FAQs About REAL ID In Maryland State

The following are frequently asked questions about the REAL ID program that the general public may find useful.

What exactly is REAL ID?

  • The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government "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 prohibits Federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes. These are the goals:
    • Getting into Federal Buildings
    • Boarding a commercial aircraft that is subject to federal regulation
    • Investing in nuclear power plants

When should I get a REAL ID?

  • To board domestic commercial flights or enter a federal facility without a secondary form of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approved identification, Marylanders will need a REAL ID-compliant license, identification card, or an acceptable alternative identification as approved by TSA beginning May 3, 2023.

What are the reasons to get a REAL ID?

  • You'd rather travel with your state-issued identification (mostly a convenience factor)
  • You do not have a passport/passport card or another TSA-approved form of identification.
  • You must go to a federally secured location, such as a courthouse or military base.
  • It is typically the same price as a standard ID.

What are the reasons for not getting a REAL ID?

  • You are under the age of 18 (you must be at least 18 to apply).
  • You don't travel frequently.
  • You have a TSA-approved document and are willing to bring it with you when traveling.
  • It necessitates a visit to the DMV (REAL IDs are not issued online).

What documents am I required to provide in order for my driver's license or identification card to be Real ID compliant?

  • The following documents are typically required to make your driver's license or identification card Real ID-compliant:
    • Proof of age and identity, such as an original birth certificate or passport from the United States
    • A Social Security card, a W-2 form (no older than 18 months), or an SSA-1099 form (not more than 18 months old)
    • Two pieces of documentation proving your Maryland physical address, such as your vehicle registration, insurance card, bank statement, credit card or utility bill, or mail from a federal, state, or local government agency.
Check out our online document guide and schedule an appointment for more information on accepted documents and to create a checklist prior to your visit. We guarantee that you will be seen within 15 minutes of arriving for your appointment.

What if I lack the necessary documentation to certify my Real ID application?

  • You will need to contact the appropriate agencies and request new documents. MDOT MVA Branches in Baltimore City, Essex, Frederick, Annapolis, and Largo can provide a printed copy of a birth certificate. Please keep in mind that you may have to apply in person and wait for official documents to arrive in the mail.

Can I apply for a Real ID driver's license or identification card online?

  • If the Real ID Lookup Guide indicates that you must visit an MDOT MVA branch in person to renew your driver's license or identification card, you must do so. Real ID security requirements necessitate bringing in documents in person to be reviewed and scanned.

Can I use a regular driver's license after the deadline has passed?

  • Yes! You can still do the following with a standard (non-compliant) state-issued driver's license:
    • Drive a vehicle in any state in the United States.
    • Register to vote or vote
    • Apply for or receive federal assistance
    • Take advantage of state and federal health and medical services.
    • Participate in legal proceedings or investigations
    • Enter federal facilities where identification is not required.

Do I still require a U.S. Passport?

  • It all depends. If you intend to travel internationally, you will need a passport.
If you have a valid REAL ID, you will not need a passport to fly within the United States or to enter a federal facility.

Do I need a REAL ID to fly within the United States?

  • To fly domestically in a commercial aircraft beginning May 3, 2023, you must have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of TSA-approved identification.

Is a REAL ID required to fly internationally?

  • No. You will require a U.S. Passport required for international travel.

Can I obtain a REAL ID if I am not a U.S. citizen? Citizen?

  • Yes. Non-U.S. Citizens can show acceptable identification documents such as a valid, unexpired Green Card or foreign passport. Non-citizens are also required to show proof of social security. You must provide your social security ineligibility letter if you do not have a social security number.

How do I update the name on my REAL ID?

  • Bring your valid REAL ID and a legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to the DMV or licensing issuing agency in your state. You must present the required documents for that state if you have an out-of-state REAL ID card.

Is it possible to transfer my REAL ID to another state?

  • No. Your out-of-state REAL ID will not be accepted in another state. You must go to your new state's DMV and provide the necessary documents.

Is a passport required if I have a REAL ID?

  • If you intend to travel internationally, you will need a passport.

What exactly is an Enhanced Driver's License?

  • An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a REAL ID-compliant and federally-approved border-crossing document that allows U.S. citizens to enter the country via land or seaport from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean (no air travel). A REAL ID is typically more expensive than an enhanced driver's license.

What exactly is the distinction between a REAL ID and an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)?

  • A REAL ID card can be used to:
    • To board a domestic flight within the United States
    • To gain access to a federal building or military base
    • For the purpose of photo identification
  • An Enhanced Driver's License can be used to do the following:
    • To board a domestic flight within the United States
    • To gain access to a federal building or military base
    • To enter the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries (it is not acceptable for air travel)
    • For the purpose of photo identification

How much does a REAL ID cost?

  • It differs by state. The majority of REAL IDs range in price from $10 to $60 and are valid for two to six years.

Is a REAL ID required to vote in 2023?

  • No, REAL ID is not required to vote. A standard state-issued driver's license or ID card will be sufficient to vote.

What is the function of REAL ID?

  • The REAL ID Act's goal is to create a national set of standards that will make state-issued identification more consistent and secure.

What forms of identification will be accepted by the TSA after May 3, 2023?

  • The Department of Motor Vehicles' REAL ID driver's license or other REAL ID-compliant state photo identity card (i.e. Enhanced Drivers License) (or equivalent)
  • Passport or passport card from the United States
  • DHS Trusted Traveler Identification Card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • IDs issued by the United States Department of Defense, including IDs issued to dependents
  • Permanent residence permit
  • Card for crossing the border
  • enhanced driver's license issued by DHS
  • Federally recognized tribal photo identification
  • PIV card HSPD-12
  • Passport from a foreign government
  • Canadian provincial driver's license or a card issued by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
  • Identification card for transportation workers (TWIC)
  • U.S. Employment Authorization Card from Citizenship and Immigration Services (I-766)
  • U.S. Credential for Merchant Mariner

Are all states issuing REAL ID-compliant identification cards?

  • DHS is collaborating closely with all states and territories to provide assistance and guidance in order to meet the October 1, 2020 deadline. As of September 5, 2019, 50 states and territories were fully compliant with REAL ID requirements, and all states are on track to issue compliant licenses and IDs by the October 1, 2020 deadline.

How can I tell if my driver's license or identification card is REAL ID-compliant?

  • REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper right corner. If the card lacks one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and will not be accepted as proof of identity when boarding commercial flights.