Driving Tests

International Students in Maryland: Driving and Getting a License

informational·how to guide·Published May 1, 2026

Can an international student drive in Maryland on a home license, and how do you get a Maryland license?

Maryland law lets a nonresident of the United States drive with a valid license from the country of residence, if the license covers the same class of vehicle, the driver is old enough and the vehicle is not commercial. If you move to Maryland from another country, the MVA says you need a Maryland license, permit or ID card. Students can send a SAVE Verification Request online first.

Where these Maryland facts come from

The driving exceptions come from Maryland Transportation Article section 16-102. The student steps, documents, tests and exchange rules come from the MVA page for international movers. The lawful status, Social Security and English rules come from Transportation Article section 16-103.1 and the Maryland Driver's Manual. Other facts come from the MVA pages for new residents, learner's permits, driver's education, ID cards, fees, non-compliant licenses and international applicants. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Maryland MVA (mva.maryland.gov) before you drive.

Can you drive in Maryland on your home license?

You visit Maryland and have a valid license from the country where you live

The Maryland licensing rules do not apply to a nonresident of the United States if four things are true: the license is valid, it covers the class of vehicle you drive here, you are at least as old as a Maryland resident must be for that vehicle, and the vehicle is not a commercial vehicle.

You are a nonresident student at an accredited school, college or university in Maryland or a bordering state

The law has a separate rule for this group, and for a medical internship in Maryland. You must carry a license from the state where you are a resident, the license must cover the class of vehicle you drive, and that state must give the same privileges to Maryland residents. The law says "state", so ask the MVA Customer Service Center at 410-768-7000 how this rule applies to you.

You recently moved to Maryland from another country

The MVA says you need a Maryland driver's license, learner's permit or ID card. The new-resident exception in the law covers only the first 60 days of residency, with a valid license from the state of former residence.

You have never held a license

You start with a learner's permit. See the section on first licenses below.

How to get a Maryland license as an international student

1
Send a SAVE Verification Request
The MVA lists students, scholars, faculty (including anyone employed by a college or university), au pairs and G4 visa holders for this process. Submit the SAVE Verification Request online to avoid several trips. An MVA representative then contacts you with the result and the next steps. If you get no reply within five business days, email the MVA.
2
Gather your documents
Use the MVA online document guide for your own list. Your documents may need an electronic check with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to confirm lawful status. Our guide to Maryland driver's license documents explains each type.
3
Complete the vision screening
Take it at the MVA office, or bring a completed vision screening form (DL-043A). A test by a doctor must be within the previous 24 months. For a license from a reciprocity country, a vision provider's test must be within the previous 12 months.
4
Make an appointment
Schedule an appointment online at an MVA branch. Bring your documents, your home license (valid or expired), the vision results and payment for the fees.
5
Take the tests the MVA requires
You may need a knowledge test and a driving test in a vehicle that you provide.
6
Wait for your card
The MVA mails learner's permits, ID cards and non-compliant licenses to the Maryland address on file.

What to bring to the MVA

What to bring to the MVA
Item	What the MVA or the law asks for
Proof of age, identity and Maryland residency	Use the online document guide. Bring two documents that prove Maryland residency.
Lawful status	A document that proves lawful status, for anyone born outside the United States. Maryland law requires this proof.
Social Security number	Proof of a valid number, or proof that you are not eligible for one.
Home license	Valid or expired. If it is not in English, bring an international driver's license or an English translation by an MVA-approved translator.
No home license	A driving record from the license issuing authority of the country, with an apostille or a letter from the embassy.

Which tests do you take with a home license?

With a foreign license, you take a vision screening, a knowledge test and a driving test in a vehicle that you provide. If you have never been licensed in the U.S., you also complete the 3 Hour Roadway Safety Driving Education Program.
Tests may be waived for a valid license from a U.S. territory, Canada, Yukon Territory or France. Maryland's foreign license reciprocity agreements with South Korea, France, Germany, Taiwan and Japan waive both tests for a class C license at age 18 or older. An expired license from South Korea, Germany or Taiwan means all tests; for Japan, ask the MVA.

What if you have never had a license?

The MVA says a person who has never held a license must get a learner's permit. You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old, and the permit is mailed to you after your appointment. A supervising driver must be with you at all times. This driver is at least 21 and has held a license for at least three years. Try our free question on who may supervise a learner.
New drivers also complete an MVA-approved driver education course: at least 30 hours in the classroom and six hours behind the wheel. See the free question on driver education hours.

Special cases for international students and visitors

Licensed for less than 18 months: the MVA issues a Maryland provisional license.
U.S. Department of State license with visa class A or G: bring a letter of ineligibility for a State Department license, pass a vision screening and complete the 3-hour program with certificate. The knowledge and skills tests are waived. When you renew, you need a new letter.
NATO visa: you do not need the letter of ineligibility, but you still need a vision screening.
English: Maryland law bars a license for an applicant who cannot understand highway warning or direction signs in English. Our free practice questions are in English only.

Key takeaways

A nonresident of the United States may drive in Maryland on a valid home license if the four conditions of Transportation Article section 16-102 are met.
Students, scholars, faculty, au pairs and G4 visa holders can send a SAVE Verification Request online before the MVA visit.
Bring proof of age, identity, Maryland residency and lawful status, and a Social Security number or proof that you are not eligible for one.
A first-time driver starts with a learner's permit and a course of 30 classroom hours and six hours behind the wheel.
Next step: practice on the free Maryland Class C practice test.

International students and Maryland driving: common questions

Do international students need a Maryland driver's license?

It depends on your situation. Maryland law does not apply its licensing rules to a nonresident of the United States who has a valid license from the country of residence and meets the other conditions in the law. The MVA says a person who recently moved to Maryland from another country needs a Maryland license, permit or ID card. For your own case, call the MVA Customer Service Center at 410-768-7000.

What is a SAVE Verification Request?

It is an online form that the MVA offers to students, scholars, faculty, au pairs and G4 visa holders. It starts the check of your lawful status, and your documents may need an electronic check with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. An MVA representative then tells you the result and the next steps, so you make fewer trips to the MVA.

How long is a Maryland license valid for an international student?

A limited-term license, learner's permit or ID card is valid for the length of your lawful status in the United States. The MVA fee list says the fee is prorated for that time. For anyone under 21, the fee for a learner's permit, ID card or license is not prorated.

Can I drive with a Maryland ID card?

No. A Maryland non-driver ID card is not proof that you may drive a motor vehicle. To drive, you need a learner's permit with a supervising driver, a Maryland license, or a home license that meets the conditions in Maryland law. The MVA mails ID cards to the Maryland address on file.

Can I get a Maryland license without valid U.S. immigration documents?

Immigrants who do not have valid U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services documents can apply for a non-compliant Maryland license or ID card. Before you make an appointment, file Maryland income taxes for the 2 years before you apply and get a certification letter from the Comptroller's Office of Maryland. Then use the MVA Online Document Guide to make your checklist and schedule the appointment.