MD REAL ID: Enforcement Begins In 1 Year

MARYLAND — Maryland residents have just one year to apply for their REAL ID cards. The Department of Homeland Security will begin enforcing the new identification for air travelers on May 3, 2023.

During the pandemic, the deadline was moved to next year for Maryland and the rest of the nation. The pandemic made it more cumbersome for residents to make trips to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration since the agency was operating in person at a limited capacity.

Although the deadline is a year away, Marylanders are urged to try and get their REAL ID as soon as possible.

Getting a REAL ID isn't necessarily required, but the state recommends it. U.S. passports will still be an acceptable form of federal identification to board any flight or visit a federal property. Those who are under 18 years old are not required to have this ID to fly.

View the MVA's fact sheet about the REAL ID here.

It's important to note that the new federally compliant ID card looks slightly different from a traditional Maryland driver's license. This new card will have a little gold star in the top right corner, while a traditional driver's license will be labeled "federal limits apply."

"In order to get a REAL ID, you must bring your documents in person to an MDOT MVA branch," according to the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). "MDOT MVA does not have a process by which customers can scan and upload REAL ID documents to our website."

The agency also has a tool that allows people to look up whether they are REAL ID-compliant. Those who need to present their documents must do so in person at MVA full-service branches, which are open by appointment only.

If you have the older style Maryland driver's license or identification card (with no star on it), a $20 fee is required to renew your driver's license to obtain a REAL ID, according to the MVA. Those who have the new REAL ID driver's license or identification card — which has a star on it — only need to submit documents and will not have to pay a fee; check your REAL ID status here.

The REAL ID Act was passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

How to apply for the REAL ID in Maryland

To apply for the new card, you'll need to gather a few documents for your trip to the MVA.:

• Proof of age and identity: Original or certified copy of a birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport that has not expired. If you don't have a birth certificate, request an original or certified copy (here for those born in Maryland and here for those born in other U.S. states)
• Proof of Social Security: Social Security card in current legal name. Other items are accepted such as W-2, SSA-1099 or pay stub from past three months displaying name and SSN.
• Proof of Maryland residency (two are required): Current, unexpired Maryland driver's license or identification card; Maryland vehicle registration card or title; utility, TV/cable or telephone bill with the same name and address; property tax bill or receipt; residential rental contract; mail or benefits statement from a federal, state or local government agency; copy of federal or Maryland income tax return filing; checking, savings, financial account or collection agency communications; voter registration card; credit card statement; valid Maryland state-issued professional license; medical or hospital bill; or residential service contract or delivery for services performed at the address of residence (e.g., TV repair, lawn service, furniture delivery)

Find more information on REAL IDs in Maryland.

The Maryland Department of Transportation created a video that provides the basics on getting REAL ID.