Moving to Maryland: what is different for newcomers

Some Maryland rules start the week you move in, and one of them reaches down to your county. Here is what to know first.

A 60-day clock and two kinds of license. A license from another U.S. state must become a Maryland license within 60 days of your move (MVA). Immigrants without valid U.S. immigration documents can apply for a noncompliant license or ID, after filing Maryland income taxes for two years and getting a certification letter from the Comptroller (MVA). Our Maryland driver’s license guide covers each step.

A county income tax on your state return. Maryland’s counties and Baltimore City levy their own income tax, figured on the state return with the county where you lived on the last day of the tax year (Comptroller of Maryland). If you moved in during the year, you file a Maryland resident return (Comptroller of Maryland). Several counties changed their local rates for 2025 or 2026 (Comptroller of Maryland). See state income taxes.

A state office for refugees. The Maryland Office for Refugees and Asylees (MORA), part of the Department of Human Services, coordinates employment services, transitional financial assistance, health screenings, English classes and case management for eligible refugee populations (Maryland DHS — MORA). Its list of eligible groups includes refugees, asylees, certain Special Immigrant Visa holders and victims of human trafficking (Maryland DHS — MORA). See refugee resettlement services.

A bill of rights with every lease. Landlords must attach the state’s Tenants’ Bill of Rights to every lease, and a new edition comes out each year by October 1 (Maryland DHCD). The 2026 edition says that in most cases a deposit can’t exceed one month’s rent, and lists threats to report your immigration status among the forms of retaliation a landlord may not use (Maryland DHCD). The Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs answers at 855-511-3423, with phone support in your language (Maryland DHCD). See tenant rights.

Winter changes from west to east. Garrett County can get as much snow as New England, while the Eastern Shore may see little or none, and ice or freezing rain can cut power and heat for days (MDEM). For state alerts, text MdReady to 211-631, or MdListo for Spanish (MDEM). Use generators only outdoors, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning (Ready.gov). Our emergency preparedness guide helps you plan.