Learner's Permits, Identification Cards, and Certain Driver's License Will Now be Centrally Issued to Enhance Safety and Save Time; Cards Will be Mailed Instead of Issued at MVA Offices
GLEN BURNIE, Md. (December 20, 2013)—The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will begin issuing non-commercial learner's permits, identification (ID) cards and certain driver's licenses (for those who present foreign documentation without valid accompanying United States Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation) through a central mailing process beginning January 2, 2014. Instead of receiving these documents at MVA Branch Offices, customers will be given a paper receipt and the card will be mailed to them via a "central issuance" process.
The central issuance process is a safer and more secure way for MVA to produce learner's permits, ID cards, and driver's licenses. It allows for additional security checks and a more efficient control of the materials used in the production of the cards. The process, which is used in 29 other states, also will save customers' time during their visit to the MVA.
Central issuance does not affect the application process or any other requirement for obtaining a learner's permit, ID card or driver's license. The cards will be produced in one central, secure location and then mailed to the customer's address on record with the MVA. Customers will not leave the MVA with a card in hand.
An expedited service is available for customers who wish to receive their leaner's permit, ID card or driver's license overnight. The customer must request the service before 2 pm to guarantee expedited delivery for the next business day. The U.S. Postal Service will deliver the product at the current U.S. Postage rate of $15.13.
Learner's permits, ID cards, or driver's licenses not selected for expedited service will be sent by standard, first class mail and should arrive within 10 business days. Customers can track the progress of their product at http://www.mva.marland.gov/product-tracking.
For the past decade, the MVA has been expanding the number of products that are centrally issued. In 2004, MVA began issuing driver's license renewals through the mail. Identification cards have been centrally issued by mail since 2009. Additionally, Maryland residents have been able to renew their driver's licenses online and receive the card in the mail since July 2013. All centrally issue products are sent to the customer's address of record.
For more information, log onto the MVA's website at http://www.mva.maryland.gov/.
Source: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)