LISA SYLVESTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Maryland has been swamped with applications by foreign nationals and illegal aliens for new driver's licenses. So much so that the state has stopped taking appointments and began processing applications on a walk-in basis.

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SYLVESTER (voice over): It's not quite 6:30 in the morning, and the lines have started. Some people sleeping in their vehicles overnight, waiting to get a driver's license.

In March, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration had a weekly average of 950 applications from foreign nationals, including illegal aliens. This month, the number has doubled to more than 2,000 a week.

A spokesman for the MBA says they have noticed the trend, but don't know what's driving it. But the Coalition for a Secure Driver's License points to Maryland's lax requirements.

AMANDA BROWN, COALITION FOR A SECURE DRIVER'S LICENSE: You don't have to have a Social Security card. You don't have to prove your legal presence in the country. So it's just easier.

SYLVESTER: Foreign and out-of-country documents translated into English can be used as a primary source of identification. Secondary acceptable documents include rent contracts and bank account statements.

Meantime, other states in the Northeast, including Virginia, New York, and New Jersey, have been tightening restrictions since the 9/11 attacks, leaving Maryland an enclave. In the South, illegal aliens flock to Tennessee, which issue driving certificates. But the state stopped that policy in February. The overflow to Maryland began mid- April.

JOHN KEELY, CENTER FOR IMMIGRATION STUDIES: Well, I think what Maryland is experiencing is what has happened with other states that have done the same thing in terms of issuing driver's licenses to illegal aliens. Tennessee experienced this a few years ago.

SYLVESTER: Maryland is one of only 11 states that does not require legal presence to get a driver's license. And until the policy changes, critics say it will continue to serve as a magnet for illegal aliens.

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SYLVESTER: Congress passed the Real ID Act, which is set to take effect in May of 2008. That means states like Maryland will have to pass a new law to ensure only legal residents are allowed a driver's license -- Lou.

DOBBS: Only two more years to await the Real ID Act, part of an important element of security and our national security in the war on terrorism, as I recall.

SYLVESTER: Indeed, Lou. It's been how many years since the 9/11 attacks? And still, what we're seeing is that many states, Maryland included, still have an issue with a driver's license, where it's quite easy to get one. DOBBS: Thank you very much, Lisa.

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