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How to get a driver's license in Maryland as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Maryland needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Not stated in official sources
Deadline after moving
60 days after moving to Maryland (stated for out-of-state licenses)
License exchange without tests
5 countries
License without immigration status
Yes
No SSN?
Provide proof of SSN (card, W-2, pay stub or SSA-1099), or a letter of SSN ineligibility.

Driving on a foreign license

Deadline after moving: 60 days after moving to Maryland (stated for out-of-state licenses).

Exchanging a foreign license

  • South Korea
  • France
  • Germany
  • Taiwan
  • Japan

Age 18+, non-commercial Class C only; knowledge and skills tests waived if the license is valid (vision screening still required). German and French licenses are surrendered.

If your country is not on the list

Others must complete a 3-hour Roadway Safety program if never licensed in the U.S. and pass knowledge and driving tests; never-licensed applicants need a learner's permit; licensed under 18 months gets a provisional license.

These agreements apply to applicants 18 years or older for a non-commercial (class C) driver's license. mva.maryland.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Documents verified through DHS SAVE

License validity: Limited-term licenses are valid only for the length of lawful stay in the U.S.

License regardless of immigration status

Noncompliant (non-REAL ID) license under the Maryland Highway Safety Act of 2013 for immigrants without valid USCIS documents; requires two years of Maryland income tax filings shown by a Comptroller tax certification letter.

Immigrants who do not have valid US Citizenship and Immigration documentation are eligible to apply mva.maryland.gov

Social Security number

Provide proof of SSN (card, W-2, pay stub or SSA-1099), or a letter of SSN ineligibility.

A Social Security card or letter of ineligibility for a Social Security number mva.maryland.gov

Proof of residency

Two documents showing your name and Maryland address.

You must bring TWO documents that have your name and Maryland address printed on them with you. mva.maryland.gov

Step by step

  1. Gather proof of age/identity, lawful status (or tax certification letter for a noncompliant license), SSN or ineligibility letter, and 2 proofs of Maryland residency.
  2. Book an MVA appointment and pass the vision screening and knowledge test to get a learner's permit.
  3. If licensed abroad but never in the U.S., complete the 3-hour Roadway Safety Driving Education Program; otherwise complete driver education (30 classroom + 6 behind-the-wheel hours).
  4. Practice: age 25+ hold the permit 45 days with 14 supervised hours (3 at night); ages 19-24 hold 3 months with 60 hours.
  5. Pass the driving skills test in a vehicle you provide.
  6. Receive a provisional license (licensed under 18 months) or full license.
  7. Valid licenses from South Korea, France, Germany, Taiwan or Japan (18+) skip the knowledge and skills tests.

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in Maryland

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.