Real ID Maryland – What To Know
The Real Id Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and enacted by the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government set standards for the assurance of identification documents, including driver’s licenses. The Act sets forth minimum security standards for issuing driver’s licenses.
It also prohibits Federal agencies from accepting specific driver’s licenses from states not meeting the Act’s standards. October 1, 2020, is the Real ID deadline. What does this mean for Marylanders? Drivers found using a license that does not comply with Real ID rules may have their license confiscated by police.
Maryland law requires drivers to possess a valid license, meaning they can no longer drive once their claim is confiscated. It is estimated that 1.8 million Maryland residents have a charge that is not compliant with Real ID laws.
Some of the 1.8 million have received a license with a star, but they have not submitted the necessary paperwork. In late 2018, Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration started notifying drivers that they would need to get a new license before the October 1 deadline.
What Is The Maryland Real ID?
Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration has been issuing Real ID cards since 2016. However, it did not require applicants to submit the identification documentation the Department of Homeland Security needed until recently.
Therefore, some residents with a star on their license may not comply with the law. Specific documentation must be submitted before the October 1 deadline. The Real ID intends to make identity documents more consistent and secure.
Without a Real ID, Maryland residents can no longer access federal facilities. They will also be prohibited from boarding commercial airplanes. There is still plenty of time to obtain a license that complies with Real ID laws.
Before heading to their local MVA office, Marylanders will want to collect the necessary documentation.
Maryland Real ID Check License Status
Residents who have the star on their license but aren’t positive it is compliant can check the status of their Real ID online. Marylanders can visit the Real ID Lookup tool on the official MVA website here to do that.
If the lookup tool answers “YES,” the applicant must submit documents to the MVA.
4 Items are Required
To obtain a REAL ID, consumers must present four pieces of identification. They’ll need to show proof of age and identity. This could be a birth certificate, adoption records, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a United States Passport, or other documents.
They’ll also need to have proof of social security. This can be the original Social Security Card, W-2 Form with the resident’s name and SSN, or a SSA-1099.
Two proofs of residential address are also required. Property tax receipts, telephone bills, utility bills, insurance cards, Maryland vehicle registration cards, and other documents will suffice.
A complete list of acceptable documents can be found here MDOT MVA’s Online Document Guide.
Make A Maryland MVA Real ID Appointment
Once the appropriate documentation has been collected, the applicant will want to make an appointment for their Real ID visit. Once the applicant has proceeded through this link, they will be asked to schedule their Real ID visit appointment.
An appointment guarantees that the applicant will be seen within 15 minutes of the scheduled appointment time. When visiting their local MDOT MVA office, applicants are encouraged to look for the appointment-only check-in sign.
This will allow them to skip the standard check-in line and get out much quicker.
Finding An MVA Office
Maryland residents must visit an MVA office when obtaining a Real ID-compliant license. They can use the MVA website to find their nearest MVA location. The service also provides the average wait times for each location. Again, it is possible to skip the wait by scheduling an appointment in advance.
How much does a REAL ID cost in Maryland?
According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) fee listing page, a REAL ID in Maryland costs the same as that of a non-commercial driver’s license. As of July 17, 2023, a non-commercial driver’s license costs $50 for an eight-year license or $25 for a four-year license. Therefore, a REAL ID in Maryland costs $50 for eight-year support or $25 for a four-year mandate. It is important to note that there may be additional fees for other services or transactions related to obtaining a REAL ID, such as replacing a lost or stolen card.
What is proof of residency in Maryland?
According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), several documents can be used as proof of residency in Maryland. To obtain a REAL ID or driver’s license in Maryland, you must provide two documents that prove your Maryland residency. These documents can include:
- Utility bills (e.g., gas, electric, water, cable, internet)
- Bank statements
- Credit card statements
- Lease or rental agreement
- Property tax bill or receipt
- Vehicle registration card or title
- Official government mail (e.g., tax bill, jury summons)
The documents must include your name and current Maryland address and must be dated within the last 12 months. It is important to note that the MVA may require additional documentation or information to verify your residency.
How long is a Maryland driver’s license suitable for?
Most non-commercial Maryland driver’s licenses are valid for eight years. However, there are some exceptions. For example, provisional permits for new drivers or drivers under 21 are proper for two years. Additionally, licenses for drivers over 70 are appropriate for five years. It is important to note that the expiration date of a Maryland driver’s license is printed on the permit itself, and drivers are responsible for renewing their tickets before the expiration date.
What is the difference between WI REAL ID and a driver’s license?
A Wisconsin REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card that meets federal identification requirements. The main difference between a Wisconsin REAL ID and a standard driver’s license is that a REAL ID requires additional documentation to prove identity, citizenship or lawful status, social security number, and Wisconsin residency. A REAL ID also features a gold star in the upper right-hand corner, which indicates that it meets federal identification standards and can be used for specific purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
In contrast, a standard Wisconsin driver’s license does not require additional documentation and does not have a gold star. While a standard driver’s license is still a valid form of identification, it may not be accepted for specific purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
It is worth noting that Wisconsin residents are not required to obtain a REAL ID and can continue to use a standard driver’s license for most purposes. However, if they plan to fly domestically or enter certain federal facilities, they must obtain a REAL ID or an alternative form of acceptable identification.
How long does it take to get a Maryland state ID?
According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), receiving a Maryland state ID typically takes 7-10 business days after submitting an application. However, this time frame may vary depending on the volume of applications the MVA is processing. It is also important to note that if additional documentation or information is required to verify an applicant’s identity or residency, it may take longer to process the application. If an applicant needs to receive their state ID more quickly, they may be able to pay an additional fee for expedited processing or visit an MVA office that offers same-day service.
