes.