If you are a Maryland resident of any age and do not possess a valid driver's license or moped permit, you may be eligible to obtain a Maryland Identification (ID) card.

What is the procedure for obtaining an ID card?

First, gather the documents that you will need to present to the MVA:

• Proof of age and identity, lawful status, social security number or proof of ineligibility, and Maryland residence -
  Required proofs of identity and residency may be different:
  • If you are surrendering a Maryland Driver's License or Maryland ID card - proofs of age and identity, social security number, lawful presence, and residency may not be required if you had your license or ID prior to April 19, 2009 and your identity can be verified;
  • If you are surrendering a Maryland Driver's License or Maryland ID card, however, you are requesting a change of your name, address, race/ethnicity and/or gender designation as it appears on the license/ID card - you must bring documentation certifying the changed information.  For more details, see process about changing information in person, which is included in Changing or Correcting a Driver's License, Permit or Identification (ID) Card.
  • If you are presenting a Maryland Driver's License or Maryland ID Card that has been expired for one (1)-year or more, you will be processed as a new customer and must provide the MVA with additional documents.  Please refer to Sources of Proof.
• If you are surrendering a Maryland Driver's License or Maryland ID card, however, you are requesting a change of your name, address, race/ethnicity and/or gender designation as it appears on the license/ID card - you must bring documentation certifying the changed information.  For more details, see process about changing information in person, which is included in Changing or Correcting a Driver's License, Permit or Identification (ID) Card.
• If you are presenting a Maryland Driver's License or ID Card that has been expired for one (1) year or more, you will be processed as a new customer and must provide the MVA with additional documents.  Please refer to Sources of Proof.
• If customer is a dependent child who is accompanied by a parent/guardian, the parent/guardian must present valid identification, proof of relationship and proof of dependency if the dependent is 18 tears of age or older.

Your ID card will be mailed to your residence address.

Second, visit any MVA office.  When you arrive, the MVA employee will:

• Take your photograph.  See note #2 about MVA Photo Guidelines.
• Review the documents you brought with you; and
• Ask you various questions to verify your that you are eligible to receive the ID card.

Notes: 

1. If your driving privilege has been refused, canceled, suspended or revoked, you may still be eligible for an ID card.
2. MVA Photo Guidelines:  Because of the ever increasing need to use a photo driver’s license, learner’s permit or moped permit as proof of personal identification (i.e.: MVA, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, etc.) in addition to its role as a licensing document, the Maryland MVA is required to follow and enforce certain guidelines concerning approving and using an acceptable digital image/photograph on these license products.  The same guidelines would also follow for the issuance of a Maryland Photo Identification Card.
   The MVA will not permit an applicant to significantly alter, hide or enhance their face or facial features by the use or excessive use of:
   1). Face Paint
   2). Cosmetics
   3). Cosmetic Contacts
   4). Facial Contortions
   5). Hats/Scarves/Other Clothing
   6). Hands, etc.
   If a supervisor deems it necessary, the customer will be required to remove the unacceptable face paint, cosmetics, etc. before a photo is taken.
   If a photo image is taken and it is determined to be unacceptable by an MVA supervisor due to any of the above reasons or otherwise, the MVA reserves the right to require that the customer either sits for another image or is refused the issuance of the MVA product.
    
   References:
   1. Issuance of license: TR, 16-111.1(d)(2-iv):  A color photograph of the applicant that is taken in accordance with a procedure that the Administration requires.
   2. Form and contents of an Identification Card: TR, 12-301(g)(2v):  A color photograph of the applicant taken by the procedure that the Administration requires. 

Expiration Date:

• A Photo Identification Card (ID card) issued to an applicant under65 years of age may be valid for a maximum of five (5) years (depending upon their temporary lawful status, if applicable).
• A Photo Identification Card (ID Card) issued to an applicant 65-years of age or older may be valid for a maximum of 8-years (depending upon their temporary lawful status, if applicable).

Surrender of ID card:

• The Photo Identification Card (ID Card) must be surrendered by the holder, upon being issued a Maryland driver's license.

Fees:

• There is a fee for an ID card.
• There is no fee for an ID card if you:
  • Are age 65 years or older;
  • Are legally blind;
  • Have permanently lost the use of an arm or leg;
  • Are permanently disabled so severely that the applicant cannot move without the use of crutches or wheelchair or has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits "major life activity" as defined by the federal Americans with Disability Act.

Contact Information:

MVA
Driver Services Division
6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

For telephone questions: