Maryland MVA Requirements
Documents Required for Your Maryland Driver’s License
Are you a foreign national applying for a Maryland driver’s license? This complete checklist shows you exactly what to bring to the MVA, so your appointment goes smoothly the first time.
4 document categories
Identity · Residency · Status · Social Security
Original documents required
Copies are not accepted by the MVA
Free PDF checklist
Download with checkboxes, English & Spanish
Official MVA Requirements
Based on Maryland MVA guidelines
Originals Only
No photocopies accepted
All Nationalities
Foreign nationals welcome
Free PDF Download
English & Spanish
OVERVIEW
3 steps to get your Maryland driver’s license
As a foreign license holder, here is what you need to do before and after your MVA visit.
1
Prepare your documents
Use the checklist below to gather all required original documents before going to the MVA. Do not go without them? the MVA will send you back.
2
Get your license translated
If your foreign license is not in English, you must have it translated by a Maryland MVA certified translator before your appointment.
Complete the 3-hour course
All foreign license holders must complete the 3-Hour Roadway Safety course online before obtaining their Maryland license. $50 and 100% online.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
What you need to bring to the Maryland MVA
Original documents are required. The MVA does not accept photocopies. Bring documents from each applicable category.
1. Proof of Identity
Bring ONE of the following
- Foreign Passport
- Valid Consular Identification Card
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Employment Authorization Card (EAD)
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
- U.S. Passport (if applicable)
2. Proof of Maryland Residency
Bring ONE of Bring TWO, must show your name and MD addressfollowing
- Lease agreement
- Mortgage statement
- Utility bill
- Bank statement (checking or savings)
- Credit card statement
- Maryland vehicle registration
- Insurance policy or insurance card
- Government mail
- Property tax bill
- Cell phone bill
3. Proof of Lawful Presence
If applicable, depends on your visa/status
- Passport
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Visa
- I-20 (F-1 Students)
- DS-2019 (J-1 Exchange Visitors)
- I-797 Approval Notice (H-1B and other visa holders)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
⚠️ The MVA may verify your immigration status through the federal SAVE system before issuing a license.
4. Social Security Documentation
Bring ONE, either SSN proof or ineligibility letter
If you have a Social Security Number:
- Social Security Card
- W-2
- SSA-1099
- Paystub showing SSN
If you are NOT eligible for a SSN:
- Social Security Administration Letter of Ineligibility
5. Applicants Without Lawful Immigration Status
Maryland may still issue a driver’s license, conditions apply
- File Maryland income taxes for 2 consecutive years
- Obtain a Maryland Tax Certification Letter verifying ITIN number tax filings
- Meet all identity and residency requirements above
- Pass all required MVA testing)
Before going to the MVA, use the official Maryland MVA Document Selector Tool, it tells you exactly which documents you need based on your specific immigration status and licensing situation.
Download the free document checklist
Are you a foreign national applying for a Maryland driver’s license? This complete checklist shows you exactly what to bring to the MVA, so your appointment goes smoothly the first time.
Documents ready? One step left.
All foreign license holders must complete the 3-Hour Roadway Safety course before visiting the MVA.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about documents and the Maryland license process for foreign nationals.
What documents do I need to get a Maryland driver’s license as a foreigner?
You need four categories of documents: (1) One proof of identity such as a foreign passport or green card, (2) Two proofs of Maryland residency such as a lease agreement or utility bill, (3) Proof of lawful presence if applicable (passport, visa, I-94, etc.), and (4) Social Security documentation or a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration.
Can I get a Maryland driver’s license without a Social Security Number?
Yes. If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you must bring a Social Security Administration Letter of Ineligibility to your MVA appointment. This letter confirms that the SSA has determined you are not eligible for an SSN, and the MVA will accept it as part of your application.
Do I need to have my foreign driver’s license translated?
Yes. If your foreign driver’s license is issued in a language other than English, you must have it translated by a Maryland MVA certified translator before your appointment. We offer certified Spanish-English translation services through Dawn Auffarth, MVA certified translator ID #1955, serving all Maryland counties. Request a translation here.
Do I need to take the 3-hour course before going to the MVA?
Yes. As of October 2025, all foreign license holders must complete the 3-Hour Roadway Safety course (formerly known as the 3 Hour Drug and Alcohol class or Safe & Sober class) before obtaining a Maryland driver’s license. The course is 100% online, self-paced, and costs $50. Once you pass, we file your completion directly with the Maryland MVA. Register here.
Can I get a Maryland license without lawful immigration status?
Maryland may issue a federally noncompliant driver’s license to applicants without lawful immigration status, provided they have filed Maryland income taxes for 2 consecutive years, can provide a Maryland Tax Certification Letter verifying their ITIN filings, meet all identity and residency requirements, and pass the required MVA testing.
Ready to get your Maryland driver’s license?
Gather your documents, get your translation, and complete the 3-hour course, all online.