Maryland Photo ID

WHY DO I NEED A MARYLAND PHOTO ID?

When you start a new job, your employer is required to ask you for proof of identification. Having a photo identification card (ID) can also make it easier for you to get certain kinds of services, such as public benefits. You often need an ID simply to get into the buildings where hearings in shelter and public benefits cases are held.

 

WHO CAN APPLY FOR A MARYLAND PHOTO ID?

You can apply for a Maryland Photo ID if you are:

  • a U.S. citizen
  • an immigrant with permanent residence
  • a non-immigrant with valid U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation

 

WHAT IF I AM AN IMMIGRANT WITHOUT VALID US CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTATION?

Immigrants who do not have valid US Citizenship and Immigration documentation are eligible to apply for a non-compliant driver’s license or identification card.

 

WHAT TYPE OF DOCUMENTATION DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME TO APPLY FOR MY MARYLAND PHOTO ID?

In order to apply for a  Maryland Photo ID card, you must bring proof of identity, citizenship, residency, and social security.

You must bring:

  • Proof of identity and date of birth – full legal name and date of birth (full legal name means an applicant’s first, middle, and last name or surname, without the use of initials or nicknames}
    •  U.S. birth certificate
    • Valid (unexpired)  U.S. passport
    • Custoners Age 65 and Older
    • Permanent Resident Card
    • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) – original or certified
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Certificate of Citizenship
    • Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) – unexpired
    • US or MD Birth Certificate for adopted individuals with Adoption Records/Certificate/Decree (Customers born abroad adopted by US citizens)
    • US Adoption records with full name and date of birth
    • Valid (unexpired) foreign passport with U.S. visa and I-94
    • Unexpired Foreign Passport WITHOUT current, valid USCIS documentation
    • Unexpired consular ID (consular ID’s are only accepted from Mexico, Guatemala, and Ecuador
    • If you do not have an unexpired foreign passport or unexpired consular identification, you must present two (2) from the list below.  One must contain a photo not more than eight (8) years old:
      • Foreign birth certificate (original or certified copy)
      • National identification or voter card displaying the applicant’s photo, name, and date of birth
      • Foreign driver’s license
      • US state driver’s license
      • US state identification card
      • US military identification card
      • US military dependent identification card
      • Certified school records, DL-300
      • I-766 employment authorization document

NOTE:  IF YOU CHANGED YOUR NAME, YOU WILL NEED ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS

  • If you got married – bring your marriage certificate
  • If you got divorced – bring the divorce decree
  • If you had a court order name change – bring he court-issued document

 

  • Proof of lawful presence in the U.S., such as:
    • Valid U.S. passport.
    • U.S. birth certificate.
    • Valid foreign passport with U.S. visa and I-94.

 

  • Two (2) documents proving your MD residency
    • MUST INCLUDE THE APPLICANT’S NAME AND RESIDENCE ADDRESS
    • MAY NOT BE FROM THE SAME BUSINESS, COMPANY, OR AGENCY
    • MUST REFLECT A CURRENT, RECENT OR VALID DATE:
      • Maryland vehicle registration card or title
      • Utility, telephone or cable/satellite TV bill
      • Checking or savings account statement
      • Life insurance card or policy
      • Insurance card or policy
      • Property tax bill or receipt
      • Mortgage account or proof of home ownership (deed, title, bill of sale or statement from Maryland Assessment and Taxation)
      • Residential rental contract for an apartment or other rental property with the current, formal contract or agreement between the landlord and tenant which includes all signatures
      • First class or priority mail from a federal, state or local government agency to include the contents and envelope, excluding mail from the MD Motor Vehicle Administration
      • Installment contract from a bank or other financial institution
      • Sales tax or business license
      • Major credit card and department/retail store credit card bills (Wal-Mart, Sears, Lowe’s, Exxon, etc)
      • Residential service contract (refers to services performed at the address of residence; for example, cable or satellite television, TV repairs, lawn service or exterminator contract)
      • Cancelled check with imprinted name and address
      • Selective service card
      • RESIDENCY EXCEPTIONS:
        • An individual may certify residency for a spouse, parent, child or other dependent (satisfactory proof of identity, Maryland residency and proof of dependence or guardianship is required).
        • A letter from a nursing home, homeless shelter, transitional service provider, or half-way house verifying that they receive mail
        • Order of parole, Order of Mandatory Release, or statement signed within the application, bu a Department of Public Safety Correctional Safety or Federal Bureau of Prisons official
  • Proof of your Social Security – one (1):
    • Original Social Security card.
    • Recent W-2 displaying your name and entire social security number
    • SSA-1099 displaying your name and entire social security number
    • Non-SSA – 1099 form displaying your name and entire social security number
    • Pay stub displaying your name and full social security number – not more than three (3) months old
    • Document from Social Security Administration demonstrating non-work authorized status
    • Proof of ineligibility

NOTE: If the name on your Social Security card does not match your identification documents, you must change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) before visiting a MD MVA office.

All documents must be originalcertified, or “true test” copies.

 

ARE THERE ANY FEES FOR OBTAINING A MARYLAND PHOTO ID CARD?

YES.  

The fees for new, renewed or duplicate Maryland ID cards vary.

  • Younger than 18 years old: $15 (new/renewals)
  • Older than 18 years old: $24 (new/renewals)
  • Duplicate Maryland ID cards: $20
  • Older than 65 years old: ID Card is free
  • Disabled: ID Card is free

 

HOW LONG WILL MY MARYLAND PHOTO ID REMAIN VALID?

Your age will determine how long your Maryland ID card remains valid:

  • Under 18 years old: 5 years
  • 18 years old and older: 8 years

 

WILL I GET MY MARYLAND PHOTO ID CARD THE SAME DAY?

NO.  Your new Maryland ID card will be sent by mail.

 

I’M A VETERAN.  HOW DO I GET THE VETERAN STATUS CODE ON MY ID CARD?

If you served in the U.S. armed forces on active duty and did not receive a dishonorable discharge, you’re eligible to apply for a “W” veteran status code on your original, renewed or updated Maryland ID card.

You must apply in person at your local MD MVA office to obtain this status.

 

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO BRING TO GET MY VETERAN STATUS CODE ON MY ID CARD?

In addition to the documents required to apply for a new Maryland ID card (see above), you will also need an original or certified copy of a document proving your U.S. military veteran status.

Examples of acceptable documents proving veteran status include:

  • DD-214 military discharge certificate.
  • Honorable discharge certificate.

NOTE:

If you do not have these documents, contact the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs.  You will be contacted by Executive Branch agencies to discuss your eligibility for veteran benefits (state or federal).

You will need to pay the fee (to add/remove a veteran code) in addition to the Maryland ID card fee. View the “Maryland ID Card Fees” section below for fees and payment options.