MVA says just over 50% are in compliance.
Frederick, Md (KM) The Motor Vehicle Administration is reporting progress in getting Marylanders’ driver’s licenses compliant with the federal Real ID Law. That’s according to MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer. “So over 2.4-million Maryland residents are now Real ID compliant. So I’m really pleased with the response from Maryland residents,” she says. “That’s about 53%. So based on numbers that the federal released last month, the average of Americans that about 27%.”
NIzer also said in Frederick County, the compliance rate is 52%.
Congress passed a law requiring all American’s have driver’s licenses or identification cards that are compliant with Real ID. That will allow Americans to use these cards to enter federal facilities, or board a plane at the airport. This action follows the September 11th, 2001 attacks.
In Maryland that requires residents to bring in certain documents to their local MVA office to be scanned. They include their birth certificates or passports, documents with their Social Security numbers, and a proof of residence such as a utility bill or voter ID card. “The important deadline from the federal government is October 1st, 2020. So we really want to make sure all Maryland residents are aware of that deadline. We don’t want any surprises,” says Nizer.
MVA began notifying a group of residents earlier this year, and gave a deadline of July 1st. The agency said those citizens in this group needed to visit their local MVA branch office with their required documents in order to be Real ID compliant.
They were told that anyone who ignored the deadline could have their licenses confiscated by law enforcement officers during a traffic stop. Nizer says some motorists had their licenses taken from them. “The instances we’ve seen again is a handful, and they’ve been able to resolve that issue very quickly,” she said. “Our goal, though, is for nobody to wind up in that situation. We’re really all about working with Maryland residents to get them compliant.”
She says MVA offices have extended hours to help residents get into compliance. Some local offices are open until 6:30 PM on Thursdays, and on Saturdays until 4:30 PM.
Nizer encourages residents to go to the MVA website and check on the status of their license. “If you’re not complaint, it will explain the steps you need to take, including walking you through a document guide that list documents you need and helping you make that appointment,” she says. “With an appointment, we guarantee to see you within 15-minutes. So, again, it’s all about that convenience for the customer.”
The MVA’s web address is www.mva.maryland.gov.
All states are required to make sure the driver’s licenses they issue are compliant with the Real ID law.
By Kevin McManus