Effective January 1, 2014, the MVA will implement a new process for immigrants, presenting foreign documentation without valid accompanying United States Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation, to obtain a driver’s license (DL) or identification card (ID). 

Customers who are interested in obtaining one of these DL/IDs are advised to take the following steps in preparation for the new law: 

• Apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number through the Internal  Revenue Service,http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/General-ITIN-Information;
• File Maryland Income Taxes for the preceding 2 years;
• Apply for and obtain identity documents such as a valid, current foreign passport;
• Obtain two residency documents such as copies of a residential lease, utility bill, or bank statement; and
• Study the Maryland Driver’s Manual  and take the Online Driver Test Tutorial to prepare for the knowledge test.

Customers presenting foreign documentation without valid accompanying United States Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation  must schedule an appointment online to apply for a DL / ID.  Appointments will be available starting on January 2, 2014 and you can begin making an appointment on the MVA website in November of 2013. 

Standard fees for a DL / ID will apply.  Any person offering to assist you in obtaining your driver’s license in exchange for money does not work for the MVA.  Use extreme caution in working with any third party to assist in obtaining a DL / ID. 
 
Maryland Law (Transportation Article §12-117) prohibits solicitation for money at state offices for assistance and provides for a fine of up to $500.  If you are solicited for money for this service, you may report this confidentially by calling the Integrity Hotline at 1-800-296-4709.

Please continue to check the website for the most up to date information.