What’s Going On With REAL ID? Things To Know In MD

MARYLAND — The deadline to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license has changed so many times it’s almost a punchline for a joke. Now, the date Maryland residents need to remember is May 7, 2025.

After that date, if things stand as they are now, Maryland residents will no longer be able to board domestic flights or enter nuclear power plants and certain federal buildings if they don’t have a REAL ID. One exception: A valid passport works as well as a REAL ID when boarding domestic flights. Additionally, these federal documents are accepted.

Congress passed the REAL ID Act, a recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, in 2005. It “establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, and prohibits federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.”

Here are some things to know about REAL ID and the new deadline:

How Do I Know If I Have A REAL ID?

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 an MVA to complete the process. To check your status visit: www.mva.maryland.gov/realidlookup.

How Do I Get A REAL ID?

REAL ID cards are issued at driver’s licensing stations in Maryland. In general, those seeking them need to provide documentation showing their legal name, date of birth, Social Security number or proof of lawful status to be in the United States, and two proofs of the address of their principal residence.

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration does not allow residents to scan and upload REAL ID documents to its website. In order to get a REAL ID, you must bring your documents in person to a Maryland Department of Transportation MVA branch.

Most MVA branches statewide can schedule an appointment within one to three days, and in some cases the same day. On average, nearly 80 percent of customers who visit a branch office complete their transaction within 15 minutes.

MVA offices require an in-person visit to bring in the required documents for a REAL ID. You can schedule an appointment in advance.

View the MVA's fact sheet about the REAL ID here.

Documents You Need For Your Real ID

The MVA may already have your Social Security documents on file. Visit the REAL ID Look Up Tool with your driver’s license number to confirm if the state has your verified Social Security documentation. If verified that proof of social security is on file with MDOT MVA, you will not need to bring it to your appointment.

If you have the older style Maryland driver's license or identification card (with no star on it), a $20 fee is required to renew your driver's license to obtain a REAL ID, according to the MVA. Those who have the new REAL ID driver's license or identification card — which has a star on it — only need to submit documents and will not have to pay a fee; check your REAL ID status here.

The REAL ID Act was passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

How to apply for the REAL ID in Maryland

To apply for the new card, you'll need to gather a few documents for your trip to the MVA.:

• Proof of age and identity: Original or certified copy of a birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport that has not expired. If you don't have a birth certificate, request an original or certified copy (here for those born in Maryland and here for those born in other U.S. states)
• Proof of Social Security: Social Security card in current legal name. Other items are accepted such as W-2, SSA-1099 or pay stub from past three months displaying name and SSN.
• Proof of Maryland residency (two are required): Current, unexpired Maryland driver's license or identification card; Maryland vehicle registration card or title; utility, TV/cable or telephone bill with the same name and address; property tax bill or receipt; residential rental contract; mail or benefits statement from a federal, state or local government agency; copy of federal or Maryland income tax return filing; checking, savings, financial account or collection agency communications; voter registration card; credit card statement; valid Maryland state-issued professional license; medical or hospital bill; or residential service contract or delivery for services performed at the address of residence (e.g., TV repair, lawn service, furniture delivery).

Find more information on REAL IDs in Maryland.

The Maryland Department of Transportation created a video that provides the basics on getting REAL ID.

Why Is The Deadline So Fluid?

The Department of Homeland Security has 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.

Homeland Security officials said COVID-19 pandemic-related backlogs have slowed states’ progress in issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses.

Those backlogs are greater in some states where driver’s license expiration dates were automatically extended, or by shifting operations to appointment only.

Should I Just Wait Until 2025?

With the extended deadline now about a year and a half in the future, the temptation to put off getting a REAL ID may be great. But that could mean longer lines and more competition for appointments in places that require them.

Homeland Security officials estimated that by May 2023, the REAL ID compliance deadline before the latest extension, only about 56 percent of the U.S. population over age 18 would have obtained one.