Frequently Asked Questions

1. Social Security Number Is Required to Obtain a Maryland Identification Card or Driver’s License.  The Maryland MVA now requires a Social Security number or card to apply for a Maryland Identification or driver’s license.  Applicants that use false or fraudulent Social Security numbers are prosecuted.  Use of the ITIN number in the place reserved for the Social Security Number is not advisable.
2. Evidence of Lawful Presence is Required to Apply for a Maryland Identification or Driver’s License.  Maryland law does require evidence of lawful immigration status unless an applicant is grandfathered under prior law.  Foreign national applicants are often required to schedule a time to meet with a foreign document specialist at the MVA.  All documents must be originals and translated, if applicable, by an MVA approved translator.  More details are available on the MVA website.  Many clients are confused by the document requirements and/or fail to obtain compliant documents.

Links

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) Main Website: http://www.marylandmva.com/index.html 

MVA Foreign / Out-of-Country Applicant Information: http://www.marylandmva.com/DriverServ/Apply/foreign.htm

MVA Sources of Proof for Foreign / Out of Country Applicants (Form DL-197): http://www.marylandmva.com/Resources/DL-197.pdf