Driver’s License Changes in Maryland: What You Need to Know
Maryland residents will soon see changes to their driver’s licenses, as the state works to comply with federal regulations. The changes, which are set to take effect in the coming months, aim to increase security and reduce identity theft. Here is what you need to know about the upcoming changes and how they will affect you.
One of the key changes Maryland residents will notice is the addition of a star on their driver’s license. This star indicates that the license is compliant with the REAL ID Act, a federal law passed in 2005 in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks. The law establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, and the star on Maryland licenses will indicate that the holder has provided the necessary documentation to prove their identity.
In order to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, Maryland residents will need to provide several documents to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). These documents include proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two documents proving Maryland residency. The MVA will also require proof of any name changes, such as marriage certificates or court orders.
Those who do not wish to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license can opt for a non-compliant license, which will be marked with the words “Not for Federal Purposes.” While a non-compliant license can still be used for driving and identification purposes within the state of Maryland, it will not be accepted for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
The deadline for obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license in Maryland is fast approaching, with enforcement set to begin on October 1, 2020. After this date, residents without a compliant license will not be able to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities using their driver’s license alone. However, residents will still be able to use other forms of identification, such as a passport or military ID, for these purposes.
The introduction of REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses in Maryland has been met with mixed reactions from residents. Some see it as an important step towards increasing security and reducing identity theft, while others view it as an unnecessary invasion of privacy. Regardless of these differing opinions, the changes are coming, and Maryland residents will need to adapt to them in order to continue using their driver’s licenses for federal purposes.
In addition to the changes to driver’s licenses, Maryland residents will also see changes to their vehicle registration cards. The new cards will feature enhanced security features, such as holographic images and watermarks, to prevent fraud and counterfeiting. The MVA hopes that these changes will help to reduce identity theft and ensure that only legitimate residents are able to obtain and use Maryland-issued driver’s licenses and vehicle registration cards.
Overall, the changes to driver’s licenses and vehicle registration cards in Maryland are part of a larger effort to increase security and reduce identity theft. While the changes may inconvenience some residents in the short term, they are ultimately designed to protect the safety and security of all Maryland residents. By complying with the new regulations and obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, residents can help ensure that their identity is secure and that they can continue to use their driver’s license for federal purposes.
