Maryland allows undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license through a separate program called the Temporary Driver's License (TDL)

Maryland's Temporary Driver's License is a real license issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) that lets you drive legally in the state. You do not need a Social Security number or proof of legal immigration status to get one. The license looks different from a standard Maryland license — it has a red stripe and the words "Temporary Driver's License" printed on it — so police and other officials can see at a glance that it was issued under this program.

The TDL is valid for driving within Maryland and is recognized by Maryland law enforcement. It does not grant you legal status, work authorization, or any immigration benefit. It is purely a driving permit. Some other states and the federal government do not recognize it as a valid ID for purposes like boarding a plane or entering a federal building, but it satisfies Maryland's requirement that drivers be licensed.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland's Temporary Driver's License is issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration to people without proof of legal immigration status, and it allows you to drive legally in Maryland.
  • You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, a document proving your identity, and proof of Maryland residency to explore.
  • The license costs the same as a standard Maryland license and is valid for the same length of time, typically eight years for adults.
  • A Temporary Driver's License does not change your immigration status and is not recognized by federal agencies or most other states as a valid ID for non-driving purposes.

What documents you need to bring to the MVA

The MVA requires four main things: proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and proof that you have been in Maryland for at least one year. The identity document can be a passport, a national ID card from your home country, a consular ID, a birth certificate, or a foreign driver's license. It must be current or expired no more than one year ago.

For proof of residency, bring something dated within the last 60 days with your name and Maryland address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. For the ITIN, bring your IRS letter showing your number. If you do not have an ITIN yet, you will need to explore for one through the IRS before you can get the TDL. The one-year residency requirement can be met with documents like tax returns, utility bills, or lease agreements showing you have lived in Maryland for at least 12 months.

how the process works at the Motor Vehicle Administration

Go to your local MVA office in person — you cannot explore by mail or online. Bring all four documents listed above, plus a completed process form (the MVA staff can help you fill it out if you need help). You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test about Maryland traffic laws. The written test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and others; ask the MVA which languages are available at your location.

The vision test is straightforward and the same for everyone. The knowledge test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Maryland Driver's Manual, which is free and available online in English and Spanish on the MVA website. Most people pass on their first try. If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day.

Cost and how long the license lasts

A Temporary Driver's License costs the same as a standard Maryland license. As of now, that is $70 for an eight-year license for adults, though fees can change. You pay at the MVA office when you explore. The license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued, just like a regular Maryland license.

When your TDL expires, you renew it the same way you got it — by going to the MVA in person with the same documents. You cannot renew by mail. The renewal process is faster than the first process because you do not have to retake the knowledge test, only the vision test.

What you can and cannot do with a Temporary Driver's License

You can drive legally in Maryland, buy car insurance (insurance companies will accept the TDL as a valid driver's license), and register a vehicle in your name. Police will recognize it as a valid license, and you will not face penalties for driving with it. You can also use it to open a bank account in some cases, though policies vary by bank.

You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or cross into another state and expect it to be recognized as valid ID. Some employers may not accept it as proof of identity for hiring purposes. It does not change your immigration status or give you work authorization — your ability to work depends on your immigration situation, not on having a driver's license. If you are concerned about your work situation, speak with an immigration attorney.

How to get an ITIN if you do not have one yet

An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS for tax purposes. You explore for one by filing a tax return with the IRS, even if you did not earn income or do not owe taxes. You can file a return using Form 1040 and submit it by mail to the IRS address for your state, or you can work with a tax preparer or community organization that helps people file taxes. Many nonprofits in Maryland offer free tax preparation services and can help you get an ITIN at the same time.

The IRS will mail your ITIN to you, usually within two to four weeks. Once you have it, you can use it to explore for the Temporary Driver's License. If you are not sure where to find free tax help in your area, call 211 (a helpline that connects you to local services) and ask for tax preparation information.

What happens if you are stopped by police

If you are pulled over while driving with a valid Temporary Driver's License, show the license to the officer. It is a legal license issued by Maryland, so you have done nothing wrong by having it. The officer will see that it is a TDL and will treat it like any other license. You should not be cited or arrested straightforward for holding a TDL.

Your immigration status is separate from your driving status. Having a TDL does not protect you from immigration enforcement, but it also does not make you more vulnerable to it. If an officer asks about your immigration status, you have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer. Do not sign anything or answer questions without a lawyer present. If you are arrested, ask to speak to an immigration attorney before answering any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Temporary Driver's License?

No. You need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. The ITIN is issued by the IRS and is used for tax purposes. You can get one by filing a tax return with the IRS, even if you did not earn income.

Will getting a Temporary Driver's License affect my immigration case?

A driver's license itself does not affect your immigration status or any pending immigration case. However, the documents you submit to the MVA are state records, not federal immigration records. If you have concerns about your specific situation, speak with an immigration attorney before explore.

Can I use a Temporary Driver's License to fly on an airplane?

No. Federal agencies do not recognize the Temporary Driver's License as valid ID for boarding domestic flights. You would need a passport or another federally recognized ID. Some states issue Real ID-compliant licenses that work for flights, but Maryland's TDL is not Real ID-compliant.

What if I move out of Maryland after I get the license?

The license is only valid in Maryland. If you move to another state, that state will not recognize it as a valid driver's license. You would need to get a license in your new state. Most states have their own rules about who can get a license, so check with the motor vehicle agency in your new state.

How long does it take to get a Temporary Driver's License after I explore?

You receive the license the same day you explore at the MVA office, assuming you pass the vision and knowledge tests. There is no waiting period. You can drive legally as soon as you leave the MVA with your new license in hand.