Individuals with Disabilities
The MVA is committed to providing a premier experience for all. We believe that all of our customers have unique needs, and we are devoted to helping them succeed. Whether you are interested in accommodations for testing and language, accessibility in our branch office locations, or getting a product that makes your life easier, we understand our impact and the important job we have to serve you.
Disability Parking
MVA oversees the distribution of temporary and permanent disability placards, permanent disability license plates, and Disabled Parking Space in Residential Area (except in Baltimore City).
Learn more by visiting this page
License and ID Card Symbols and Designations
Obtaining a Speech/Hearing Impairment Designation (Restriction Code)
You may request at any time to have a restriction code indicating you have a hearing and/or speech impairment, placed on (or removed from) your new, renewed or corrected license, permit, or identification (ID) card. The placement (or removal) of the code is entirely voluntary. It simply alerts law enforcement and other authorities about your impairment(s).
Possible codes include:
- H – Hearing impairment
- S – Speech impairment
- HS – Hearing and speech impairments
What must I do to have a hearing/speech impairment designation (restriction code H, S or HS) placed on my license, permit or ID card?
First obtain and complete the MVA Request for Hearing/Speech Impairment ID (DL-036) or by visiting a branch office. Note that the request form must be signed by a representative of the Maryland Association for the Deaf or a licensed physician.
Once you have the form completed and signed, take it to any MVA office and request the correction of your license, permit, or ID card. You can also request code placement when you renew your license or obtain a new product. Note that only full-service offices can process a request for a new product; both express and full-service offices can process renewed and corrected products.
Hidden Disability (Butterfly) Symbol Information
Maryland residents now have the option to add a butterfly symbol to their driver's license or identification card to show a hidden (developmental or intellectual) disability. Hidden disabilities may not be immediately noticeable, but they can affect communication, mobility, and/or behavior.
The butterfly symbol helps first responders and law enforcement understand a person's needs during an interaction.
The symbol is voluntary
You can add or remove the butterfly symbol at any time through your myMVA account or at an MVA branch kiosk. If this is the only change you are making, the updated license or ID card is free. However, if you are renewing, updating other information, or making additional changes, standard fees will apply. There is never an extra charge to include the butterfly as part of those transactions.
If a parent or guardian added the butterfly symbol to your license while you were a minor, you may choose to have it removed when you turn 18. The MVA will not ask you to explain or show proof of your hidden disability and your diagnosis will not be used for any MVA imposed restriction.
To add or remove the symbol please visit myMVA Online Services.
For a handout on the Hidden Disability (Butterfly) Symbol, download the Butterfly Symbol Postcard here - PDF .
Download our Butterfly Symbol Social Toolkit here.
Voluntary Developmental Disability Disclosure (Blue) Card Information
The Developmental Disability Disclosure (Blue) Card is designed to help people with developmental disabilities communicate with law enforcement officers.
- The card is the size of a driver's license and blue for easy recognition.
- It includes a message to law enforcement officers on how best to interact with the customer.
- There is space for a person to provide details on their developmental disability.
- Please note, the MVA will NOT ask customers to explain or show proof of their disability in order to obtain this card.
- MVA provides this card upon request to customers, parent/guardians, and organizations for distribution.
If you would like to pick up a Voluntary Developmental Disability Disclosure (Blue) Card, please visit the information desk at any of our 24 branches statewide during normal operational hours.
If you are an organization who would like to request a pack of cards to distribute, please submit your request in the Blue Card Order Form.
Download our Blue Card Toolkit here.
MVA Reasonable Accommodations
If you would like to request accommodations, please follow these steps to make a request:
- Login or create your myMVA account
- Under My Information, select ContactMVA
- In the category drop-down, select Accommodations for Customers with Disabilities, and follow the screens to submit the request.
Once you submit your request, the MVA will contact you to discuss your accommodation needs. If you don’t have a Maryland driver’s license or ID, contact us.
FAQ - Accommodations
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. Customers 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.
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.
If you have difficulty communicating in English or are deaf/severely hearing impaired, 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 five (5) 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 ServicesThe MVA offers several documents and tests in other languages. If you need assistance finding a foreign language interpreter, we can help. Click here for the full list of languages the MVA offers for the Non-Commercial Class C test, and click here to find the Maryland Driver’s Manual in 15+ languages.
Legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly allows Marylanders who do not identify as male or female, to select Gender X on their driver’s license or identification card. Gender X is a term used to encompass "a gender that is not exclusively male or female, including, but not limited to; intersex, agender, androgynous, female-to-male, genderfluid, genderqueer, male-to-female, non-binary, transgender, transsexual, and unspecified.”
Customers will indicate a gender designation of M, F, or X on their application, and can update the gender designation at any time. The application is the only document required to update the gender marker in the system. No additional medical history or records will be requested.
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.