What is "Motor Voter?"

Federal law requires the MVA to provide its customers the opportunity to apply to register to vote, or update voting information, during a driver's license or photo identification (ID) card transaction.

Prior to your driver’s license or identification card transaction you will be given an "Applying to Register to Vote at MVA" flyer at the information counter. This flyer will instruct you on what to expect during the motor voter transaction. MVA customers will then answer the voter application questions through a computerized touch screen and their driver’s licenses or identification card signatures will be used to certify the application for voter registration. This information is then transmitted electronically to the State Board of Elections on a nightly basis. This process is paperless.

Am I eligible to vote?

To Apply to register to vote, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen;
• Be a Maryland resident;
• Be a least 16 years old; *
• Not be under guardianship for mental disability; or if you are, you have not been found by a court to be unable to communicate a desire to vote;
• Not have been convicted of buying or selling votes; 
• Not have been convicted of a felony, or if you have, you have completed serving a court ordered sentence of imprisonment, including any term of parole or probation for the conviction.

*You may register to vote if you are at least 16 years old but cannot vote unless you will be at least 18 years old by the next general election.

How can I apply to register to vote?

• You can visit a Motor Vehicle Administration office to obtain a Voter Registration Application,
• When applying for, or renewing, your driver's license,
• When applying for a photo ID,
• When completing the driver's license mail-in renewal application, or
• When changing your address through MVA's website.

You may also visit the State Board of Elections website to download an application at www.elections.state.md.us or call 1-800-222-VOTE (8683) to request an application be mailed to you.

What if I change my address with MVA?

If you are currently registered to vote in MD, you must also update your voter registration information to ensure your address remains current with your County Board of Elections.  This may be done when:

• You visit the MVA to apply for, or to renew, your driver's license,
• When applying for a photo ID card,
• When completing the VR-154 Change of Address or Name form,
• When completing the driver's license mail-in renewal application, or
• When changing your address through MVA's website.

You may also visit the State Board of Elections website to download an application to update your address at www.elections.state.md.us or call 1-800-222-VOTE (8683) to request an application be mailed to you.

Again, if you do not receive your voter's card within 3 weeks and wish to ensure that you are registered to vote, you should contact your County Board of Elections to confirm receipt and processing of your application.