MARYLAND DRIVERS’ LICENSES – LAWFUL PRESENCE
Effective June 1, 2009, ALL NEW APPLICANTS for a Maryland driver's license or identification card will be required to provide a verifiable social security number (SSN) and demonstrate proof of lawful presence in the United States, in addition to the residency and identity requirements.
Acceptable documents to provide your SSN include:
* Your social security card (not a copy, the actual card itself)
OR:
* A current W-2 form
* A current SSA-1099 form
* A current non-SSA 1099 form
* A current pay stub with the applicant's name and social security number on it
In addition, to demonstrate lawful presence, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) also will accept any of the following documents:
· A valid un-expired U.S. passport
· A certified copy of a birth certificate filed with a State Office of Vital Statistics or equivalent agency in the individuals state of birth
· A certificate of U.S. naturalization or citizenship, or an unexpired permanent resident card, an unexpired foreign passport with valid visa, and a consular report of birth abroad
Under the provisions of the new law, those individuals that currently hold a valid Maryland driver's license or identification card but cannot provide proof that they are in the United States legally will be allowed to renew their license or identification card once until June 30, 2015. (These cards will not be accepted by federal agencies for official purposes.) After June 30, 2015, any renewal will require all individuals to provide proof of legal presence utilizing acceptable documents outlined above.
Most of us provided this information when we first applied for a driver’s license and the information should be on record when we go to renew our license. The Department of Motor Vehicles is in the process of notifying those who have valid driver’s licenses if there is no social security information on record. However, if this information is not on record, you will be asked to provide the necessary documents. Unfortunately, if you let your license lapse, you will also have to provide the information.
New Maryland residents must obtain a Maryland Driver’s License within 60 days.
* You must pass a vision test.
* An Out-of-State license must be a valid license or a license expired for less than one year. The license cannot be suspended.
* If licensed for less than 18 months, you will be issued a Maryland Provisional License.
* If you are exchanging an Out-of-State license that has been expired for one year, you are required to take the knowledge and skills tests in addition to the vision test.
* Out-of-State learner's permits cannot be exchanged for a Maryland Learner's Permit or License.
In addition, new Maryland residents – first time licensee - will be required to provide proof of age/identity, lawful presence, verifiable Social Security Number or proof of ineligibility, two Maryland residence documents, Out-of-State license(s), and the appropriate fee for each license class applied for. Some states have already complied with the federal Real ID Act of 2005; and if your current driver’s license is from one of those states, you may not have to provide the documentation a second time.
If you cannot provide proof of age/identity, lawful presence, verifiable Social Security Number or proof of ineligibility, you will be issued a driver’s permit which will expire as of July 1, 2015. This license will clearly state on its face that it is not acceptable by federal agencies for official purposes. This means you can not use the card to board airplanes or enter federal building, etc. The license will have a unique design or color indicator to distinguish it from drivers’ licenses provided to those with proof of lawful presence.
For additional recorded information, please call 1-888-637-3251.
VEHICLE EMISSIONS WAVER INFORMATION
Emission testing is required for all cars in Maryland except for a few hybrid cars manufactured prior to 2008 which were rated by the federal government to get 50 miles per gallon.
Senior Citizen Waver
Senior citizens, 70 years of age or older and whose vehicle is driven less than 5,000 miles per year, can request a waiver for the remainder of the two year test cycle. Please note: ALL vehicle owners must be listed on the vehicle title and must be at least 70 years of age to qualify. On the back of the inspection notice sent to you, please indicate all owners are over 70 years of age, write the vehicle's current mileage, and send it back to the VEIP Program.
NOTE: Miles driven for a nonprofit organization can be deducted from your annual mileage with written certification on the organization's letterhead.
Disabled Citizen Waiver
Disabled citizens, with the metal disabled registration plates and whose vehicle is driven less than 5,000 miles per year, can request a waiver for the remainder of the two year test cycle. Please note: ALL vehicle owners listed on the title must meet the requirements for the disabled registration plates to qualify. On the back of the registration notice sent to you, please indicate all owners are disabled, write the vehicle's current mileage and send it back to the VEIP Program.
Repair Waiver
An application for a waiver may be submitted after a vehicle fails the test, undergoes a repair, and fails the test again. The owner(s) must submit original receipts or invoices indicating the minimum repair cost of $450.00 has been spent on emissions related repairs.
The emissions related repair must be made up to 30 days before or 120 days after the first inspection. Federal and state laws do not allow repairs to the exhaust system beyond the catalytic converter to count towards a waiver.
Other online services are available at the website
www.marylandmva.com which answers many more questions on a variety of topics covered by the Motor Vehicle Administration.
Scott
