Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration office unveiled the state’s newest license design created under Eric’s ID Law this week in Silver Spring.
The law allows individuals, upon request, to have a butterfly symbol placed on state ID cards, driver’s licenses and moped licenses.
The symbol indicates to police and others that the person has a developmental or intellectual disability which may not be initially apparent.
The law is named after 20-year-old Montgomery County resident Eric Carpenter-Grantham who has autism. Carpenter-Grantham was one of the major voices pushing for the new legislation. He and his family had the idea for the law after the 2020 murder of George Floyd.
“God has blessed me to create a special logo to be placed on the IDs for people like me and my friends who have invisible disabilities,” Carpenter-Grantham said. “If we [are] ever stopped by law enforcement, we can be safe.”
In April, the bill was passed by the Maryland General Assembly and it was signed by the governor in May.
Former Del. Rachel Jones (D-Calvert) helped Carpenter-Grantham and his mother, Linda Carpenter-Grantham, get the measure passed, including having them testify in Annapolis in March 2025. Jones said the bill was also inspired by her son, now 16, who has autism.
“As mothers, we both understood we had that same desire. We wanted to do this for our sons,” Jones said.
Former Mayor of Glenarden, Dr. Cashenna A. Cross described the legislation as “a true symbol of dignity, equality, and access,” in a LinkedIn post. “Today marks a historic milestone in Maryland,” she said.
At the unveiling, Carpenter-Grantham received the first of the state ID cards. Other recipients of the newest ID card include 13-year-old daughter of Montgomery County Council Vice President Will Jawando (D-At-Large) who has autism.
The Carpenter-Granthams are grateful for the work they have done in passing the law, and are hopeful for the future for those with disabilities in Maryland.
To learn more, visit mgaleg.maryland.gov.
