Accessibility & Accommodations

The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is committed to providing a premier experience for all customers. We recognize that every individual has unique needs, and we are dedicated to making our services accessible and supportive.

Whether you need accommodations for testing, language assistance, accessible services at our branch locations, or products designed to make your experience easier, the MVA is here to help. Our goal is to ensure that all customers can access and benefit from our programs and services.

Requesting ADA Reasonable Accommodations

If you need reasonable accommodations for your visit to the MVA, you can submit a request through your myMVA account.

Steps to request accommodations

1. Visit ContactMVA.
2. In the category drop-down menu, choose Accommodations for Customers with Disabilities.
3. Follow the prompts to submit your request.

After you submit your request, an MVA representative will contact you to discuss your accommodation needs.

If you do not have a Maryland driver’s license or ID, you may request accommodations by contacting the MVA directly using the contact information listed below.

What Religious Accommodations are available?

Head Garments for ID/DL Photos – In accordance with the MVA Driver and Vehicle Policy, applicants for driver licenses and identification cards who state that their head covering is worn as a religious or cultural ordinance, practice, faith, or belief, may be photographed according to procedures while wearing the religious or cultural garment/head covering. However, your full face must be shown in ID/DL photos.

An applicant citing physical disfigurement concerns may be photographed while wearing a head covering. Head coverings that are not for medical or religious purposes are not permitted. 

An applicant citing religious or cultural reasons also may request that an MVA staff person of a particular gender take the applicant’s picture.

What kind of ADA Reasonable Accommodations can I request for testing?

The MVA may require documentation from a qualified professional that supports the need for the requested testing accommodations. Appropriate documentation will vary depending on the nature of the disability and the specific testing accommodation requested. Custom​ers will be notified after submitting their request if documentation is required for their appointment.
 

Law Test Accommodations

• Extended Time - Sometimes referred to as a timing accommodation, extended time is used to help customers who need it to complete the Law Test.
• Oral Reader – Sometimes referred to as a “qualified" reader, an oral reader is someone who is able to read effectively, accurately, and impartially, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.
• Screen Reader – Providing accessible electronic text documents, forms, etc. that can be accessed by the person's screen reader program.
• Headphones – Headphones, or a headset, is a communication device that is comprised of an earpiece and microphone. Various options may be available, i.e. over the head or around the ear.

 Behind The Wheel Test Accommodation

• Interpreter – A qualified sign language interpreter, oral interpreter means someone who can interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively (i.e., under standing what the person with the disability is saying) and expressively (i.e., having the skill needed to convey information back to that person) using any necessary specialized vocabulary.
• Visual Aid with Flash Cards – Flash Cards/ Visual Aids may be used to aid in providing clear direction and as a method to aid with communication for various disabilities linked to learning, vision, etc. 

What Language Services​ are available?

f you have difficulty communicating in English or are deaf or hard of hearing, you may be able to use one of our language services when you visit the MVA. See below for quick links and descriptions of different services available.

Please note: If we offer the knowledge test in the language that you speak, you must attempt the knowledge test at least three (3) times before an interpreter can be used.

Interpreter/Translation Providers Quick Links​​

• ​Interpreter / Translation Provider page
• MVA's Approved Interpreter/Translator Provider Listing - PDF
• MVA's State of Maryland Court Interpreter Registry Listing
• Maryland Driver’s Manual​​
   

Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)​

The VRI service uses video conferencing technology to access an off-site interpreter to provide real-time sign language or oral interpreting services for conversations between hearing people and people who are deaf or have hearing loss. The best way to utilize VRI would be to make a request through myMVA, but you can also visit the information counter or the Management Office at any MVA branch office to request VRI.
 

Qualified Onsite Interpreter

A qualified sign language interpreter or oral interpreter is someone who can interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively (i.e., understanding what the person with the disability is saying) and expressively (i.e., having the skill needed to convey information back to that person) using any necessary specialized vocabulary. Visit the MVA’s Interpreter / Translation Provider page for more information.

Foreign Language Services​

​The MVA offers several documents and tests in other languages. If you need assistance finding a foreign language interpreter, we can help. Please visit the above quick links for more information. 

Can I bring my Service Animals to the MVA?

The MVA permits service animals in all MVA locations. Service animals are defined as dogs or miniature horses that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Only dogs and miniature horses are recognized as service animals under Titles II and III of the ADA. 

Service animals are working animals, not pets. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are not permitted into MVA facilities. The work or task a dog or miniature horse has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Examples of such work or tasks include: 

• ​guiding people who are blind;
• alerting people who are deaf;
• pulling a wheelchair;
• alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure;
• reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications;
• calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack;
• or performing other duties.
   

If you have any questions about bringing your service animal, or to bring a miniature horse into an MVA Branch Office please contact the Office of Civil Rights and Fair Practices before your visit.​​

Title VI Policy Statement, Plan & Complaint Process

The MVA’s federally compliant Title VI Program Plan supports our mission to provide excellent customer service while ensuring fairness and equity.

The MVA works to ensure that all recipients and subrecipients of federal funding conduct their business in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner.

You can review the following documents for more information:

• MVA Title VI Plan – FY 2025
• MVA Title VI Policy Statement

Office of Civil Rights and Fair Practices

Under the authority of the MVA Administrator, the Director of the Office of Civil Rights and Fair Practices oversees the agency’s Title VI Program.

The Director is responsible for:

• Implementing and monitoring the Title VI Program
• Receiving and acknowledging complaints
• Investigating complaints
• Reviewing findings
• Determining final outcomes
• Reporting Title VI Program activity

Complaints 

Who Can File a Complaint

Any person who believes they have experienced discrimination may file a complaint.

This includes individuals who believe they have been:

• Excluded from a program, service, or activity
• Denied benefits
• Treated unfairly

Complaints may be filed if the alleged discrimination occurred within the MVA or within an organization that receives federal funding through the MVA. These organizations may include contractors, consultants, municipalities, counties, or other partner agencies.

This policy applies to all MVA programs and services, whether they receive federal funding or not.

A complaint may be filed by the individual or by a representative on their behalf.

What Information a Complaint Must Include

A formal complaint must be submitted using the MVA Title VI Program Complaint Form, which is available at any MVA branch office or on the MVA website.

The complaint must include:

• The name and mailing address of the person filing the complaint
• Contact information (such as phone number or email address)
• If a representative is filing on your behalf, their name, address, and phone number
• The MVA office or division involved in the complaint
• A detailed description of the alleged discrimination, including relevant dates
• The corrective action or resolution being requested

Complaint Reporting Requirements

If you choose to file a formal complaint with the MVA:

• The complaint must be submitted in writing
• It must be signed and dated
• It must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory action or most recent occurrence

Customers are encouraged to report incidents of discrimination as soon as possible after they occur.