The MVA authorizes and issues several types of "specialty" identification cards to persons who are engaged in a business regulated by the MVA.  In each case, the MVA unit that regulates the business must first authorize the person to receive the card.  The person then can apply for the card at any MVA office.

This document describes only the process associated with the preparation and issuance of the card.  For information about the authorization process, see the applicable infoMVA document listed below.

The persons to whom specialty cards are issued include:

• Vehicle salesman - see Dealer - Salesman License
• Title Service Representative - see Dealer - License for Title Service Agent
• Apprentice Driving Instructor - see Driver Instruction - School and Instructor Licensing or Driver Instruction - School and Instructor Certification
• Licensed Driving Instructor - see Driver Instruction - School and Instructor Licensing
• Certified Driving Instructor - see Driver Instruction - School and Instructor Certification
• Motorcycle Safety Program Instructor - see Motorcycle Safety Program - see Instructors Wanted!

What is the procedure for obtaining a specialty card?

First, gather the documents that you will need to present to the MVA:

• Current driver's license (if you don't have a valid driver's license, bring an acceptable form of identification that includes a photograph);
• Authorization letter from the applicable MVA unit:

1. Vehicle Salesman - Business Licensing and Consumer Services (BL&CS) unit
2. Title Service Representative - Business Licensing and Consumer Services (BL&CS) unit
3. Apprentice Driving Instructor - Driving Instructional Services Division (DISD)
4. Licensed Driving Instructor - Driving Instructional Services Division (DISD)
5. Certified Driving Instructor - Driving Instructional Services Division (DISD)
6. Motorcycle Safety Program Instructor - Motorcycle Safety Program;
7. Old specialty card (if issued); and
8. Payment (cash, check, credit card or MVA credit voucher)

Second, visit any MVA office.  When you arrive the Customer Agent will:

• Take your photograph.  See MVA Photo Guidelines note below:
• Review the authorization letter you brought with you;
• Ask you to sign the screen; and
• Receive your payment.

Note:  MVA Photo Guidelines:  Because of the ever increasing need to use a photo driver’s license, learner’s permit or moped permit as proof of personal identification (i.e.: MVA, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, etc.) in addition to its role as a licensing document, the Maryland MVA is required to follow and enforce certain guidelines concerning approving and using an acceptable digital image/photograph on these license products.  The same guidelines would also follow for the issuance of a Maryland Photo Identification Card.

The MVA will not permit an applicant to significantly alter, hide or enhance their face or facial features by the use or excessive use of:

1). Face Paint

2). Cosmetics

3). Cosmetic Contacts

4). Facial Contortions

5). Hats/Scarves/Other Clothing

6). Hands, etc.

If a supervisor deems it necessary, the customer will be required to remove the unacceptable face paint, cosmetics, etc. before a photo is taken.

If a photo image is taken and it is determined to be unacceptable by an MVA supervisor due to any of the above reasons or otherwise, the MVA reserves the right to require that the customer either sits for another image or is refused the issuance of the MVA product.

References:

1. Issuance of license: TR, 16-111.1(d)(2-iv):  A color photograph of the applicant that is taken in accordance with a procedure that the Administration requires.
2. Form and contents of an Identification Card: TR, 12-301(g)(2v):  A color photograph of the applicant taken by the procedure that the Administration requires.

After you are finished, the MVA employee will prepare and hand you the specialty card.

Fees:

There is a different fee for each type of Specialty Card:

• Vehicle Salesman
• Title Service Representative
• Apprentice Driving Instructor
• Licensed Driving Instructor
• Certified Driving Instructor
• Motorcycle Safety Program Instructor - there is no fee.

Contact Information:

MVA
Driver Services Division
6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

For telephone questions: