Can you drive in Maryland with a Chinese license?
Can you drive in Maryland with a Chinese license? See IDP and translation rules, plus the steps for visitors and new residents.
Yes, with conditionsas a visitor
- IDPdepends on your stay, details below
What we verified for this route
Visitor driving rule
Verified July 11, 2026 by Andrei ZakhareuskiLikely yes or conditional for visitors in Maryland, but this route needs reviewer confirmation against the official source.
Destination-level research notes for reviewer: International movers need Maryland license/permit/ID after moving from another country. Required for out-of-country exchange: out-of-country license or driving record, age/identity/residency proof, vision screening, fees. Translation: non-English out-of-country license must be accompanied by an international driver's license or translated into English by an approved MVA translator. Education: 3 Hour Roadway Safety Driving Education Program required if never licensed in the U.S. Tests: knowledge and driving tests are required unless waived by eligible transfer/reciprocity. Waiver list includes U.S. territories, certain Panama Canal Zone cases, Canada, Yukon Territory, France, and detailed reciprocity agreements with South Korea, France, Germany, Taiwan, and Japan. Reciprocity agreements apply to applicants 18+ for non-commercial Class C; knowledge and skills tests waived, vision still required, 3-hour program still required. Germany and France licenses must be surrendered when Maryland license is issued unless applicant opts out and takes all tests.
International Driving Permit
Verified July 11, 2026 by Andrei ZakhareuskiIDP or international-permit handling is mentioned for Maryland; confirm whether it is required, recommended, or only a translation aid.
Destination-level research notes for reviewer: International movers need Maryland license/permit/ID after moving from another country. Required for out-of-country exchange: out-of-country license or driving record, age/identity/residency proof, vision screening, fees. Translation: non-English out-of-country license must be accompanied by an international driver's license or translated into English by an approved MVA translator. Education: 3 Hour Roadway Safety Driving Education Program required if never licensed in the U.S. Tests: knowledge and driving tests are required unless waived by eligible transfer/reciprocity. Waiver list includes U.S. territories, certain Panama Canal Zone cases, Canada, Yukon Territory, France, and detailed reciprocity agreements with South Korea, France, Germany, Taiwan, and Japan. Reciprocity agreements apply to applicants 18+ for non-commercial Class C; knowledge and skills tests waived, vision still required, 3-hour program still required. Germany and France licenses must be surrendered when Maryland license is issued unless applicant opts out and takes all tests.
New resident deadline
Verified July 11, 2026 by Andrei ZakhareuskiUnknown. Review whether Maryland publishes a fixed new-resident deadline.
Destination-level research notes for reviewer: International movers need Maryland license/permit/ID after moving from another country. Required for out-of-country exchange: out-of-country license or driving record, age/identity/residency proof, vision screening, fees. Translation: non-English out-of-country license must be accompanied by an international driver's license or translated into English by an approved MVA translator. Education: 3 Hour Roadway Safety Driving Education Program required if never licensed in the U.S. Tests: knowledge and driving tests are required unless waived by eligible transfer/reciprocity. Waiver list includes U.S. territories, certain Panama Canal Zone cases, Canada, Yukon Territory, France, and detailed reciprocity agreements with South Korea, France, Germany, Taiwan, and Japan. Reciprocity agreements apply to applicants 18+ for non-commercial Class C; knowledge and skills tests waived, vision still required, 3-hour program still required. Germany and France licenses must be surrendered when Maryland license is issued unless applicant opts out and takes all tests.
License exchange
Verified July 11, 2026 by Andrei ZakhareuskiExchange or transfer may be possible in Maryland, depending on issuing country and licence class. Verify this origin specifically.
Destination-level research notes for reviewer: International movers need Maryland license/permit/ID after moving from another country. Required for out-of-country exchange: out-of-country license or driving record, age/identity/residency proof, vision screening, fees. Translation: non-English out-of-country license must be accompanied by an international driver's license or translated into English by an approved MVA translator. Education: 3 Hour Roadway Safety Driving Education Program required if never licensed in the U.S. Tests: knowledge and driving tests are required unless waived by eligible transfer/reciprocity. Waiver list includes U.S. territories, certain Panama Canal Zone cases, Canada, Yukon Territory, France, and detailed reciprocity agreements with South Korea, France, Germany, Taiwan, and Japan. Reciprocity agreements apply to applicants 18+ for non-commercial Class C; knowledge and skills tests waived, vision still required, 3-hour program still required. Germany and France licenses must be surrendered when Maryland license is issued unless applicant opts out and takes all tests.
Testing requirements
Verified July 11, 2026 by Andrei ZakhareuskiTesting depends on exchange eligibility in Maryland. Verify written/road/vision requirements for this origin.
Destination-level research notes for reviewer: International movers need Maryland license/permit/ID after moving from another country. Required for out-of-country exchange: out-of-country license or driving record, age/identity/residency proof, vision screening, fees. Translation: non-English out-of-country license must be accompanied by an international driver's license or translated into English by an approved MVA translator. Education: 3 Hour Roadway Safety Driving Education Program required if never licensed in the U.S. Tests: knowledge and driving tests are required unless waived by eligible transfer/reciprocity. Waiver list includes U.S. territories, certain Panama Canal Zone cases, Canada, Yukon Territory, France, and detailed reciprocity agreements with South Korea, France, Germany, Taiwan, and Japan. Reciprocity agreements apply to applicants 18+ for non-commercial Class C; knowledge and skills tests waived, vision still required, 3-hour program still required. Germany and France licenses must be surrendered when Maryland license is issued unless applicant opts out and takes all tests.
Translation requirements
Verified July 11, 2026 by Andrei ZakhareuskiTranslation handling is mentioned for Maryland. Verify whether this origin licence needs a certified translation or IDP.
Destination-level research notes for reviewer: International movers need Maryland license/permit/ID after moving from another country. Required for out-of-country exchange: out-of-country license or driving record, age/identity/residency proof, vision screening, fees. Translation: non-English out-of-country license must be accompanied by an international driver's license or translated into English by an approved MVA translator. Education: 3 Hour Roadway Safety Driving Education Program required if never licensed in the U.S. Tests: knowledge and driving tests are required unless waived by eligible transfer/reciprocity. Waiver list includes U.S. territories, certain Panama Canal Zone cases, Canada, Yukon Territory, France, and detailed reciprocity agreements with South Korea, France, Germany, Taiwan, and Japan. Reciprocity agreements apply to applicants 18+ for non-commercial Class C; knowledge and skills tests waived, vision still required, 3-hour program still required. Germany and France licenses must be surrendered when Maryland license is issued unless applicant opts out and takes all tests.
Documents to bring
Verified July 11, 2026 by Andrei ZakhareuskiDocuments are required for a local licence in Maryland; verify the exact list for this origin and status.
Destination-level research notes for reviewer: International movers need Maryland license/permit/ID after moving from another country. Required for out-of-country exchange: out-of-country license or driving record, age/identity/residency proof, vision screening, fees. Translation: non-English out-of-country license must be accompanied by an international driver's license or translated into English by an approved MVA translator. Education: 3 Hour Roadway Safety Driving Education Program required if never licensed in the U.S. Tests: knowledge and driving tests are required unless waived by eligible transfer/reciprocity. Waiver list includes U.S. territories, certain Panama Canal Zone cases, Canada, Yukon Territory, France, and detailed reciprocity agreements with South Korea, France, Germany, Taiwan, and Japan. Reciprocity agreements apply to applicants 18+ for non-commercial Class C; knowledge and skills tests waived, vision still required, 3-hour program still required. Germany and France licenses must be surrendered when Maryland license is issued unless applicant opts out and takes all tests.