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 International Applicants
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                To get a Maryland Learners Permit

                Exchanging an Out-of-State or Out of Country Driver's License

                To Get a Maryland Identification Card (ID) Card

International Students, Scholars, Faculty and their Dependants

To begin the processes for a driver’s license or identification card, you will need to submit an electronic SAVE Verification Request Form online.

*Click here to access the S.A.V.E. Verification Request Form.

Upon completion of this form, a MVA representative will contact you within two (2) business days with the verification results and information to continue the process.  If you experience any difficulties with the form, or do not receive a response within two (2) business days, please send an e-mail to the MVA to sdecal@marylandmva.com.

Refugees/Asylees:

Working with a Refugee Agency

If you are working with a Refugee Agency, please coordinate with your representative to submit a SAVE verification request and to schedule a visit to the MVA.  Upon completion of this form, an MVA representative will contact the Refugee agency within two (2) business days with the verification results and information to continue the process.  If you experience any difficulties with the form or if the Refugee Agency has not been contacted by the MVA with two (2) business days, please have them send an e-mail to the MVA to sdecal@marylandmva.com.

Click here to access the S.A.V.E. Verification Request Form

Not Working with a Refugee Agency

If you are not working with an agency, you may visit any Full Service Branch to apply for a driver’s license, learner permit or ID card. You will need the following:

  •  I-94 Arrival/Departure Card
  •  Social Security Card
  •  Employment Authorization card (if applicable)
  •  Proof of Maryland Residence (2 sources required).  Please refer to Sources of Proof for required documentation.

Translation of Foreign Issued Documents

Sources of Proof documents must be in English, or translated into English by an MVA's Approved Interpreter/Translator. A foreign issued license may be required to be accompanied by an international driver's license or translated into English by an MVA Approved Interpreter/Translator.

  • Interpreters providing services for knowledge/skills testing are prohibited from providing other language services such as translating documents, certifying residence, conducting the business of a driving school, issuing lease/rental agreements, etc. on behalf of the customer being tested.
  • Interpreters cannot provide interpretation services for family members, including but not limited to a blood relation or a relative related by marriage.
  • In-person interpreter and/or translator providers must show a valid photo identification card, either a state driver's license or a state identification card, to MVA branch office staff prior to conducting on-site interpretation and/or translation services. MVA branch office staff must check the MVA's Approved Interpreter/Translator Provider Listing and/or the Maryland Court Interpreter Registry Listing to confirm that the interpreter/translator is on the current listing.
  • The original document must accompany the English translation.

Translations must be:

  • On a document prepared by an MVA approved translation provider; or
  • On a document prepared by a court translator; or
  • On the letterhead of the embassy of the country of origin; or
  • On the letterhead of the translator contracted by the State;

All of the above documents must:

  • Contain the typed/printed name of the translator, telephone number and
  • Signature of translator.

Interpreter/Translation Providers Accepted by the MVA

The MVA's Approved Interpreter/Translator Provider Listing is the MVA's primary source for interpreter and translation providers accepted by the MVA.

Additional Interpreters/Translation Providers Accepted by the MVA

If an interpreter and/or translation provider is not available from the MVA's Approved Interpreter/Translator Provider Listing, the following providers are also accepted by the MVA.

CTS Language Link
911 Main Street Suite 10
Vancouver, WA 98660
1-800-208-2620
www.ctslanguagelink.com

Foreign Reciprocity Agreements:

Republic of Korea (South):

Effective December 16, 2010, the MVA entered into a license reciprocity agreement with the Republic of Korea.  The agreement between the MVA and the Republic of Korea (South) only covers noncommercial driver's licenses classes A, B, or C or their equivalent.  The only requirements we will waive for the driver's license are the knowledge (law) and skill test requirements.  All other MVA requirements must be met.

Note:   The driver's license from the Republic of Korea (South) must be surrendered to the MVA before the Maryland license is issued.  The MVA will return this license to the proper authorities in the Republic of Korea (South) to advise them that you now hold a Maryland driver's license.

  • The knowledge (law) test and the driving skills portion of the test for a license of the equivalent class will be waived.  A vision screening will be required. 
  • If the driver's license is EXPIRED, then "ALL" tests (Vision, Knowledge & Skills) are required to transfer the license.
  • You must pay the required fee
  • Provide certification of the 3-Hour Drug & Alcohol Education Program.
  • Provide your out-of-country license along with an International License or translation into English from the MVA's Approved Interpreter/Translator Provider Listing (if required). 
  • Pass the vision screening.
  • Meet the age and identity, lawful status, Social Security, Sources of Proof and Maryland residency requirements

France:

Officially effective December 16, 2010, the MVA entered into a license reciprocity agreement with France. The agreement between the MVA and France only covers driver's licenses (class C in MD and Class B in France).  The only requirements we will waive for the driver's license are the knowledge (law) and skill test requirements.  All other MVA requirements must be met. 

Note:  The driver's license from France must be surrendered to the MVA before the Maryland license is issued.  The MVA will return this license to the proper authorities in France to advise them that you now hold a Maryland driver's license.

  • The knowledge (law) test and the driving skills portion of the test will be waived.  A vision screening will be required.
  • If the driver's license is EXPIRED and has been expired for one (1) year or more, then "ALL" tests (Vision, Knowledge & Skills) are required to transfer the license.
  • You must pay the required fee.
  • Provide certification of the 3-Hour Drug & Alcohol Education Program.
  • Provide your out-of-country license along with an International License or translation into English from the MVA's Approved Interpreter/Translator Provider Listing (if required). 
  • Pass the vision screening.
  • Meet the age and identity, lawful status, Social Security, Sources of Proof and Maryland residency requirements.

Federal Republic of Germany:

Effective May 10, 2011, the MVA entered into a license reciprocity agreement with the Federal Republic of Germany.  The agreement between the MVA and the Federal Republic of Germany only covers driver's licenses (Class C in Maryland and Class B in the Federal Republic of Germany.)  The only requirements we will waive for the driver's license are the knowledge (law) and the skill test requirements.  All other MVA requirements must be met.  Note:  The driver's license from the Federal Republic of Germany must be surrendered to the MVA before the Maryland license can be issued.  The MVA will return this license to the proper authorities in the Federal Republic of Germany to advise them that you now hold a Maryland's driver's license.

  • The knowledge (law) test and the driving skills portion of the test will be waived. A vision screening will be required.
  • If the driver's license is EXPIRED, then "ALL" tests (Vision, Knowledge & Skills) are required to transfer the license.
  • You must pay the required fee.
  • Provide certification of the 3-Hour Drug & Alcohol Education Program.
  • Provide your out-of-country license along with an International License or translation into English from the MVA's Approved Interpreter/Translator Provider Listing (if required). 
  • Pass the vision screening.
  • Meet the age and identity, lawful status, Social Security, Sources of Proof and Maryland residency requirements

Note:  The driver's license from the Republic of Korea (South), France, and the Federal Republic of Germany must be surrendered to the MVA before the Maryland driver's license is issued.  The MVA will return this license to the proper authorities in the Republic of Korea (South), France and the Federal Republic of Germany to advise them that the customer now holds a Maryland driver's license.

Renewing Your Limited Term License:

Just visit one of the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) locations with your expiring license and appropriate fee. You are responsible for renewing your driver's license before it expires. You have up to one year after it expires to renew without having to take additional tests. However, it is against the law to drive with an expired license.

If you hold a Maryland Driver’s License with the “T” restriction indicating that your license is a Limited Term driver’s license, expiring on the date that your lawful status in the U. S. expires, you will be required to provide new or extended proof of your lawful status. Your lawful status and social security number will be verified electronically each time you renew your diver's license as long as your license contains the "T" restricted as listed above.

You will be required to provide proof of a social security number (SSN) that can be verified by the Social Security Administration, or proof of ineligibility for an SSN.  The name(s) on the actual Social Security Card or other acceptable document used to provide proof of a valid, verifiable SSN or proof of ineligibility MUST match the source document(s) used to provide proof of the applicants' Age and Identity and licensure if required.

If you held a valid Maryland driver's license, permit or identification card prior to April 19, 2009, you may be eligible for a subsequent license, permit, or identification card without proof of lawful presence or social security number, but it will not be acceptable for official federal purposes.

  1. Please check your renewal notice for any errors.
  2. Present your renewal notice, expiring license, and fee in person to any one of the MVA locations.
  3. Pass a vision screening
  4. Present new lawful status documentation if your Maryland license is expiring or has already expired due to the expiration of your lawful status.

Applying for a New Learner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification (ID) Card

To Get a Maryland Learner's Permit, Please Bring:

Proof of age/identity, lawful status, verifiable Social Security Number or proof of ineligibility, and Maryland residence. Please refer to Sources of Proof for required documentation.

  • Minimum age for applicants is 15 years and 9 months.
  • If under 16, you must provide a completed Learner's Permit School Attendance Certification form (DL-300) to an MVA official during the learner's permit application process.
  • You must pass a vision screening and knowledge test.
  • If under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application or, if the applicant has no parent or guardian or is married, an adult employer of the applicant or any other responsible adult may cosign the application.
  • You must be 18 to obtain a Learner's Permit for a CDL Intrastate, 21 years of age for Interstate.  In addition, you must also have a full non-provisional driver's license (does not include a motorcycle license).
  • A valid U.S. Department of Transportation physical card (if applying for a Learner’s Permit to drive a commercial motor vehicle) and a medical exemption/waiver if required.
  • Out-of-State learner's permits cannot be exchanged for a Maryland Learner's Permit or license. 
  • You must also complete the Maryland Graduated Licensing System requirements, if required.


Exchanging an Out-of-State License for a Maryland License, Please Bring:

Proof of age/identity, lawful status, verifiable social security number or proof of ineligibility*, Maryland residence, Out-of-State license(s), and the appropriate fee for each license class.  Please refer to Sources of Proof for required documentation.

  • New Maryland residents must obtain a noncommercial Maryland Driver’s License within 60 days. (30 days if exchanging a CDL).
  • You must pass a vision screening.
  • An Out-of-State license may be valid or expired. If expired for one year or more, you are required to pass a vision screening and knowledge and driver's skills test.  If you do not have your out-of-state license in your possession you will need a certified driving record 30 days old or less from the licensing state. The license cannot be suspended.
  • If licensed for less than 18 months, you will be issued a Maryland Provisional License.
  • A valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card and exemption/waiver if required. (If applying for a Commercial Driver's License).
  • A hazardous material (HAZMAT) law test is required to keep your HAZMAT endorsement (if applying for a Commercial Driver's License). A new TSA Background Record Check must also be done in Maryland.
  • Out-of-State learner's permits cannot be exchanged for a Maryland Learner's Permit or license

Exchanging an Out-of-Country License for a Maryland License, Please Bring:

If you are a new resident of Maryland you have 60 days to obtain a non-commercial Maryland Driver's License (30 days for a CDL, Canada only). You will need the following:

Proof of age/identity, lawful status, verifiable Social Security Number or proof of ineligibility*, Maryland residence, Out-of-Country license(s), and the appropriate fee for each license class.  Please refer to Sources of Proof for required documentation.

  • You must pass a vision screening, knowledge test, and driving test.
  • An Out-of-Country license may be valid or expired. The license cannot be suspended.
  • If licensed for less than 18 months, you will be issued a Maryland Provisional License.
  • If you have never been licensed in the U.S., you must complete a 3-Hour Drug & Alcohol Education Program.
  • A valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card and exemption/waiver if required (if applying for a Commercial Driver's License) is needed.
  • An Out-of-Country license may be required to be accompanied by an international driver's license or translated into English by an approved MVA translator.
  • If you are from Out-of-Country, and have never held a license, you must obtain a GLS learner's permit.

Note:  Knowledge, skill tests and 3-Hour Alcohol and Drug Education Program are NOT required if you are converting a valid (or expired less than one (1) year) license, issued by one of the following countries or U.S. Territories:

  1. Countries:  Canada and Yukon Territory.
  2. U.S. Territories:  American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands.  Also included is the Panama Canal Zone, if the applicant was born prior to September 30, 1979.
  3. Countries:  Licenses from the Republic of Korea (South) and the Federal Republic of Germany must be valid, NOT EXPIRED or "ALL" tests (Vision, Knowledge & Skills) are required.

Note:  The MVA will ONLY transfer a Canadian CDL.  A CDL holder from any other country is required to obtain a CDL learner's permit.

To Get a Maryland Identification card

Proof of age/identity, lawful status, verifiable social security number or proof of ineligibility, and Maryland residence. Please refer to Sources of Proof for required documentation. 

  • If you are using a name other than your birth name, you must bring the document that initiated the change of name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court name change order.
  • The Identification Card will be mailed to your Maryland address on record.
  • Please pay close attention to the expiration date of your Maryland Identification Card.  The MVA is not obligated to remind you when it is time to reapply for an Identification Card.

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