REAL ID Act Information

The federal REAL ID Act of 2005 sets new standards for the issuance of driver licenses and identification cards.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the final regulations in early 2008 guiding the implementation of the mandatory requirements of the REAL ID Act:

REAL ID Facts to Know

The REAL ID Act becomes effective nationwide on May 11, 2008.
Maryland filed for and received a compliance extension from DHS that will push the compliance date in Maryland to January 1, 2010.
Maryland is making preparations to begin issuing Driver Licenses and Identifications Cards that meet the initial requirements of 18 Benchmark Standards established by DHS starting on January 1, 2010.
For current license holders, you do not have to get a new license outside of your normal renewal cycle.
Your current Maryland license or ID card will continue to be valid as identification for federal purposes until:
- December 1, 2014 for individuals born after December 1, 1964; and
- December 1, 2017 for everyone else.
After the 2014 and 2017 dates outlined above, Federal agencies will no longer accept a driver license or ID card unless it is REAL ID compliant. This means you will not be allowed to use your Maryland Driver License or Identification Card to board commercial flights, enter federal facilities or other specific federal purposes as determined by DHS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is REAL ID?

REAL ID is a nationwide effort to improve the integrity and security of State-issued driver licenses and identification cards, which in turn will help fight terrorism and reduce fraud.

Question: Does Maryland plan to issue REAL ID licenses and ID cards?

Yes, Maryland is on track to begin issuing REAL ID licenses and ID cards on January 1, 2010.

Question: Will I still be able to renew my license by mail after Maryland begins issuing REAL ID licenses and ID cards?

Yes, the act allows for one convenience (mail-in) renewal between office visits. However, your initial visit to obtain a REAL ID compliant document must be made in person and you must provide the appropriate documentation required, including proof of legal presence in the United States.

Question: Do I need to get a new license on May 11, 2008, if I intend to fly or enter federal facilities?

No, Maryland has received an approved extension from DHS until January 1, 2010. Therefore, your current Maryland license or ID card will remain valid and acceptable for official federal purposes. Your current Maryland license or ID card will continue to be valid as identification for federal purposes until December 1, 2014 for individuals born after December 1, 1964 and December 1, 2017 for everyone else. After the 2014 and 2017 dates outlined above, Federal agencies will no longer accept a driver license or ID card unless it is REAL ID compliant. This means you will not be allowed to use your Maryland Driver License or Identification Card to board commercial flights, enter federal facilities or other specific federal purposes as determined by DHS.

Question: How long will federal agencies continue to accept my non-REAL ID compliant Maryland license or ID card for air travel and other official purposes?

If Maryland meets all applicable REAL ID requirements by the established deadlines, federal agencies will continue to accept your valid, unexpired Maryland license or ID card for official purposes until December 1, 2014 for individuals born after December 1, 1964 or December 1, 2017 for everyone else.

Question: When does Maryland plan to begin issuing REAL ID compliant licenses and ID cards?

Maryland will begin issuing REAL ID compliant licenses and ID cards on January 1, 2010. For current license holders, you do not have to get a new license outside of your normal renewal cycle. Your current Maryland license or ID card will continue to be valid as identification for federal purposes until December 1, 2014 for individuals born after December 1, 1964 and December 1, 2017 for everyone else. After the 2014 and 2017 dates outlined above, Federal agencies will no longer accept a driver license or ID card unless it is REAL ID compliant. This means you will not be allowed to use your Maryland Driver License or Identification Card to board commercial flights, enter federal facilities or other specific federal purposes as determined by DHS.

Question: Will the new card look significantly different?

No, because the current Maryland card meets most of the content and security requirements of the Act, expected changes will be minor. The new cards will have a common security mark as required by DHS to make them easily recognizable as REAL ID compliant.

Question: Will I be able to have both a REAL ID driver license and a REAL ID identification card?

No, the final rule specifies that each individual can only hold a REAL ID driver license or a REAL ID identification card, but not both simultaneously.

This information is also available in the following languages: