All About Maryland REAL ID
For many people, a driver's license provides more than just legal permission to drive; it also serves as a low-cost and convenient form of identification when traveling. If you fly with your driver's license, you must update it to a REAL ID-compliant form of identification.
A REAL ID is essentially a form of identification accepted by the federal government. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, increased the minimum security standards for ID documents, including driver's licenses. The law will be fully implemented in 2023.
The REAL ID Act
The REAL ID Act is a United States Congress law passed in 2005 that prohibits federal agencies from accepting state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards that do not meet minimum security standards for "official purposes."
The federal government has informed states that standard-issue driver's licenses and ID cards will not be accepted as valid proof of identification in federally secured areas. On the other hand, the federal government will accept REAL IDs that meet their security requirements.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001,, terrorist attacks, establishes national standards for secure driver's licenses and identification cards. By the October 2020 deadline, all Marylanders must have documents on file and be REAL ID-compliant to use a state-issued driver's license or identification card to board an airplane or enter federal government facilities. Documents required include:
- A birth certificate or passport.
- Proof of social security.
- Two documents prove Maryland's residency.
Maryland REAL ID
Obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card with the REAL ID star in the upper right-hand corner requires one proof of age and identity, one proof of Social Security, and two proofs of Maryland residency on file with MDOT MVA. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the original deadline of October 1, 2020, was delayed, giving states more time to assist residents in becoming compliant. Many updates have been implemented since then, and the MDOT MVA has implemented new services to assist Marylanders in obtaining a REAL ID.
In the year 2020, the U.S. Following Congress's passage of the REAL ID Modernization Act, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) modified the requirements for obtaining a REAL ID. The Act amended the original requirements to allow residents with their Social Security number on file and verified with the MDOT MVA to satisfy the proof of Social Security requirement without presenting their Social Security card. MDOT MVA also launched a pilot program in March 2021 in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Division of Vital Records, allowing Maryland-born customers visiting the Annapolis, Baltimore City, Essex, Frederick, and Largo branch offices to request a certified copy of their birth certificate and have it printed onsite to satisfy the proof of identity requirement. More than 1,600 customers have benefited from this new service to date.
REAL ID Impact And The Maryland Driver's License
Because of the Real ID Act, a federal law that sets high-security standards for driver's licenses, your driver's license may no longer be the comprehensive ID you thought it would be. This Act went into effect on October 1, 2020.
What does this have to do with you? Your regular state driver's license may be sufficient for common situations requiring identification, such as purchasing liquor or opening a bank account — and, of course, driving. However, a Real ID driver's license is required for federal issues such as boarding a plane or entering secure federal facilities. It is more complicated and time-consuming than obtaining a regular driver's license.
For example, according to the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles website, you must appear in person at a DMV office — there is no online, phone, or mail option for obtaining a Real ID.
- Proof of age and identity, such as a valid, unexpired U.S. passport or an original or certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate. (If your current legal name differs from the one on these documents, you must also provide a government-issued marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other court documents (s) explaining the name change.)
- One Social Security document, such as an original Social Security card, W-2 form, or SSA-1099 (displaying your name and entire Social Security number).
- Two pieces of documentation demonstrating your Maryland residencies, such as an insurance card, vehicle registration, credit card bill, utility bill, bank statement, or mail from a federal, state, or local government agency. (They must show your name and Maryland address and be from two different organizations.)
This can quickly become a nuisance for many people. Proof of residency documents is sometimes in the name of a spouse. Perhaps your address is a P.O. box. This is insufficient as proof of residency. For those whose driver's license has not yet expired and who do not want to bother with a Real ID driver's license, there is a workaround: a current U.S. passport serves the same purpose as a Real ID for federal purposes. If you still have your old driver's license as the new era begins, bring your current U.S. passport to the airport, and you'll be fine, whether you're traveling domestically or internationally. Passports are valid for ten years and can be renewed by mail if you live outside the United States.
Although this is a federal program, you should check with your local DMV for specifics on what you'll need if you want to obtain a Real ID.
What Is the Purpose of a REAL ID?
On May 3, 2023, a REAL ID will be required to do the following three things:
- Access to federal facilities such as military bases and secure courtrooms
- Obtain access to nuclear power plants
- Take commercial flights (domestic included)
If you don't frequently visit federal facilities or power plants, you may not see the need to upgrade to a REAL ID. If you plan to fly in 2023, you may appreciate a REAL ID's convenience.
You will only need to carry your REAL ID driver's license instead of additional TSA-approved documentation. There is also some good news for light packers in Maryland. While Apple has not fully disclosed how its digital driver's license functionality will operate, it will most likely adhere to REAL ID Act standards.
It's a long debate, but each state has its standards for issuing driver's licenses and ID cards, and some states make it much easier to obtain one than others. As a result, the federal government has drawn a line and informed every state that to gain access to federally secured areas, you must have a REAL ID card that meets their minimum security standards.
How To Get A REAL ID
It would be best to visit your state's DMV or driver's license office in person. If at all possible, we recommend making an appointment. Long DMV lines are common in some states. Making an appointment is your best bet for reducing your time in line!
- Schedule an appointment online with your state's DMV or driver's license agency (if applicable).
- Bring the following required documents:
- Your current driver's license/ID card serves as proof of identity.
- Proof of Citizenship: Official birth certificate, valid U.S. Passport, Unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. Visa and approved I-94 form, or a Certificate of Naturalization
- Proof of Social Security Number: Your Social Security card or a W-2 includes your full name and Social Security Number.
- Two (2) documents, such as a utility bill, mortgage/lease statement, bank statement, or credit card statement, are required as proof of residency. Your full name and address must be included.
- Proof of Name Change (if applicable): Bring your legal name change document if you've changed your legal name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
- Pay the mandatory REAL ID fee.
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