Regardless of an immigrant’s legal status in the US, an immigrant may receive a driver’s license from the state of Maryland. This is a big deal because driving without a license presents a lot of risks and living without the ability to drive is something that many immigrants are unwilling to do.
The paths to getting a driver’s license differ based on legal status in the US. Also, the kind of driver’s license one may receive differs based on legal status: one driver’s license is a “non-compliant” one, and the other is “compliant.” But, when it comes to driving legally around Maryland, they are both effective.
If you are an undocumented immigrant, you may be wondering what you must do or what you must show in order to receive a driver’s license.
To get a Maryland driver’s license, as an undocumented immigrant applying for your first driver’s license, you must show:
- Evidence of your age and identity,
- You may use an unexpired passport, among other documents, to establish your age and identity
- Proof of Maryland income tax filing for the preceding two years, and
- You will need a certification letter from the Maryland Comptroller’s Office to establish income tax filings
- Two documents to prove your Maryland residency.
- There are many documents that you may use to show Maryland residency. These documents include the following: a Maryland vehicle registration card or title; a utility, telephone, or cable bill; a bank statement; a property tax bill or receipt; mail from a federal, state or local government agency; a credit card statement; etc.