Another Real ID Change Could Be Coming: What To Know In MD

MARYLAND — Time is running out for Maryland travelers to make sure they have a REAL ID — although a proposed federal rule could push out the upcoming deadline.

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

The Department of Homeland Security has already extended the deadline for REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses multiple times, most recently in late 2022 when the agency moved the implementation date back two years to May 7, 2025.

Now, the Transportation Security Administration and DHS have proposed a federal rule that would allow for the REAL ID requirements to be implemented in phases — with another two years until they have to be fully enforced.

This proposed rule doesn't change the May 2025 deadline, but would give the TSA and other federal agencies some flexibility to decide whether or not they will require travelers to have their REAL IDs ready by next May.

So, those people who have been waiting to get their ID (and there are a number of them out there) might be able to hold off a little longer, depending on whether or not the TSA plans to use this phased approach.

But why are officials proposing this change now? The Department of Homeland Security said that as of January 2024, only about 56 percent of people in the U.S. had driver's licenses and ID cards that are REAL ID-compliant.

"Because of the history of extensions related to REAL ID enforcement, DHS believes that the public may continue to expect that additional extensions are likely and not feel urgency to obtain a REAL ID," officials said.

So, the DHS is anticipating possible "last-minute surges in demand for REAL IDs leading up to the deadline" that could overwhelm state agencies, resulting in backlogs that could prevent people from getting their IDs in time.

For those who don't have one yet, REAL ID cards are issued at Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration branches in-person. Appointments at an MVA branch can be made online by clicking "Collect my Real ID documents" at this link.

Residents must show proof of a Social Security number, two documents proving a current Maryland address and proof of all legal name changes.

Marylanders must show proof of age and identity via:

• A birth or adoption certificate; or a valid passport or one that expired in the past five years; a valid permanent resident card (any one of these is needed)
• Proof of Social Security with a Social Security card, a W-2 form, an SSA form or a pay stub issued in the past three months (any one of these is needed)
• Two documents proving a current Maryland address with a matching name, such as a bank statement, a utility bill or a mortgage statement.

"If you already have the new REAL ID driver's license or identification card with the star and only need to submit documents, you will not have to pay," the MDOT MVA website said. "If you have the older style Maryland driver’s license or identification card, you will pay a $20 fee for a duplicate driver’s license. There are no additional fees when renewing your driver’s license to obtain a REAL ID, just the standard renewal cost."t.

Those who don't get a REAL ID will need a valid passport or other federally accepted document, such as a Global Entry Card, to board domestic flights or enter nuclear power plants and certain federal buildings. (The Transportation Safety Administration has a list of federally accepted documents online.)

Those who don’t plan to fly domestically or visit a federal office don’t need to do anything. A REAL ID is not required to get a driver's license. Also, the TSA won’t require children younger than 18 to provide identification when they’re traveling with an adult companion within the United States, but the companion must have acceptable identification.

The REAL ID is not a substitute for a passport required for international travel and it also does not affect the ability to vote or register to vote, applications for federal benefits, enter federal facilities that don’t require identification, obtain medical care or participate in police proceedings or investigations.