Need a Photo ID in Baltimore? How to Get a Maryland State ID Card
Sections
How It Works
Who Can Get a Maryland ID
Cost
Steps to Apply
If You Are Missing Documents
Baltimore-Area Help
A photo ID can help with everyday life. You may need an ID to apply for benefits, open a bank account, start a job, sign a lease, pick up medicine, enroll in school, or enter some buildings.
If you live in Baltimore and do not drive, you can still get a Maryland Identification Card from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, also called the MVA.
A Maryland ID card is not a driver’s license. It does not let you drive. It is a state photo ID that helps prove who you are.
Some Maryland ID cards are REAL ID cards. A REAL ID can be used for things like boarding a domestic flight or entering some federal buildings. If you cannot get a REAL ID because of your immigration-document situation, ask the MVA about a federally non-compliant Maryland ID. A non-compliant ID can be used for many everyday needs, but not for federal purposes. This process may require different documents and, in some cases, a Maryland tax certification letter.
For the most up-to-date rules, visit the Maryland MVA Identification Card page or call the MVA Contact Center at 410-768-7000. Maryland Relay users can call 7-1-1.
How It Works
The MVA gives Maryland photo ID cards to Maryland residents who do not need a driver’s license.
If this is your first Maryland ID, you must go to an MVA branch in person. At your appointment, the MVA will check your documents, confirm your address, take your photo, and collect the fee if you need to pay one.
Your official ID card is usually mailed to you. The MVA says it usually arrives in 7-10 business days. In some cases, you may get a temporary card while you wait.
Maryland ID cards for adults are usually good for up to 8 years. ID cards for people under 18 are usually good for up to 5 years. If your immigration status has an end date, your ID may expire on that date.
Who Can Get a Maryland ID
You may be able to get a Maryland ID if you:
Live in Maryland
Can show proof of identity
Can show proof that you live in Maryland. For a REAL ID, you usually need two documents showing your Maryland address
Can show your Social Security number if you are applying for a REAL ID
Have legal status in the United States, or qualify for a non-compliant ID using other documents
The documents you need depend on your situation. Before your appointment, use the myMVA Online Document Guide. It will make a checklist for you.
For a REAL ID, you usually need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of lawful presence, and two documents showing your Maryland address. These documents help prove:
Who you are
For example: birth certificate, U.S. passport, permanent resident card, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of U.S. citizenship
That you live in Maryland
For a REAL ID, you usually need two documents showing your Maryland address. Examples include a utility bill, lease, bank statement, government mail, or other mail with your name and Maryland address
Your Social Security number
For example: Social Security card, W-2, or another accepted document with your full Social Security number
Your legal presence in the United States
The documents depend on your citizenship or immigration status
Important: bring original documents or certified copies. The MVA may not accept photocopies, scans, or pictures of documents.
If your name changed, bring proof of the name change. This could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If you are under 18, you may need extra documents that show your parent or guardian relationship.
Cost
As of the MVA fee schedule effective September 1, 2025:
New or renewed Photo ID Card: $40
Duplicate or corrected Photo ID Card: $30
A Maryland ID card is free if you are 65 or older. It is also free if you have a disability that limits a major life activity.
Fees can change. Check the MVA License & ID Fees page before you go.
Steps to Apply
Step 1: Figure out what type of ID service you need
If this is your first Maryland ID, you need an in-person appointment at an MVA branch.
If you already have a Maryland ID, you may be able to renew it, replace it, or fix it online through myMVA or at an MVA kiosk.
If your ID has been expired for one year or more, the MVA may ask you to bring more documents.
Step 2: Use the myMVA Online Document Guide
Before you make your appointment, use the myMVA Online Document Guide. This step can save you time.
The guide tells you what to bring for identity, Maryland address, legal presence, and Social Security number.
If you cannot get a REAL ID because of your immigration-document situation, ask the MVA about a federally non-compliant Maryland ID. This process may require different documents and, in some cases, a Maryland tax certification letter.
Step 3: Gather your documents
Use your MVA checklist. Common documents may include:
Proof of identity
Birth certificate
U.S. passport
Permanent resident card
Certificate of naturalization
Certificate of U.S. citizenship
Proof of Maryland address
Lease
Utility bill
Bank statement
Government mail
Other official mail with your name and Maryland address
Proof of Social Security number
Social Security card
W-2 form
Other accepted document with your full Social Security number
Name-change documents, if needed
Marriage certificate
Divorce decree
Court-ordered name change
If you recently moved to Maryland and have an out-of-state ID, the MVA may ask you to turn it in when you get your Maryland ID.
Step 4: Make an MVA appointment
You must apply for a first-time Maryland ID in person at an MVA branch. Make an appointment on the MVA website.
Baltimore City MVA Branch
5425 Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215
MVA Contact Center: 410-768-7000
Maryland Relay: 7-1-1
Before you go, check the MVA website to confirm the branch address, appointment time, hours, and services.
Before You Go Checklist
Before you go to the MVA, make sure you have:
Your appointment confirmation
Original documents or certified copies
Two Maryland address documents, if required
Name-change proof, if needed
Payment, unless you qualify for a free ID
A correct mailing address
Step 5: Go to your appointment
Bring:
Your original documents or certified copies
Your appointment confirmation, if you have one
A way to pay the fee, if a fee is required
Your current out-of-state ID, if you have one
At the appointment, the MVA will check your documents, confirm your information, take your photo, and process your application.
Make sure your mailing address is correct. Your official ID will be mailed there. Important: MVA mail goes to the address on file and may not be forwarded by USPS.
Step 6: Watch for your ID in the mail
After approval, your Maryland ID card will be mailed to you. The MVA says it usually arrives in 7-10 business days. Make sure the MVA has your correct mailing address before you leave your appointment.
If you need it faster, ask the MVA if overnight shipping is available. There may be an extra U.S. Postal Service cost.
If You Are Missing Documents
Many people need an ID but are missing one or more documents. You may have lost your birth certificate, moved often, changed your name, left jail or prison, or had trouble getting records.
If this is your situation, do not give up. Start with the documents you can get first. Local groups may be able to help.
If you were born in Maryland and need a birth certificate, contact the Maryland Department of Health Division of Vital Records. Birth certificates may be ordered by mail or through some local health departments. The Division of Vital Records lobby is by appointment only.
For birth certificate questions, call 410-764-3038 in Baltimore or 800-832-3277 toll-free.
Baltimore-Area Help
Identity Access Project
Identity Access Project helps people in Baltimore get important documents like state IDs and birth certificates. They often help people who are homeless, returning home from jail or prison, or having trouble getting housing, work, health care, benefits, school, or banking because they do not have ID.
The Franciscan Center helps people in Baltimore with urgent needs. The Franciscan Center works with Identity Access Project to help people get state IDs and birth certificates.
The Franciscan Center says Responsive Services are open Monday-Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the 2nd floor. Birth certificate help is listed for Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. You must register and bring documents that prove your situation.
The MVA also works with local groups to help people get ID. At Homeless Resource Day events, MVA staff may help people understand if they qualify, review needed documents, and explain next steps. The MVA also works with correctional facilities to help people get ID before or after release.
Need help figuring out your next step? Contact BmoreBenefits at bmorebenefits@gmail.com or fill out our request form. We can help point you toward the right resource.
Thanks for reading our guide. If you have any questions, you can reach us at bmorebenefits@gmail.com or fill out our request form.
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