PFA Tips: Navigating the MVA for State IDs, Driver’s Licenses, and Other Services
By Shelly McLaughlin, Pathfinders for Autism (and reviewed by the Maryland MVA)
I forget 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?
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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 Learner’s Permit?
Your child will not need to bring all of the documents that were required to obtain the ID – just the ID card as long as it isn’t expired. You have up to one year to renew an ID card once you hit the expiration date. Otherwise, you will need to bring in all of the original required documents. A parent will need to be present to co-sign the Learner’s Permit application.
Will my child be given additional time to take the written driver’s test if they are granted additional time on their IEP or 504?
The written test is 15 minutes. Headphones will be provided, and the questions are read by a computer and appear on screen for the person to read. If the person is unable to do the test with the computer, the questions can be read by someone at the MVA, but prior arrangements must be made through https://mymva.maryland.gov/go/web/ContactMVA. You must also attempt to take the test using the computer first. An accommodation can be made to give additional time to test.
Does my child need to disclose they have Autism to obtain a driver’s license?
No. To review the list of required reportable conditions, please visit the Maryland Driver’s Manual (reportable conditions on page 38). If a clinician is concerned about an individual’s ability to drive, they can use this form to refer a patient to MVA’s medical review process. HIPPA laws prevent Autism from being listed on your driver’s license or driver’s record, nor can your insurance company be notified of your condition.
Can my child age 18 or older, register to vote at the MVA?
Yes. During your visit to get your driver’s license or ID card, the MVA will provide the opportunity to apply to register to vote, or update voting information. More information about voter registration with the MVA can be found on the Motor Voter page.
Does my child’s behavioral issues make them eligible for disability parking tags?
Possibly. Your child’s doctor will need to submit the Application for Maryland Parking Placards/License Plates for Individuals with a Disability.
Adding Emergency Contacts to your driver’s license and State ID
The MVA has an emergency contact option to add to Maryland Driver’s Licenses and State IDs. Marylanders can add three emergency contacts to their license or ID so police will know who to call in the event of an emergency. The emergency contact information is stored electronically on an individual’s MVA account and will be available only to authorized law enforcement personnel. You can add emergency contacts through myMVA online services.
Ask Your Local MVA About the Voluntary Developmental Disability Self-Disclosure Card (Blue Card)
MVA provides upon request from a customer or parent/guardian, the Developmental Disability Disclosure Card. The blue card is the size of a driver’s license. It includes space for an individual to provide details on a developmental disability and gives guidance on effective communication between law enforcement officers and people with developmental disabilities. To obtain a Voluntary Developmental Disability Disclosure Card, please visit the information desk at any of the 24 MVA branches statewide during normal operational hours to request and obtain a card. MVA will NOT ask customers to disclose or present any documentation of their disability in order to obtain this card.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Customers can create an account at myMVA eServices. Once an account has been created customers can see all of their MVA business in one place and correspond directly with MVA through ContactMVA.
Additional Resources
Maryland’s Vital Statistics Administration
PFA Tips: Disclosure – How and When to Disclose your Autism
Application for Maryland Parking Placards/License Plates for Individuals with a Disability
Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)
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