The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration has debuted the state’s new license design, featuring a symbol indicating the cardholder has a hidden disability.
This butterfly-shaped symbol was implemented under the recently-passed bill, known as Eric’s ID Law, which took effect Oct. 1. Those with developmental or intellectual disabilities can voluntarily choose to add the symbol to their driver’s license, identification card or moped permit.
Eric Carpenter-Grantham, for whom the law is named, is a Black man with high-functioning autism and created the symbol as a way to avoid confusion between people with hidden disabilities and law enforcement officers.
His mother, Linda Carpenter-Grantham, said Eric’s disability means he may not be able to follow orders in the event he encounters law enforcement. She said that after hearing about George Floyd’s death, she feared Eric could find himself in danger if he were to have a misunderstanding with a police officer.
“I want my son to feel a sense of security with this [symbol] being on his ID that he will get the help that is needed to assist him,” wrote Carpenter-Grantham in testimony supporting the bill.
Adding or removing the symbol from an ID or license is free and does not require any supporting documentation.
Those who wish to update their disability designation online can do so via their myMVA account. Marylanders can also visit a 24/7 self-service kiosk or schedule an in-person appointment at their nearest MVA branch.
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