The REAL ID law affects us in Maryland – even if you have one of the newer flag licenses!

If you renewed your license prior to January 2018, you most likely need to go through some steps in order to comply with the nationwide REAL ID law. You have until October 1, 2020 to comply, or you will need a passport to fly or enter a federal building that requires ID.

I checked mine, since I have one of the newer flag IDs, and I have to go through some extra steps to comply! Here is a link to the Maryland MVA site to check if yours is up to date. You will need your license or ID #.

I hadn’t thought about mine not being up-to-date until a friend of mine had to redo hers to get a passport last week.

Here is what you will need if you have to go through more steps to comply:

  1. Original or certified copy of your United States birth certificate or a valid, unexpired United States passport. Note: If your current legal name is different than what is on the documents, you will need to provide your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a court document that explains the name change.
  2. Original Social Security Card, SSA-1099, or W-2 form that displays your name and entire Social Security number.
  3. Two proofs of Maryland residency. That could be an insurance card, credit card or utility bill with your Maryland address, bank statement (again with your address), vehicle registration card with your address, or mail from a local, state, or federal government agency. All must show your name, Maryland address, and must be from two separate companies.

Here is a link to the checklist of needed documents on the MVA website.

My friend waited quite some time at the MVA, but when she asked, they told her she could make an appointment and the wait wouldn’t be as long if you weren’t renewing and just updating your REAL ID status. The link above, after going through the steps, lets you make an appointment.

Make sure to check your license in case you get surprised like I did!