Applicant must bring original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies, notarized copies, and documents with alterations or erasures will not be accepted. If any document is damaged, torn, overly worn, etc. the applicant may be required to obtain a replacement. Please refer to the information below for identity and residency requirements.
All applicants for an initial MD Driver's License, Learner's Permit, or ID Card must present the following documents (choose from A, B, or C, plus D):
A. Birth certificate, court change of name order, or valid foreign passport or valid INS document, plus one additional primary source of identification with the applicant's signature; OR
B. Birth certificate, court change of name order, valid foreign passport or valid INS document, plus two additional secondary sources of identification, one of which must contain the applicant's signature; OR
C. A document or documents with the applicant's full name and signature if digital image is on file with the MD MVA and is retrievable for identification purposes; PLUS
D. Two proofs of Maryland residence.
Note: Documents presented are reviewed and authenticated by MVA agents.
Foreign/Out-of-Country Applicants please refer to the Foreign/Out-of-Country Applicant page for additional information on documentation.
- An original or certified copy issued by the office of vital statistics in one of the United States, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory.
- Birth registration cards/notices are acceptable for Maryland births only.
- United States citizens who were born in a foreign country must present their U.S. State Department birth certificate.
- Foreign/Out-of-Country birth certificates are NOT acceptable even with an English translation.
- Original government-issued birth certificate or certified copy (U.S. or territorial)
- Actual social security card
- Valid U.S. passport
- Valid U.S. military identification card or discharge record (DD-214)
- Maryland Driver's License
- Maryland Identification Card
- Out-of-State driver's license, with translation into English, if required
- Out-of-State identification card, with translation into English, if required
- Certificate of naming from a religious institution located in a state or territory of the U.S., such as a baptismal certificate or synagogue naming certificate, issued in the first year of life
- Certified school records from a public or private primary, secondary, or post secondary accredited educational institution located in a state or territory of the U.S.
- Valid Out-of-Country passport
- Certificate of U.S. citizenship (INS Form N-560 or N-561)
- Certificate of naturalization (INS Form N-550 or N-570)
- Alien registration receipt card/Permanent resident card (I-551)
- Valid employment authorization card (I-688A or I-688B)
- Valid employment authorization document (I-766)
- Valid temporary resident card (I-688)
- I-94 arrival/departure card/record (In the case of a refugee)
- Out-of-Country driver's license, with an international driver's license, or a translation into English, if required
- Government issued driver's license (includes military licenses)
Please note: Documents presented from the lists below may not be issued by the same agency or business (for example, "Gabby's" Telephone Bill, and "Gabby's" Residential Service Contract would not be accepted). (two items are required if presenting only one primary source) - Selective service card *
- Handgun permit with photograph or fingerprint
- Vehicle registration card or title *
- Voter registration card *
- Document prepared by U.S. government agency, which contains the applicant's signature (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number cards are not acceptable)
- Utility or telephone bill *
- Checking or savings account statement *
- Life insurance card or policy (over 3 years old) *
- Property tax bill or receipt *
- Mortgage account or proof of home ownership *
- Residential rental contract (apartment lease or other rental of real property) *
- Canceled check with imprinted name and address *
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Retail sales/financial institution sales agreement (excludes agreements for rental of household goods or other personal property)
- In the case of a dependent child, a certified statement from the child's parent or guardian, signed under penalty of perjury in the presence of a MVA representative* (satisfactory proof of identity and relationship of the parent or guardian of the child applicant is required.)
- Employee or contractor photo identification card issued by a local, state, or U.S. government agency
Note: If your digital image is on file with the MD MVA and is retrievable for identification purposes, you may satisfy the identification requirements by presenting a document or documents with your full name and signature.
The Maryland residence address on the documents must match the Maryland address on the MVA application.
- Selective service card *
- Maryland vehicle registration card or title *
- Voter registration card *
- Utility, telephone or cable/satellite TV bill *
- Checking or savings account statement *
- Life insurance card, or policy (over 3 years old) *
- Property tax bill or receipt *
- Mortgage account or proof of home ownership *
- Residential rental contract (apartment lease or other rental of real property) *
- Canceled check with imprinted name and address *
- First class mail from any government agency (to include the contents and envelope); MVA mail is not acceptable
- Major credit card bill
- Installment loan contract from a bank or other financial institution
- Sales tax or business license
- Residential service contract (refers to services performed at the address of residence; for example cable or satellite television, TV repair, lawn service, or exterminator contract)
- Court order of probation, order of parole or order of mandatory release
- Copy of federal or Maryland income tax return filing not more than 18 months old, with proof of filing.
For example, applicant may file electronically and provide a receipt/printed copy of the electronic return, a receipt from a tax preparer with a copy of the tax return, a copy of the tax return obtained from the federal/state income tax division containing taxpayer names & signatures, copy of a tax return with cancelled check (front and back) showing payment made to the IRS or Comptroller's Office.
In the case of a dependent child, the MVA may accept a certified statement of residency from the child’s parent or guardian, signed in the presence of a MVA official.* (Satisfactory proof of identity, Maryland residency, and relationship of the parent or guardian to the child applicant is required.) In the case of a married person, the MVA may accept a certified statement of residency from the applicant’s spouse, signed in the presence of a MVA official. (Satisfactory proof of identity, Maryland residency, and marital relationship is required.)
Note: The MVA will accept certification from nursing homes, and homeless shelters under certain conditions for proof of residence. A post office box number may be used in conjunction with a resident's address if they are in the same zip code area. The use of a post office box or private mail drop is not permitted.
* May be used as a secondary source of identity or as a proof of residency, but not for both.
How to Apply | Driver's License | Learner's Permit | Identification Card
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