Maryland Department of Human ServicesDepartment of Human Services

Using Your Maryland EBT Card in Another State

Travelling, visiting family, or shopping across state lines? Good news: your Maryland EBT card works almost anywhere SNAP is accepted in the United States.

Where Maryland EBT Works

Your card is accepted at any SNAP-authorized retailer in:

  • All 50 U.S. states
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Guam
  • The U.S. Virgin Islands

Major chains like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, ALDI, Publix, Whole Foods, Costco, and most local grocers accept EBT regardless of which state issued the card.

What You Can Buy

The federal SNAP rules apply everywhere — you can buy:

  • Bread, cereals, fruits, vegetables
  • Meat, fish, poultry, dairy
  • Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Seeds and plants that produce food

What You Cannot Buy

  • Alcohol or tobacco
  • Hot prepared food (with limited exceptions, see below)
  • Vitamins, supplements, medicine
  • Pet food, paper products, household supplies

The Restaurant Meals Program Exception

A handful of states (California, Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, and others) run a Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) that lets eligible elderly, disabled, or homeless SNAP recipients buy hot meals at participating restaurants. Maryland does not currently participate in RMP, but if you visit one of those states you may be able to use your card at qualifying restaurants.

Moving to Another State?

You can only receive SNAP from one state at a time. If you move permanently:

  1. Notify Maryland DHS to close your case (call your local DSS office).
  2. Apply for SNAP in your new state as soon as you arrive.
  3. You will receive a new EBT card from the new state — keep your Maryland card for any remaining balance until it's transferred or used.

Online Purchases Across State Lines

Maryland EBT can be used online at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and ALDI for grocery delivery anywhere those retailers ship — your billing address doesn't have to be in Maryland.

Watch Out for Skimming Out of State

Card skimming is a nationwide problem. When using your card away from home:

  • Inspect the card reader for loose or oddly placed parts
  • Cover the keypad when entering your PIN
  • Check your balance after each purchase
  • Freeze your card in the ebtEdge app between uses if you're worried