Identification Cards in Maryland

URGENT: MVA Issues REAL ID License Recall

The Maryland MVA announced a recall on thousands of driver's licenses marked as REAL ID-compliant due to drivers not having filed the required documents to qualify for a REAL ID. Any recalled license is not considered valid and can be confiscated by law enforcement if a driver is pulled over. Affected residents MUST visit an MVA office as soon as possible with appropriate REAL ID documents.

To see if your license is under recall, visit the MVA's REAL ID lookup.

Maryland Identification Cards

If you live in Maryland but do not have a driver's license, you can use a Maryland ID card as your photo identification to prove your identity, age or address.

This page explains how to apply, renew and replace your Maryland ID card, fees, changing your name or address, and more.

MD REAL ID Identification Cards

The Maryland MVA began issuing federally-compliant REAL ID cards in place of standard identification cards in 2011*. After October 1, 2021, the REAL ID is the only credential that will allow you to continue to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings. For details on the REAL ID Act, visit the MVA's comprehensive guide.

*Immigrants to the U.S. without required citizenship documents are eligible for a non-compliant ID card. The MVA provides details on eligibility and application.

Maryland ID Card Eligibility Requirements

If you are a Maryland resident, you can apply for an ID card at the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). There are NO age requirements to obtain a Maryland identification card.

Apply for a Maryland ID Card

You must visit a full-service Maryland MVA branch office in person to apply for your Maryland ID card.

Q: Can I use my MD ID card to board an airplane?

A: Yes! Maryland has issued REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards since 2011. That means your MD ID card is approved as federal identification for activities like domestic travel and entering federal facilities.

The MD MVA does NOT take appointments for Maryland ID card applications. To save yourself time, see the suggested times to visit the MVA before your visit.

You must bring:

  • Proof of identity and date of birth, such as:
  • Proof of lawful presence in the U.S., such as:
    • Valid U.S. passport.
    • U.S. birth certificate.
    • Valid foreign passport with U.S. visa and I-94.
  • 2 documents proving your MD residency, such as:
    • Utility bill.
    • Property tax bill.
    • MD vehicle registration card.
  • Proof of your Social Security number, such as:
    • Original Social Security card.
    • Recent W-2 or 1099 form.
    • Proof of ineligibility.
  • Required payment. See the “Maryland ID Card Fees" section below for fees and payment options.

All documents must be original, certified, or “true test" copies. A full list of acceptable documents to prove your identity, date of birth, MD residency, and lawful presence in the U.S. can be found online.

NOTE: If the name on your Social Security card does not match your identification documents, you must change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) before visiting a MD MVA office.

Your new Maryland ID card will be sent by mail.

MD Identification Card Fees

The fees for new, renewed or duplicate Maryland ID cards vary.

  • Younger than 18 years old: $15 (new/renewals).
  • Older than 18 years old: $24 (new/renewals).
  • Duplicate Maryland ID cards: $20.
  • Older than 65 years old: ID Card is free.
  • Disabled: ID Card is free.

To have a “W" veteran status added to your MD state ID card. To add or remove a veteran status is free. See “Military IDs and Renewals" below for information about adding veteran status to your Maryland ID.

The MD MVA offices accept the following payment methods:

  • Cash.
  • Checks.
  • Visa.
  • MasterCard.
  • American Express.

If you're paying with a check, you'll need to provide your bank routing number, the checking account number, your Maryland ID card number, and your date of birth.

Renew Your Maryland ID Card

You can renew your MD state ID card online, by mail or in person at a local Maryland MVA office. The MD MVA sends renewal notices before your Maryland ID expires.

Your age will determine how long your Maryland ID card remains valid:

  • Under 18 years old: 5 years.
  • 18 years old and older: 8 years.

NOTE: If your Maryland ID card has been expired, you may need to re-apply for a new MD state ID card. See the “Apply For a Maryland ID Card" section above for steps to apply.

Online Renewal

To renew your Maryland ID card on the MVA Online ID Card Renewal System, you must meet the requirements that are listed after you log in to the process.

You'll be asked to enter your Maryland ID number, date of birth, and 4-digit MVA PIN or the last 4 digits of your SSN. Next, you'll pay the renewal fee (See “ Maryland ID Card Fees" above) and your new MD state ID card will be mailed to you.

NOTE: There is an additional charge to renew online (waived for those 65 years old or older or those with disabilities).

By Mail

You may renew by mail if you received the “renew by mail" package from the MD MVA.

To do so, complete and mail your renewal application form along with payment for the applicable fee (see the “Maryland ID Card Fees" section above for fee information and payment options).

In Person

To renew your MD state ID card at your local Maryland MVA office, you will need:

  • Proof of Social Security number or proof of ineligibility. Examples include:
    • Social Security card.
    • W-2 or 1099 form.
    • Document showing non-work authorized status, etc.
  • Payment. See the “Maryland ID Card Fees" section above for fee information.

Your renewed Maryland ID card will arrive by mail.

NOTES:

  1. Your Maryland ID card will be mailed. However, the Maryland MVA may issue your new MD state ID card in person if you're surrendering a MD driver license or ID card, or you can prove you have travel arrangements or an examination (SAT, GED, etc.) soon.
  2. If your Maryland ID card expired, you may be required to apply for a new MD state ID card. Read the “Apply for a Maryland ID Card" section above to learn how.

Military Maryland ID Cards & Renewals

Veteran Status Code in Maryland

If you served in the U.S. armed forces on active duty and did not receive a dishonorable discharge, you're eligible to apply for a "W" veteran status code on your original, renewed or updated Maryland ID card. You must apply in person at your local MD MVA office to obtain this status.

In addition to the documents required to apply for a new Maryland ID card (see above), you will also need an original or certified copy of a document proving your U.S. military veteran status. Examples of acceptable documents proving veteran status include:

  • DD-214 military discharge certificate.
  • Honorable discharge certificate.

Visit the MD MVA website for a full list of acceptable veteran status documents.

NOTES:

  1. If you do not have these documents, contact the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs.
  2. You will be contacted by Executive Branch agencies to discuss your eligibility for veteran benefits (state or federal).

You will need to pay the free fee (to add/remove a veteran code) in addition to the Maryland ID card fee. View the “Maryland ID Card Fees" section below for fees and payment options.

Military ID Card Renewals in MD

Your Maryland ID card will remain valid for both you and your dependents while you're stationed out of state on active duty.

You must renew your MD state ID card within 30 days of returning to Maryland in person at your local Maryland MVA office. You cannot renew online, by phone or mail.

If your Maryland ID card has been expired for more than 1 year, you must show your:

  • Expired Maryland ID card.
  • Expired military ID card.
  • Military papers showing your out-of-state active military duty.

In some cases, you may also need to provide additional documentation. Visit the MVA website for a complete list of acceptable proof of identity documents.

Replace Your Maryland ID Card

You must go to your local MVA office to apply for a duplicate Maryland ID card. You cannot apply online, by phone or mail.

You will need to bring documents proving your:

  • Age/identity, such as:
    • U.S. passport (valid/unexpired).
    • Permanent resident card, form I-551 (valid/unexpired).
  • Social Security number, such as:
    • Social Security card.
    • W-2 or 1099 form (less than 18 months old).
    • Document showing proof of ineligibility.
  • Lawful status, such as:
    • Documents issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
    • A valid foreign passport and I-94 form (unexpired).
  • Maryland residence (if your address has changed only), such as:
    • Utility, phone or television bill.
    • Bank statement.

For a complete list of acceptable documents, go to the MD MVA website.

The fee for a duplicate Maryland ID card will be $20. Your new Maryland ID card will be mailed, unless you need the duplicate immediately and can provide:

  • A destroyed MD ID card.
  • A notice of testing (SAT, GED, drug testing, etc.) for a date soon.

NOTE: If you suspect your Maryland ID card has been stolen, you need to contact MVA Customer Service at (410) 768-7000 or the office of the MVA Customer Investigations by calling (410) 768-7541 . You can also send an email to mpurcell@mdot.state.md.us after filing a police report.

For more information, view our “Replacing a Lost License in Maryland" page.

Change Your Name or Address on an ID Card

In Maryland, you must notify the MVA of a name change or change of address within 30 days.

NOTE: If you would like to receive a Maryland ID card after updating your name or address, you must apply for a corrected MD state ID card at a local MVA office. Read the above section “Replace Your Maryland ID Card" for more information.

Changing Your Name on a MD ID Card

The Maryland MVA requires you to make a name change in person at your local MD MVA office. You cannot change your name online, by phone or mail.

Before you change your name with the Maryland MVA, you must first change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If your new name does not match your birth certificate, you'll need to provide an original or certified copy of your name change document. Examples:

To obtain a duplicate Maryland ID card with your updated name, you must apply for a replacement. Make sure to bring your ID card with you. For more information, view the “Replace Your Maryland ID Card" section above.

You can also read our page about “Changing Your Name in Maryland."

Changing Your Address on a Maryland ID Card

You may complete an address change by mail, online, by phone, or in person at your local MD MVA office.

The MD MVA mails you a “Correction Attachment Card" and requires you to keep it with your Maryland ID card. If you would like to apply for a duplicate MD state ID card, you will need to follow the instructions in the “Replace Your Maryland ID Card" section above.

Online

Visit the MVA online system and then click “Change of Address" on the left-hand menu. You'll need to enter your Maryland ID card number and date of birth.

There is NO fee for this MVA service.

By Mail

Print and complete the MVA Application for Maryland Change of Address (VR-154). You may also contact the MVA customer service department to have the form mailed to you.

Mail your form to:

MVA
6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E.
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

There is NO fee for this MVA service.

By Phone

Contact the MVA customer service department at (410) 768-7000. A “Correction Attachment Card" will be mailed to your address, and you must carry it with your Maryland ID card.

There is NO fee for this MVA service.

In Person

Fill out the MVA Application for Maryland Change of Address (VR-154) and bring it to your local Maryland MVA office.

The MD MVA asks that you bring proof of:

  • Age/identity, including:
    • Valid/unexpired U.S. passport.
    • Valid/unexpired Permanent resident card, form I-551.
  • Social Security number, including:
    • Social Security card.
    • W-2 or 1099 form (less than 18 months old)
    • Proof of ineligibility.
  • Lawful status, including:
    • Documents issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
    • A valid foreign passport and I-94 form (unexpired)
  • Maryland residence (with new address), including:
    • Utility, phone or television bill.
    • Bank statement.

You can visit the MD MVA website for a complete list of acceptable documents.

There is NO fee for this MVA service.

For more information, view our page on "Changing Your Address in Maryland."

Forms

VR-154
Application for Maryland Change of Address
Notify the MD MVA of a change in address to be reflected on your identification, vehicle, and voter registration documents.
DMV.ORG BBB Business Review