The deadline for obtaining a Real I.D. is rapidly approaching, with only a little more than four months remaining until May 7th, when TSA and Homeland Security will begin enforcing the Real I.D. law. After this date, individuals without a Real I.D., passport, or other federally approved identification may face difficulty boarding planes or entering federal buildings.
The Real I.D. law was introduced following the 9/11 terrorist attacks to enhance security, making it more difficult for terrorists to board aircraft with fraudulent identification. TSA spokesperson Daniel Velez explained that the terrorists involved in 9/11 had multiple driver’s licenses and identification cards.
To get a Real I.D. in Maine, you’ll need to visit the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in person, as the process cannot be done online. You’ll need to bring a passport or birth certificate, two residency documents, and one federally approved identity document. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows emphasized the importance of obtaining a Real I.D. as soon as possible to avoid delays, especially as the deadline approaches. The cost for a Real I.D. driver’s license is $55, compared to $30 for a regular license.
Maine has been issuing Real I.D.s since 2019, and Bellows urges residents to act now to ensure they have the necessary identification before the May 7th enforcement deadline.