Navigating the MVA for State IDs, Driver’s Licenses, and other Services

Sep 29, 2026

Uploaded by Stanford

Guide for Maryland residents supporting people with autism in obtaining State Identification (ID) cards and driver’s licenses. Covers appointment-only scheduling, why an ID may be needed without a driver’s license, minimum application age, and required documents for applicants under 18 and at least 18 (dependent and non-dependent). Explains mailing timelines and ID validity, signing accommodations, renewal after expiration, and written test accommodations tied to IEP/504.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Why a Maryland State ID may be needed

Appointment scheduling

Maryland State ID requirements

Minimum age

Documents for applicants under 18

Documents for applicants 18 or older (dependent)

Documents for applicants 18 or older (non-dependent)

After the appointment

Delivery timeline

Validity period

Signing in the signature box

Learner’s permit and renewals

What to bring when requesting a Learner’s Permit

Renewal rules after expiration

Driver’s test and autism-related disclosure

Additional time for written test via IEP/504

Whether Autism must be disclosed

Where to review reportable conditions

MARYLAND SERVICES Navigating the MVA for State IDs, Driver’s Licenses, and other Services IMPROVING THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITH AUTISM AND THE PEOPLE WHO CARE FOR THEM Iforget more before breakfast than most people forget in 5 days. I even have days that I wake up and I’m not sure I even remember my own name. For those days I’m grateful I have my driver’s license as a reminder. And like most people, I take my license for granted-something that I’m sure most of us don’t do when it comes to our children. So if we’re going to think about State IDs and Driver’s Licenses, and Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), what do we need to know? MVA operates by appointment only. To schedule an appointment visit: [https://mymva.maryland.gov/go/web/](https://mymva.maryland.gov/go/web/)[ ](https://mymva.maryland.gov/go/web/)AddAppointment Why does my child need a Maryland State Identification Card (ID)? This may be something you don’t think about because we tend to associate identification with a driver’s license. But if your young adult or adult child does not have a driver’s license, there are several reasons why your son or daughter needs a State Identification Card (ID): • Formal identification communicating who you are in case of an accident or emergency • To open a bank account • To board an airplane • Some towns and cities require ID • Tightened security, so many individual places are requiring ID • Most jobs require ID • Hospitals-ex. Dads can’t get in to see their newborn babies without ID What is the minimum age a person can apply for a Maryland State ID? ANY age, including infants. What documents do I need to bring if my child is UNDER the age of 18 and is applying for a State ID? • Parent’s driver’s license as proof of residence • Child’s Social Security card • Child’s birth certificate • How do you get a copy of your child’s Maryland Birth Certificate? Contact Maryland’s Vital Statistics Administration at (410) 764-3038. Some MVAs will also print MD birth certificates on demand. Visit the MVA’s locations page for more information. • Parent will need to be present to co-sign the State ID application What documents do I need to bring if my child is age 18 or OLDER, is a dependent, and is applying for a State ID? • Parents need to bring documentation to show the child’s dependency such as a copy of their 1040 tax return. The documentation must be current. • Child’s Social Security card • Child’s birth certificate • How do you get a copy of your child’s Maryland Birth Certificate? Contact Maryland’s Vital Statistics Administration at (410) 764-3038. Some MVAs will also print MD birth certificates on demand. Visit the MVA’s locations page for more information. What documents do I need to bring if my child is age 18 or OLDER, is not a dependent, and is applying for a State ID? • Two Maryland residency documents • Child’s Social Security card • Child’s birth certificate • How do you get a copy of your child’s Maryland Birth Certificate? Contact Maryland’s Vital Statistics Administration at (410) 764-3038. Some MVAs will also print MD birth certificates on demand. Visit the MVA’s locations page for more information. Will we leave the MVA with our ID card? ID cards are mailed to the address on file and should arrive 7-10 days after your appointment. How long are State ID cards good for? ID cards are are good for 8 years. Signing in that little box If your child has difficulty with fine motor skills, it may be difficult for them to sign in that little box. Practice at home. Draw a box that your child can practice in. The dimensions are 3 ½” x 1”. The parent is allowed to guide the child while signing. There is an “Unable to Sign” box that can be checked. However, that is not recommended as some places won’t accept the ID card as valid without the signature. The signature can be as minimal as an “x”. What if my child has an ID but now wants their L

FAQs

Why might a young adult or adult child need a Maryland State ID if they don’t have a driver’s license?

A State ID supports formal identification during emergencies, helps open bank accounts, enables air travel, may be required by some towns and jobs, supports tightened security needs, and can be needed for hospital access.

What documents are required for a State ID application for someone under 18?

Bring the parent’s driver’s license (proof of residence), the child’s Social Security card, and the child’s birth certificate. The parent must also be present to co-sign the application.

How can additional time be requested for the written driver’s test?

The written test is computer-based and takes 15 minutes. If the person has additional time in an IEP or 504, an accommodation can be made to provide extra time for testing.

Sep 29, 2026

Uploaded by Stanford