Q: Can I get a driver's license in Maryland as an illegal alien who has been in the US only for a year?
Hello everyone,
I have been living in the US for just a year now. I entered with a b1 visa and overstayed it. I am aware that it is illegal but as an African, I didn't have any real chances of obtaining a residency in the US.
That said, I work hard every day hoping my American dream will one day become true.
I live in Baltimore right now and I would like to get a driver's license but I am not sure if I qualify for it.
Thanks.
A:
Yes. Maryland repealed the requirement to prove legal status in the US in order to obtain a driver’s license; however, a license obtained by an illegal immigrant is not the same as a license obtained by someone with legal status. They look similar, but it is not a legal form of identification for most other purposes, and have a mark on them indicating this. They cannot be used to board an airplane, for instance.
There are also requirements that must be met to obtain a license: you must present proof you are a Maryland resident; proof of your identity, e.g., with a passport or birth certificate; and proof that you filed state income tax returns the past two years (you can file late returns to meet this requirement). Go the the MVA website for the list of acceptable documents to prove residency, identity and filing of state income tax returns.
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