Immigrant driver’s license law taking effect in Md.

ANNAPOLIS — Immigrants living in the U.S. illegally will be able to obtain a Maryland driver’s license or identification card under a new law taking effect this week.

The law goes into effect Wednesday. It expands a program Maryland adopted in 2009 to comply with tighter federal identification rules.

Maryland’s 2009 law created a two-tiered license, so people who did not have a Social Security number or lawful status before a 2009 deadline could get still get a license to drive.

To apply for the second-tier license, drivers will need to show some form of identification, such as a birth certificate or passport. Applicants will have to pass written and road exams. They also will be required to provide two years of state income tax filings.