The question “can I get a REAL ID with a work permit in Maryland?” is one of the most frequent among people with temporary work authorization.
Understanding the scope of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and state requirements helps you avoid rejections and repeat appointments.
The urgency is not theoretical: since May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires identification compatible with identification card (REAL ID), or an accepted alternative document, such as a passport, to board domestic flights in the United States.
In this context, Maryland offers a relatively predictable environment: 98% of eligible residents already had REAL ID documentation on file. That’s more than 4.8 million out of 5.1 million, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA), suggesting stable criteria and clear procedures when you present the right evidence.
In this article, at Lorenzo Law Group/Immigration Lawyers we explain based on state and federal regulations when the work permit allows you to obtain REAL ID, what documents the MVA requires and what alternatives exist if, due to your immigration situation, you only qualify for an incompatible license.
REAL ID for undocumented immigrants and driver’s license
Although the expression “REAL ID for the undocumented” is frequently searched, it does not actually exist, as there is no version of this document for people without legal status in the U.S.
It is an identification that can only be issued to those who have verifiable legal presence.
However, you can get a driver’s license in California for undocumented immigrants. Some states, including Maryland, offer driver’s licenses or state IDs that don’t support REAL ID for those who don’t qualify.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets a minimum standard of security for state licenses and ID cards that can be used for federal purposes such as boarding domestic flights or accessing federal facilities.
A REAL ID-compatible ID has additional requirements and is marked with a special star or symbol to indicate compliance.
What is the difference between REAL ID and driver’s license?
| Feature | Driver’s license or non-compliant | REAL ID (Supported ID) |
| Use for domestic flights | It may not be accepted at TSA checkpoints. | Accepted as identification for flights and federal buildings. |
| Level of documentary verification | Simpler requirements. | Requires additional documents, age, identity, Social Security number, residency. |
| Federal Validity | Limited use. | Expanded use for federal functions. |
If you have a simple state license or non-compliant ID, it may not be accepted for domestic travel after the federal deadline has passed.
In practical terms, REAL ID provides an additional level of verification and security on a federal scale.
While a regular license is still valid for driving or identification within the state, only REAL ID meets TSA-mandated standards for domestic flights and access to federal buildings.
What do you need to get a REAL ID in Maryland?
Your EAD can open the door to REAL ID if it is current and if you present the required additional documentation.
The process for a REAL ID in Maryland requires the applicant to demonstrate legal immigration status or some recognized permit in order to be eligible for a federally compliant ID.
So, is the work permit enough?
In many cases, yes. If you have a renewable work permit Form I-766 issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
That document can serve as proof of identity and legal status when applying for a REAL ID in Maryland, as long as you meet other requirements.
The Maryland MVA defines what you should bring to your appointment:
- A document that proves your age and identity (and the EAD can do this job).
- A document that proves your Social Security number (such as a card or receipt).
- Two proofs of Maryland residency.
Therefore, if your work permit is valid and issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and you can submit all other required evidence, your application for REAL ID with a work permit may be accepted.
However, if your work permit has expired or is invalid at the time of application, you may be rejected and assigned only an unsupported license.
If you have a valid EAD, Social Security Number (SSN), and two proofs of Maryland residency, you may be able to obtain a REAL ID; if your EAD is expired or you do not meet any requirements, the MVA will only issue a non-compliant license/ID.
To avoid rejections, check your checklist before the appointment and consider renewing your EAD in advance if applicable.
Can I get a REAL ID with my work permit if I have irregular status?
Although the EAD work permit may be sufficient for some REAL ID procedures, it does not guarantee that you will be automatically eligible if the MVA does not accept it or if your immigration status is not recognized at that time.
For example, the MVA requires that the document showing your immigration status be current and issued by USCIS.
If you can’t meet these requirements, the MVA may issue a non-compliant license or ID instead of a REAL ID. That license will not be used for domestic flights or access to federal facilities.
Therefore, having a work permit gives you an advantage over people without any permits, but you will still depend on the state’s criteria and their acceptance of the document.
What alternatives do I have if I can’t get a REAL ID?
If you don’t meet the criteria for a REAL ID today, you can still move with legal certainty and plan your next step.
Below, you will see valid options and practical recommendations; In complex scenarios, the accompaniment of an immigration lawyer helps to avoid mistakes that cost time and money.
Unsupported license
If you can’t meet the requirements for REAL ID, you may receive an unsupported license or ID.
It does not work for domestic flights or federal access, but it does authorize legal driving in the state (MVA).
Passport or other federal IDs
Alternatively, use a valid passport from your country, permanent resident card, passport card with visa, or other TSA-accepted ID to board flights.
Advance planning
As of May 2025, those who do not present a REAL ID or an alternative document accepted on domestic flights may face delays, additional controls, or even denied boarding (TSA; local airports).
Therefore, if your goal is to obtain REAL ID, start the process as soon as possible.
Legal considerations and recommendations
- If your EAD is expiring, renew it before applying for REAL ID.
- Keep a valid EAD, SSN, and two original proofs of residence or certified copies.
- Schedule an appointment at the MVA and use the Document Selector tool to avoid rejections for incomplete documentation.
- If you were rejected or only given an unmatched ID, consult an immigration attorney to explore regularization pathways that will make it easier to obtain federal documents in the future.
- Keep your information up to date: If you change your address, notify the MVA within the deadline.
Not having REAL ID today doesn’t leave you without options: you can legally drive with an unsupported ID and fly with accepted alternative documents while strengthening your eligibility. If your case has variables, the right legal criteria reduce risks and times.
In these situations, at Lorenzo Law Group/Immigration Lawyers we can guide you step by step to ensure that your procedures comply with all state and federal requirements.
Why Do I Need an Immigration Lawyer?
It is possible to obtain a REAL ID with your work permit in Maryland, as long as your EAD is valid and you present the documents required by the MVA: proof of identity, social security number, and residency.
If your work permit has expired or you do not meet any of the requirements, the state can only issue you a non-compliant license, which will allow you to drive, but not fly or access federal facilities.
Still, not having a REAL ID today doesn’t mean you’re out of options: you can use alternative documents, plan your immigration renewal, and prepare ahead of time to comply with federal requirements.
If you still have doubts about your eligibility or want to make sure you don’t make mistakes in the process, we at Lorenzo Law Group/Immigration Lawyers can guide you step by step.
If you’re wondering if I can get a REAL ID with my work permit in Maryland, request a free consultation and find out for sure if you qualify for it and how to do it correctly under current laws.
