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MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration

Identification (ID) Card

Welcome to the new MVA.Maryland.gov!

You’ve reached the new website for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Thanks for visiting!

A Maryland Identification (ID) card is an official card that shows who you are. It is for people who do not drive or for anyone who needs a state-issued ID for everyday life — like travel, school, jobs, or banking. An ID card is not a driver’s license — it does not give you permission to drive a vehicle.

Maryland ID cards meet the federal REAL ID standard, so you can use one for air travel and to enter secured federal facilities when the REAL ID program is required.

ID cards for individuals are valid for 8 years. Individuals with a limited term ID will receive a card with a time period that equals the duration of their lawful status in the United States.

Maryland ID card eligibility

Anyone who meets the following requirements can get a Maryland ID card:

  • Lives in Maryland
  • Has legal status in the U.S.
    • Or files taxes in Maryland for a non-compliant ID card - see Non-Compliant ID below.
  • Provides the proof of age and identity documents

What you need for an ID card

When you apply, you must prove several things for a fully compliant ID card:

  1. Identity — who you are
    Examples: Birth certificate, passport
  2. Legal Presence — lawful status in the U.S.
    Examples vary depending on citizenship or immigration status
  3. Maryland Residency — you live in Maryland
    Examples: Utility bills, lease agreements
  4. Social Security Number — you must provide a document that show your full social security number (social security card, W2, etc.) 

The MVA will tell you which documents you must bring in the application process. If you do not bring the correct documentation, your application may be delayed.

Applying for a Maryland ID card

  1. Make an appointment at a MVA branch office

    You must apply for an ID in person at a Maryland MVA branch office. Make an appointment for an ID card at a location that is convenient for you.

    Schedule an appointment

  2. Gather the required documents for a Maryland ID

    Bring original documents or certified copies that prove:

    • Your identity
    • Legal presence
    • Maryland residency
    • Social Security number

    Use the myMVA Online Document Guide to easily figure out which identity, residency, and citizenship documents you need to bring with you. You will also get a list of documents when you start the ID Card Appointment process.

    Immigrants who present foreign documentation without valid accompanying United States Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation, can see if they are eligible and what documents are needed by using the myMVA Online Document Guide or simply starting the application with an ID Card Appointment.

    If you are not eligible for a REAL ID (for example, you are not a lawful U.S. resident), you may still apply for a Standard ID Card with alternate documentation.

    If you need a REAL ID card, be sure your documents include proof of legal presence.

  3. Visit a MVA Branch to apply for your Maryland ID

    Bring a payment method that the MVA accepts with you to your appointment. Go to the MVA office with your documents to:

    1. Complete the ID card application
      1. Verify that your mailing address is correct on the application.
    2. Have your photo taken

    The MVA will review your documents and verify your information.

  4. Pay the required fee for your ID

    Pay the fee for a Maryland ID card. The amount varies based on the type of card and your age.

What to expect after applying for an ID card

Once your application is approved:

  • You will get a temporary card (if offered)
  • Your official ID card will be mailed to your address

Your Maryland non-driver ID card will be mailed to your address on file and not issued at the time of your transaction. It will arrive in 7-10 business days.  

You can have your ID shipped overnight for an additional cost of the U.S. Postal Service's express shipping rates.​

Non-compliant ID

The MVA may issue a non-compliant ID card to people who cannot provide proof of lawful presence.

A non-compliant ID card:

  • Is valid for everyday use
  • Cannot be used for federal purposes (like boarding federally regulated flights or entering federal buildings)

You can find out if you qualify for a non-compliant ID card during the online application process.

More information about Maryland ID cards

If you have a different name on your social security card than your source documents, you must change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) prior to coming to the MVA.

  • The new name(s) must match the name(s) that the SSA has on record.
  • The ID card will not be issued if the new name change does not match the SSA records.
  • It may take a minimum of 72 hours or longer for the SSA to update their records with your name change.​

For information on how to apply for a social security number, please visit the Social Security Administration's website.

If your name is different from the name on your birth certificate, then you are required to provide the MVA with a certified copy, from the issuing agency, of the document(s) that changed your name, like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court ordered name change, etc.​

For more information, visit the Update Name, Address, or Other Info page.

Questions? We can help.

Contact us if you have questions or need more information.

Contact MVA