MEDIA ADVISORY: Maryland Officials Introduce New Hidden Disabilities Symbol on Driver’s Licenses and Identification Cards

House Bill 707 / Senate Bill 618 also known as Eric’s ID Law goes into effect October 1st

WHAT:

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will hold a press conference to reveal the new hidden disability symbol that can be added to driver’s licenses and identification cards. House Bill 707 / Senate Bill 618, also known as Eric’s ID Law, allows Marylanders with hidden (developmental and intellectual) disabilities, to voluntarily add a butterfly symbol on their driver’s license, identification card or moped permit.

Starting Wednesday, October 1, customers may add this optional designation to alert first responders about their hidden disability, at no charge. The designation was inspired to promote safety and understanding while protecting one’s personal privacy.

The event will highlight the story of Eric Carpenter-Grantham, who lives with high-functioning autism, and his mother, Linda Carpenter-Grantham, whose advocacy turned their family’s experience into statewide change.

WHO:

Representatives from the Maryland Department of Transportation
State Senator William C. Smith Jr. 
Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins 
Delegate Kym Taylor
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy 
Prince George’s County Sheriff John D. B. Carr  
Eric Carpenter-Grantham 
Linda Carpenter-Grantham

WHEN:

Wednesday, October 1, 2025 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:

MVA White Oak Branch 2131 Industrial Parkway Silver Spring, MD 20904  

RSVP: Parking is limited. Media are kindly asked to RSVP at [email protected]

VISUALS:

• Unveiling of a state ID with a butterfly designation
• B-roll footage of a resident applying for a driver’s license/ state ID with a butterfly designation via their smartphone/myMVA account or at a MVA Kiosk
• Interviews with agency leaders, political dignitaries, Eric and Linda Carpenter-Graham​