TRANSPORTATION / MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION

Driver’s License

MARYLAND
Maryland requires that newcomers obtain a driver’s license within 60 days of establishing residency. Apply in person and furnish the examining officer with a valid out-of-state license, an original or a certified copy of your birth certificate, and other supporting identification documents such as an actual social security card, a U.S. passport, U.S. Military ID, or state issued identification card. A written exam and visual test are both required. Applications can be obtained at any MVA Office.

During the first 60 days of residency newcomers to Maryland must title and register all motor vehicles. A safety inspection is required for all used cars and most other motorized vehicles being titled and registered in Maryland. Licensed inspection stations include automobile dealers, service stations and specialized automobile service centers. You must present a completed application with full insurance information and original signatures of all owners, the certificate of title and a copy of any lien contract.

For complete details on obtaining a driver’s license and licensing your vehicle in Maryland — including fees, regulations, requirements, and service locations — contact the DMV office:

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
800-950-1MVA
301-729-4550
www.mva.maryland.gov

Maryland Emissions Testing Program
Maryland Department of the Environment
301-537-300
800-633-6101
www.mde.state.md.us

VIRGINIA
If you live in West Virginia and want to drive a motor vehicle on the public roads, you must have a West Virginia driver’s license, unless you are exempt. You must carry your license with you when you drive.
Who is Exempt?

Any person operating a motor vehicle in the armed services of the United States in the performance of official duties.
A nonresident who is at least 16 years old and has a valid driver’s license from another state or country (limited to 90 days in a calendar year).
A nonresident who is attending a West Virginia college or university and has a valid license from another state

Who Must Be Tested?

Individuals with Instruction Permits
Individuals from other States if Driver’s License is expired
West Virginia residents whose license have been expired for more than 6 months
Individuals who have obtained a WV Identification Card

Where to Apply?

All types of instruction permits and driving licenses may be obtained at one of the Division of Motor Vehicles Regional Offices or any Division of Motor Vehicles Exam Centers on a rotating schedule. Click here for a list of locations with directions and information.

The WVDMV will make all reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all of its programs, services, and activities. For example, individuals with service animals are welcomed in the WVDMV offices, even where pets are generally prohibited.

Persons who require special assistance with sign language interpreters, hearing equipment, or visual aids or anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity of the WVDMV should contact us as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event.
Who Can Be Denied a License?

Any person who is a habitual user of alcoholic beverages or is addicted to the use of narcotic drugs.
Any person whose license has been suspended or revoked by this state or any other state or foreign jurisdiction, until the expiration of the suspension or revocation period.
Any person who the Commissioner of Division of Motor Vehicles has good cause to believe would be hazardous to the public safety or welfare when operating a motor vehicle.
Any person who is under 18 years of age and not enrolled in or graduated from an approved educational institution.
A person illegal in the U.S.
Any person who cannot provide the required documentation as outlined in the following section.

All types of instruction permits and driver’s licenses may be obtained at most of the DMV Regional Offices.

To obtain a birth certificate, if you were born in West Virginia, contact the Office of Vital Statistics. If you were born in another state, the National Center for Health Statistics has information on how to obtain a birth certificate.

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
800-6421-9066
www.transportation.wv.gov/DMV/Pages/default.aspx

Vehicle Safety Inspection Program
West Virginia State Police
304-746-2121
www.transportation.wv.gov/DMV/Vehicle-Services/Pages/Vehicle-Inspection.aspx

Seat Belts & Child Safety

MARYLAND
Maryland imposes a primary seat-belt law, which means that an officer can ticket a driver for only this violation. The law covers the driver and the front-seat passenger near the door, although passengers who are 15 years old and younger must always be buckled. All children six years of age and younger or those who weigh 40 pounds or less must be properly secured in a federally approved child safety seat. A person may not transport a child younger than 16 years of age unless the child is secured in a child safety seat or a vehicle’s seat belt. A child younger than 16 years may not ride in an unenclosed cargo bed of a pick-up truck.

WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia imposes a seat-belt law that covers the driver and front-seat passengers, although passengers who are 18 years old and younger must always be buckled. All children age eight years old and younger must be properly secured in a restraint system appropriate to their age and weight. Children from the age of 8 through 18 years of age are allowed to use an adult seat-belt device.