International Applicants

International Students, Scholars, Faculty and their Dependants
Refugees/Asylees
Translation of foreign issued documents
Foreign Reciprocity Agreements
Renewing a Limited Term Driver's License or ID Card
Applying for a new Learners Permit, Driver's License or Identification (ID) Card Information

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.

Individuals on the MVA's State of Maryland Court Interpreter Registry Listing; OR
If the MVA's Approved Interpreter/Translator Provider Listing and the MVA's State of Maryland Court Interpreter Registry Listing do not have an interpreter/translation provider available for the requested language, CTS Language Link, an accepted State provider, may provide document translations or in-person interpretation services.

Language Line Services
1 Lower Ragsdale Drive, Building 2
Monteray, CA 93940
1-866-874-3972
http://www.languageline.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.

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 Canada, 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 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.

Note: Below are general guidelines only;

A Full Term Compliant product is available to individuals who are:

United States (U.S.) Citizens (Born in the U.S., a US Territory, or born abroad to US Citizens)
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) (presenting a valid I-551 with 10 year validity)
Naturalized U.S. Citizen (presenting Certificate of Naturalization)
Approved Asylees or Refugees

A Limited Term Temporary product may be issued to individuals who have:

A valid non-immigrant status in the United States
A pending application for asylum in the United States
A pending or approved application for temporary protected status (TPS) in the U.S.
Approved deferred action status
A pending application for LPR
Conditional permanent resident status

The length of time issued on Limited Term Temporary products will vary based on the document presented and the verification through the DHS. The term may be:

To the date on the document presented;
To the validity date specified by the DHS;
For a maximum of 1 year if no date is returned on a non-immigrant status;
For a maximum of 1 year if no date is returned on a pending or conditional permanent resident status;
For a maximum of 8 months if there is a pending extension or pending change in a non immigrant status.

NOTE: Products issued under this category will contain and “T” restriction indicating the license is valid for a limited term.

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.

Please check your renewal notice for any errors.
Present your renewal notice, expiring license, and fee in person to any one of the MVA locations.
Pass a vision screening
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.

Notes:

1. Like Maryland, some states grant an extension of the driver’s license validity period to active duty U.S. military personnel and/or their dependants. However, Maryland law does “NOT” make any provisions for the MVA to accept and transfer an Out-of-State driver’s license that has been expired for one (1) year or more, unless the applicant retests and passes the Vision, Knowledge and Skill tests.

2. Maryland no longer acknowledges an Out-of-State license holder’s military extension for licensing purposes. If the applicant’s Out-of-State license has been expired for one (1) year or more and the applicant states that their license was renewed or physically extended by their licensing state (but they do not have the current/new license in their possession), then the customer must provide the MVA with a certified copy of their out-of-state driving record that was issued within the last 30 days, which states a current valid license expiration date. If this document is accepted, then the retesting will not be required. If the customer is unable to provide this document, then they will be required to retest if they wish to transfer their out-of-state license.

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.

Notes:

1. Like Maryland, some states grant an extension of the driver’s license validity period to active duty U.S. military personnel and/or their dependants. However, Maryland law does NOT make any provisions for the MVA to accept and transfer an Out-of-State driver’s license that has been expired for one (1) year or more, unless the applicant retests and passes the Vision, Knowledge and Skill tests.

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, applicable to 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.
If you have never been licensed in the United States, you must complete a 3-Hour Drug & Alcohol Education Program.
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.
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 if transferring a Commercial Driver's License issued by Canada ONLY. All other foreign issued Commercial Driver's Licenses can only be transferred to a non-commercial driver's license.
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:

Countries: Canada and Yukon Territory.
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.
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.
The 3-Hour Alcohol and Drug Education Program IS required for both Korea and Germany whether the license is expired or not.

Notes:

The driver's license from Canada, France and the Federal Republic of Germany must be surrendered to the MVA before the Maryland license is issued. The MVA will return the licenses except the Canadian license to the proper authorities in that country and advise them that you now hold a Maryland driver's license. The license issued by the Republic of Korea (South) should be returned to the customer.
If you are not currently licensed by one of the above countries or U.S. Territories, you may be required to take a skills driving test. You may be required to schedule a skills test appointment once you have passed the Vision and Knowledge tests if the MVA office is not able to fit you in on the same day. Click here for additional information on scheduling a test appointment or you may call 1-410-768-7000 or 1-800-492-4575 TTY for the Hearing Impaired for assistance. You must provide a safe test vehicle for the driving test. If this vehicle is a rental vehicle, your name MUST appear on the rental contract as an approved driver of that vehicle or the test will be cancellled and you will need to set up another test appointment date.
The MVA will ONLY transfer a Canadian CDL. A CDL holder from any other country is required to obtain a CDL learner's permit.
Customers must also be sure to change their name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) prior to coming to the MVA. The license, learner’s permit or ID card will not be issued if the new desired name change does not match the SSA records and is not automatically verified by the SSA files. It may take a minimum of 48 hours or longer for the SSA to update their records with your name change.
Customers may obtain a Change of Address form (VR-154) at any MVA office, online or the form may be mailed to you. To have the form mailed, please call the MVA Customer Service Center at 1-410-768-7000 or 1-800-492-4575 TTY for the Hearing Impaired.

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.