Maryland's Driver's License Rules for People Without Immigration Status

Maryland allows you to get a driver's license without proving citizenship or legal immigration status. You do not need a Social Security number, and you do not need to show documents that prove how you entered the country. The state issues what it calls a standard driver's license to anyone who can pass the written test, the vision test, and the road test — regardless of immigration status.

This means you can legally drive in Maryland and use the license as identification at banks, stores, and other places that accept it. The license looks the same as any other Maryland license. It does not mark your immigration status or indicate anything different about how you obtained it.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland issues standard driver's licenses to people without citizenship or legal immigration status, with no Social Security number required.
  • You will need to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Maryland tax return instead of a Social Security number.
  • You must bring documents that prove your identity and Maryland residency, such as a passport, consulate ID, utility bill, or lease agreement.
  • The process takes the same steps as any other driver's license: written test, vision test, road test, and payment of the standard fee.
  • Your license is valid for eight years and can be renewed by mail or in person at any Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office.

What Documents You Need to Bring

You will need to bring proof of identity and proof that you live in Maryland. For identity, the Motor Vehicle Administration accepts a foreign passport, a consulate ID card, a national ID from your home country, or a Mexican matricula consular card. These are the primary documents that work without a U.S. immigration document.

For proof of Maryland residency, bring one document from this list: a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease agreement or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government-issued mail with your name and address, or a property tax bill. The document must show your current Maryland address and be dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to provide either an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or proof that you filed a Maryland tax return. If you have an ITIN, bring the letter from the IRS that assigned it to you. If you do not have an ITIN but filed taxes in Maryland, bring a copy of your state tax return. If you have neither, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before you go to the Motor Vehicle Administration.

The Step-by-Step Process at the Motor Vehicle Administration

Start by going to any Motor Vehicle Administration office in Maryland with your documents. Bring the original documents — photocopies alone will not work. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Motor Vehicle Administration website.

When you arrive, tell the staff member you are explore for a driver's license. They will check your identity and residency documents, verify your ITIN or tax return information, and take your photograph. You will then pay the standard driver's license fee, which is currently $70 for an eight-year license (fees can change, so confirm the current amount when you visit).

Next, you will take the written test on a computer. The test covers Maryland traffic laws and road signs. You can take it in English or in one of several other languages. You must answer at least 24 out of 30 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost.

After you pass the written test, you will have your vision checked. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You will then schedule a road test appointment. The Motor Vehicle Administration will give you a temporary license to drive to your test. Your road test appointment is usually within two to four weeks.

Preparing for the Written and Road Tests

The written test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking rules, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the Maryland Driver's Manual, which is free on the Motor Vehicle Administration website and available in multiple languages. Many people study for one to two weeks before taking the test.

For the road test, you will drive with a Motor Vehicle Administration examiner for about 20 to 30 minutes. They will ask you to do things like parallel park, make turns, stop at signs, and merge into traffic. You must follow all traffic laws and show that you can control the vehicle safely. If you fail, you can retake it, but you will have to pay the test fee again.

Bring the vehicle you will be driving for the test. It must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the lights, wipers, brakes, and horn all work before the test begins.

What Happens After You Pass the Road Test

Once you pass the road test, the Motor Vehicle Administration will issue your driver's license. You can usually pick it up at the office the same day or within a few days. Your license will be valid for eight years from the date it is issued.

You can use your Maryland driver's license to drive legally throughout the United States. It is also accepted as identification at banks, stores, airports, and other places. However, it is not accepted as proof of citizenship or legal immigration status — it is straightforward a license to drive.

If you move out of Maryland or your address changes, you must update your license within 60 days. You can do this by mail or in person at any Motor Vehicle Administration office.

Renewing Your License Before It Expires

Your license expires eight years after it is issued. You can renew it by mail or in person. To renew by mail, the Motor Vehicle Administration will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. You fill out the form, include payment, and mail it back. The new license arrives in the mail within two to three weeks.

To renew in person, go to any Motor Vehicle Administration office with your current license and payment. You will not need to retake the written or road tests unless your license was suspended or revoked. If you renew in person, you can get a temporary license the same day and your new license within two weeks.

If your license expires and you do not renew it, you cannot legally drive. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic ticket and a fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, or proof that you filed a Maryland tax return. The Motor Vehicle Administration does not require a Social Security number.

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

No. A driver's license is a state document that shows you can drive safely. It does not change your immigration status or report you to immigration authorities. Maryland does not share driver's license information with federal immigration agencies for the purpose of immigration enforcement.

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

A Maryland driver's license alone is not accepted for domestic flights. You will need a passport or a passport card. However, you can use your driver's license for other forms of identification, such as opening a bank account or entering a government building.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it. You will need to pay the road test fee again and schedule another appointment, which is usually within two to four weeks. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

Can I get a Maryland driver's license if I do not have a fixed address?

You will need to provide proof of Maryland residency, which typically requires a document with your name and address. If you do not have a fixed address, contact the Motor Vehicle Administration office directly to ask about other ways to prove residency in your situation.