A Maryland REAL ID license has a star in the corner.
BALTIMORE, Md. — Do you have a star on your Maryland driver’s license? If not, there’s still time to get your REAL ID-compliant driver’s license with that star on it. But it’s better to get it sooner, rather than later.
Individuals who want to board an airplane for a domestic flight will soon need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license. If their driver’s license is not REAL ID-compliant, they will need another form of approved identification, such as a passport to board their flight or enter a secure federal facility or military base. The Maryland REAL ID driver’s license has a small star on it to indicate that it meets federal regulations that establish minimum security standards.
“REAL ID goes into effect starting in two months--May-- and the countdown is on,” said Christopher Murgia, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Maryland. “REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the federal government to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver licenses and identification cards. The improvements are intended to inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.”
“Getting your REAL ID before the deadline is more than just a suggestion—it’s a game changer for your travel plans,” he added. “By securing your REAL ID before May 7th, you’ll breeze through security like a pro, avoid delays and start your trip right.”
Maryland residents have the option to upgrade to a REAL ID or they can stick with a standard driver’s license. However, a standard credential—without the star—will not be valid to board a domestic flight or to access secure federal facilities, including military bases and some federal offices.
To get a REAL ID compliant license in Maryland, individuals can visit the Maryland Department of Transportation MVA web site where they can review the process for getting a REAL ID license, which must be done in person.
Required documents include one proof of identity (i.e., passport or U.S. birth certificate), proof of legal presence for non-U.S. citizens, two proofs of Maryland residency, proof of social security and a current driver’s license if you are applying to exchange one issued by another U.S. state. If someone has had a name change (i.e. a marriage or divorce), they will need to bring proof of that name change as well.
Transportation Security Administration officers who staff the ticket document checking podium at airports will be checking for a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of acceptable ID after May 7, 2025, because of a federal law (The REAL ID Act of 2005) that mandates that a REAL ID is needed for federal identification purposes. TSA is exploring a plan to phase in implementation starting on May 7, and when that plan is finalized, TSA will post those details on its web site.
Travelers will notice signs at airports nationwide to remind people that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of ID, such as a valid passport, will be mandatory for air travel beginning on May 7.
For more information and details about how to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card in Maryland, visit https://mva.maryland.gov/Pages/realid.aspx.