What To Do If You Don't Have A Real ID As Enforcement Begins In MD

MARYLAND — The REAL ID enforcement deadline has arrived, and Marylanders who haven't obtained the new requirement to fly domestically and enter certain federal buildings still have options if they need to travel.

Starting Wednesday, May 7, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will begin REAL ID enforcement. As the day arrives, Marylanders may be wondering if they actually need the new form of identification or how strict the deadline is.

In short, you don't need a REAL ID to fly domestically or enter certain federal buildings if you have a valid U.S. passport or other form of federal identification.

Residents could also apply for a U.S. passport card, which provides proof of citizenship and identity.
The wallet-sized cards are not valid for international air travel, but they are accepted for flights within the United States. They are cheaper than a passport book ($65 for adults applying for the first time and $30 for renewals), and typically take four to six weeks to process. Those who want to get their passport cards quicker can pay an extra $60 for expedited processing, which would take two to three weeks. Mailing schedules are not included in processing times.

The U.S. State Department has step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a U.S. passport or passport card here.

Per the TSA, here is a full list of identifications that will also be accepted if travelers don't have a REAL ID:

• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

If you don't have an accepted form of ID when you go to fly, you may still be able to board.

According to the Transportation Security Administration, "The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening. You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed."

What is a REAL ID and who needs one?

The REAL ID law, passed in 2005 in response to the Sept 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, strengthens national security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.

REAL ID was originally supposed to take effect in 2008 but has been delayed for multiple reasons, including those associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal agencies, including the TSA, will begin REAL ID enforcement on May 7. Agencies may choose to phase in enforcement, but TSA officials have been urging people to upgrade their licenses sooner rather than later "to facilitate a smooth transition."

When enforcement begins, Maryland residents who are 18 and older must show a REAL ID or another form of federally approved identification to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings.

The REAL ID is similar to a regular state identification card or driver's license, but has a small star in the upper right-hand corner.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 does not affect those who only need their ID for driving purposes or identification, and does not apply to those under 18.

While the enforcement deadline is May 7, getting a REAL ID is not mandatory and one can still be obtained after that date. There is also no fine or penalty for not having a REAL ID by the enforcement deadline.

How do I get a REAL ID?

To help residents obtain a REAL ID, all Maryland MVA branches are currently offering same or next-day service. To create an appointment, residents can visit the appointment scheduler here. Average MVA branch appointment wait times are under five minutes, officials told Patch.

Marylanders must bring the following documents with them to their appointment:

1. Proof of age and identity (i.e. birth certificate, U.S. passport, permanent resident card, etc.)
2. Proof of social security (i.e. social security card, W-2 form, pay stub less than three months old, etc.)
3. Two forms of proof of Maryland residency (i.e. vehicle registration card, bank account statement, utility bill, etc.)

If residents are unsure about their REAL ID status or what they will need to provide when they come in for an appointment, they can sign up for a myMVA account.

“We’ve made it easy for customers to assess whether they are compliant, or not, through a myMVA account," officials said. "By setting up their own myMVA account, Marylanders can see their REAL ID status, as well as other relevant driver and vehicle information.”