New REAL ID Options: What It Means In MD

MARYLAND — As the deadline gets closer for Maryland travelers to have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state identification card, federal officials have set new guidelines for using digital IDs.

Under the REAL ID Act of 2005, travelers will need to provide an updated driver's license, ID card, or other documentation before they can board domestic flights, enter nuclear power plants, or access certain federal buildings.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration published amendments to the REAL ID regulations last week, which will allow people to show their mobile driver's licenses at airport security checkpoints. These forms of ID are stored on devices such as smartphones, and can be read electronically at certain checkpoints.

States will be allowed to apply for a waiver from the TSA to accept digital identification cards — as long as they comply with REAL ID security protocols — once enforcement begins on May 7, 2025.

Travelers could have more time to get their REAL IDs sorted out, as officials proposed a different rule that would allow for the requirements to be implemented in phases. That could push the date for full REAL ID enforcement back to May 7, 2027, if the TSA and other federal agencies choose to take this phased approach.

Regardless, the TSA said it is publishing this rule about mobile driver's licenses now, so that states have time to make sure their digital ID systems are compliant with REAL ID fraud protections. More comprehensive mDL requirements are likely to come once federal guidelines are finalized.

Currently, BWI Airport does accept digital IDs.

Here's how to check if your ID is REAL ID compliant:

A REAL ID is distinguishable from a regular Maryland license because it has a black circle in the upper right corner, with a white star in the middle of the circle. That indicates that a person’s citizenship and legal residence status have been verified.

There is a catch, however.

"Marylanders who received a new license or ID card with the 'star' symbol – but did not file required documents – need to bring those documents to the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration to complete the process," MDOT MVA said on a frequently asked questions page.

The only surefire way to know if you have a Real ID is to enter your driver's license number into this state-operated lookup tool.

• Related: REAL ID Deadline Approaching: 5 Things To Know In MD