Maryland issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status, but the documents you need and the process differ depending on whether you have a Social Security number.

If you are an immigrant living in Maryland, you can obtain a driver license through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Maryland does not require proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status to get a license. However, you will need to bring specific documents that prove your identity, residency in Maryland, and date of birth. The exact documents depend on your situation — particularly whether you have a Social Security number.

The process takes place at an MVA office, and you will need to pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test. Most people complete the written and vision tests on the same day they explore, though the road test is usually scheduled separately. Understanding which documents to bring before you go saves you a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland's MVA will issue a driver license to immigrants without requiring proof of citizenship or legal immigration status.
  • You need documents proving identity, Maryland residency, and date of birth; the specific documents depend on whether you have a Social Security number.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, which you obtain from the IRS.
  • You must pass a written test, vision test, and road test; bring your documents to the MVA office to schedule or take the written and vision tests.
  • A Maryland driver license is valid for five years and costs a set fee that does not vary based on immigration status.

Documents you need if you have a Social Security number

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. You also need one document proving your identity — a valid passport, a consular ID from your country of origin, or a foreign national ID card all work. The document must show your photograph, full legal name, and date of birth.

You also need proof that you live in Maryland. An acceptable document shows your name and a Maryland address and was issued within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all count. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in someone else's name (such as a family member's) along with a notarized letter stating that you live at that address.

Bring your completed process for a Driver License or Permit (Form DL-43), which you can read from the MVA website or fill out at the office. You will also need to pay the license fee, which is currently $70 for a five-year license, though you should confirm the current fee when you visit.

Documents you need if you do not have a Social Security number

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to people who do not have a Social Security number but need to file taxes or conduct other financial business in the United States. You obtain an ITIN by filing a tax return with the IRS, even if you had no income that year. Many immigrants use Form 1040-NR (U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return) or Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) to get an ITIN.

Once you have your ITIN, bring the IRS letter confirming your ITIN number, or bring a tax return showing your ITIN. You still need the same identity document (passport, consular ID, or foreign national ID) and proof of Maryland residency as described above. Bring the completed Form DL-43 and the license fee.

Getting an ITIN takes time — the IRS typically processes tax returns within 21 days during filing season, though it can take longer outside that period. If you are in a hurry to get your license, ask the MVA whether they will accept an ITIN process receipt or letter from the IRS showing that you have applied. Some offices will, though policies vary by location.

The written test and vision test

At the MVA office, you will take a written knowledge test covering Maryland traffic laws and safe driving practices. The test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass. You can request the test in languages other than English — the MVA offers tests in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and several other languages. Call your local MVA office ahead of time to confirm which languages are available and whether an interpreter is needed.

You will also take a vision test at the MVA office on the same day. The vision test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to see an eye doctor and bring a vision report to the MVA before you can get your license.

The road test and scheduling

After you pass the written and vision tests, you will receive a learner's permit, which allows you to practice driving with a licensed driver in the car. You then schedule a road test at a later date. The road test checks your ability to operate the vehicle safely, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You drive a route chosen by the examiner, usually lasting 15 to 20 minutes.

Road tests are scheduled weeks in advance at most MVA offices, so plan accordingly. You must bring the same vehicle you will use for the test, and it must be registered and insured. The vehicle must also pass a safety inspection — headlights, brake lights, windshield wipers, and other equipment must work. If you do not own a vehicle, you can use someone else's as long as the owner is present at the test.

Once you pass the road test, the MVA will issue your driver license. You can pick it up at the office or have it mailed to your Maryland address.

Fees and how long it takes

A five-year Maryland driver license currently costs $70, though the fee may vary. The MVA website lists the current fee. You pay this fee when you submit your process at the MVA office. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, and each retake has its own fee.

The timeline depends on how quickly you schedule and pass your tests. You can usually take the written and vision tests the same day you visit the MVA office, but road tests are often scheduled weeks later. From the day you walk into the MVA office to the day you receive your license typically takes four to eight weeks, though it can be faster if you schedule your road test quickly and pass on the first attempt.

Using your Maryland driver license

Once you have your Maryland driver license, you can use it to drive legally throughout the United States. It is also accepted as identification for many purposes, such as opening a bank account or boarding a domestic flight. However, a Maryland driver license issued to someone without a Social Security number will have a different format or marking than a standard license — check with the MVA about what to expect, as this affects which institutions will accept it for identification purposes.

Your license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can renew it by visiting an MVA office, by mail, or online, depending on your situation. The MVA website explains the renewal process and which method applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to show proof of legal immigration status to get a Maryland driver license?

No. Maryland does not require proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status to issue a driver license. You need documents proving your identity, date of birth, and Maryland residency, but not your immigration status.

What if my passport or consular ID is expired?

An expired passport or consular ID can still be used to prove your identity at the MVA, as long as it shows your photograph, full legal name, and date of birth. Bring it along with your other required documents.

Can I take the written test in my native language?

Yes. The MVA offers written tests in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and other languages. Call your local MVA office before you visit to confirm which languages are available and whether you need to schedule in advance.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test. There is a fee for each attempt. You must schedule the next test through the MVA office, which may be weeks later depending on availability.

Can I use my Maryland driver license to board a plane or cross the border?

A Maryland driver license can be used for domestic flights within the United States. For international travel or crossing the U.S. border, you will need your passport or other travel documents. Check with the MVA about whether your specific license has any restrictions on federal identification use.