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What is a Maryland Real ID?
Maryland Real ID is a Federal Security Standard for ID’s established by the Real ID Act of 2005.
Beginning May 7, 2025, Marylanders ages 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant license, identification card or an acceptable alternative identification as approved by TSA to board domestic commercial flights or enter a federal facility without a secondary form of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approved identification.
We get a lot of questions about Maryland Real ID!
To answer the most common – NO, YOU CANNOT APPLY FOR THE REAL ID ONLINE.
You can only get your Maryland Real ID IN PERSON at the MVA.
You will need to go to the MVA website through the link below to learn what you will need to bring for your particular situation. There are differing requirements regarding age, military status, and immigration status.
CLICK HERE – LINK TO MARYLAND MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION REAL ID INFORMATION
No matter what your status – you will be required to provide the CORE FOUR documents – 1 proof of age and identity; 1 proof of social security; 2 proofs of Maryland residency. Here is a list of acceptable documents for each.
- One proof of age and identity
- Original Birth Certificate
- Passport (valid or expired less than 5 years)
- Permanent Resident Card
- US Adoption Records (full name and date of birth)
- Naturalization Certificate
- Certificate of Citizenship
- One Proof of Social Security
- Original Social Security Card
- W-2 Form or pay stub (displaying your name and ENTIRE social security number)
- SSA – 1099 Form or non-SSA 1099 form (displaying your name and ENTIRE social security number)
- Two Proofs of Maryland Residency – Choose TWO
- Vehicle Registration Card
- Bank Account Statement – checking, savings, or financial account statement
- Utility, telephone, cable or satellite tv bill
- Property tax bill or receipt
- Mortgage account statement, deed or other proof of home ownership
- Residential rental contract – current lease
- Mail from a federal, state, or local government agency
- Installment loan documents
- Sales tax or business license
- Credit card statement
- Residential service contract performed at the address of residence ( lawn service, exterminator services)
- Cancelled check with imprinted name and address
- Voter Registration Card
- Selective Service Card
- Copy of federal or MD income tax return filing
- US college transcript or tuition bill
- US High School report card or transcripts
- Valid Maryland state issued professional license
**MVA may already have your social security information on file (eliminating one of the documents you need to bring) and they provide a look up area to check on that.
Note: If you changed your name, you will need additional documents.
Married? Bring your marriage certificate
Divorced? Bring your divorce decree
Court order name change? Bring court-issued document
PLEASE READ
YOU MUST DO THIS IN PERSON AT MARYLAND MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION WITH ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND YOU MUST MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!
WE DO NOT MAKE APPOINTMENTS FOR YOU!!!!
You will need to make an appointment on the Maryland MVA website.
CLICK HERE : MVA website
REAL ID HISTORY
What Is the REAL ID Act?
Formulated in the wake of September 11 and passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act was passed to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”
The act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, and it prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes.
It was aimed at eliminating airline terrorism by increasing requirements to obtain documents granting access to domestic planes.
State agencies like the Department of Motor Vehicles require more paperwork regarding proof of residency and Social Security Number when issuing licenses and identification cards under the new act.
In addition, the cards themselves will also be built using new technology, making them much more difficult to forge.
What Does a REAL ID Look Like?
In most states, there is a gold or black star on the front of the license that will signify compliance. If you see this, then you’re good to go. In Maryland, there is a black circle with a star in the middle on the front of the ID or license.
What the REAL ID ISN’T!
A REAL ID is NOT a substitute for a passport for international travel. There are also a few other things that REAL ID doesn’t affect.
REAL ID requirements don’t apply to:
- Voting or registering to vote
- Applying for or receiving federal benefits
- Being licensed by a state to drive
- Entering federal facilities that do not require identification
- Accessing health- or life-preserving services (including hospitals and health clinics), law enforcement, or constitutionally protected activities (including a defendant’s access to court proceedings)
- Participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigation