How to Tell If Your Maryland Driver's License Is a Real ID

Check the star symbol in the upper right corner

A Maryland driver's license is a Real ID if it has a gold star in the upper right corner of the card. That star is the only visual marker you need to look for. If your license has the star, it meets federal Real ID standards. If it does not have the star, it is a standard Maryland license.

The star appears on licenses issued after October 1, 2017, when Maryland began issuing Real ID cards. Older licenses without the star are still valid for driving and for most everyday purposes — they just do not meet the federal Real ID requirement for air travel and certain federal building access.

You can check your license right now by looking at the top right area of the card. The star is gold and roughly the size of a dime. It should be when ready visible if you are holding a Real ID license.

Key Takeaways

Maryland Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner; licenses without the star are standard licenses that do not meet federal Real ID requirements.
You can use a standard Maryland license for driving and most ID purposes, but not for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings after May 7, 2025.
If your license does not have the star and you need a Real ID, you must visit a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office in person with specific documents.
Maryland offers both Real ID driver's licenses and Real ID identification cards; the process and documents required are the same for both.

What documents you need to get a Real ID license in Maryland

If your current license does not have the star and you want to obtain a Real ID, you must go to a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person. You cannot renew to Real ID online or by mail. Bring the following documents:

Proof of identity: a valid passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate
Proof of Social Security number: a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return
Proof of Maryland residency: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days
Your current driver's license or identification card

The documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

You will also need to pass the vision test and pay the fee. As of 2024, a Real ID driver's license costs the same as a standard license renewal in Maryland, though fees can change. Check the Maryland MVA website for the current fee before you visit.

When you need a Real ID and when you do not

Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or another federal Real ID document to board a domestic flight in the United States. A standard Maryland driver's license will not be accepted at airport security checkpoints after that date. If you fly domestically, you must have either a Real ID license, a passport, a passport card, or a military ID.

You also need a Real ID to enter certain federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants. However, you do not need a Real ID for driving, voting, explore for benefits, or most other everyday identification purposes. A standard Maryland license remains valid for all of those uses.

If you do not fly domestically and do not need to enter federal buildings, you can continue using a standard license indefinitely. There is no expiration date on the Real ID requirement itself — it is tied to when you need to use the ID for those specific purposes.

How to find your nearest Maryland MVA office

The Maryland MVA operates multiple offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the official Maryland MVA website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead or checking wait times online can help you plan your visit.

You do not need an appointment at most Maryland MVA offices, but some locations offer appointment scheduling. If your local office offers appointments, booking one can reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are also accepted during regular business hours.

Bring all required documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged during your visit. The MVA staff will review your documents, take your photo, and process your Real ID license on the spot. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license expires before May 2025

If your current standard Maryland license expires before May 7, 2025, you have two options. You can renew it as a standard license by mail or online, which keeps you legal to drive but does not give you Real ID status. Or you can visit an MVA office in person and upgrade to a Real ID at the same time.

If you renew by mail or online before your license expires, you will receive another standard license. You can then visit an MVA office later to convert it to a Real ID. There is no penalty for doing this in stages — you just need to have a Real ID in hand before you need it for air travel or federal building access.

If your license has already expired, you must visit an MVA office in person to renew it, whether you want a standard license or a Real ID. You cannot renew an expired license online or by mail in Maryland.

Real ID identification cards versus Real ID driver's licenses

Maryland offers a Real ID identification card for people who do not drive or who want a separate ID document. The Real ID identification card has the same gold star as a Real ID driver's license and meets the same federal requirements for air travel and federal building access.

The process to obtain a Real ID identification card is identical to obtaining a Real ID driver's license — you visit an MVA office in person with the same documents, pay a similar fee, and receive your card by mail. The only difference is that the identification card does not include driving privileges.

If you already have a Real ID driver's license, you do not need a separate Real ID identification card. One Real ID document is sufficient for all federal purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID license by mail or online?

No. Maryland requires you to visit an MVA office in person to obtain a Real ID license. You must bring original or certified documents and pass a vision test. Online and mail renewal are only available for standard licenses.

What if I lost my birth certificate or passport?

You can request a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Maryland Vital Statistics Administration or the state where you were born. A passport can be replaced through the U.S. State Department. Both processes take time, so start early if you need a Real ID before May 2025.

Do I need a Real ID if I only drive locally in Maryland?

No. A standard Maryland driver's license is valid for driving anywhere in the United States. You only need a Real ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your current Maryland address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The MVA will update your address when you obtain your Real ID license.

How long does it take to get a Real ID license after I explore?

The MVA processes your process on the day you visit the office. Your new Real ID license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use for driving until your card arrives.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.