Motor Vehicles

Click https://www.usa.gov/motor-vehicle-services for state-specific websites. Effective May 3, 2023 federal requirements will require you to be compliant with the REAL ID Act. Having a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or ID card will be necessary to board commercial aircraft or gain access to federal facilities. Click the official website of the Department of Homeland Security https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.

1. District of Columbia Vehicle Registration and Tags - https://dmv.dc.gov/service/vehicle-registrations-and-tags. “If you have lived in the District of Columbia for 60 days or more and you drive a vehicle in public, you must get a driver license from DC DMV—unless you are a student, diplomat, active military member, part-time resident, member of Congress, or presidential appointee and are thus eligible for driving privilege reciprocity with your home state or jurisdiction.” https://dmv.dc.gov/service/driver-licenses
2. Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration - https://mva.maryland.gov/vehicles/Pages/registration/new-to-maryland.asp. “New Maryland residents must obtain a Maryland driver’s license within 60 days for a noncommercial driver's license and within 30 days if it is a commercial driver's license (CDL). If you are on active duty military, some states grant an extension of the driver’s license validity period. The extension is for active duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents while they are stationed outside of their home licensing state." https://mva.maryland.gov/drivers/Pages/md-drivers-license.aspx
3. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles - https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/#vehiclereg.asp. “If you are from out-of-state and possess a valid driver's license, DMV may exchange your out-of-state driver's license for a Virginia driver's license if you meet the identity, legal presence, residency, and social security requirements and Virginia's driver education requirements, if applicable.” https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/drivers/#applying.asp

 Per NSABETHINST 5560.1C, “Only patients, visitors, staff, and others conducting official business are authorized to park onboard the installation. Residents of Unaccompanied Housing, Executive Housing, and guests of the Navy Lodge, and Fisher Houses are exempt from the policy…”

“All military, civilian, contract personnel, and volunteers assigned to NSA Bethesda, tenant commands and staff activities, who desire to drive their privately owned vehicles (POVs) on board the installation, must have their vehicles properly registered in accordance with the guidelines…NSA Bethesda Pass and Identification Office.”  Visit the Visitor Control Center (VCC) at Building 102, by dialing 301-295-4607/400-2434 or by clicking go.usa.gov/xNw6g. 

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.