Maine driver licenses, ID cards still valid for federal use

AUGUSTA — Maine driver’s licenses and ID cards will continue to be valid for all federal purposes, including air travel and entrance into federal facilities, at least through Oct. 10, under a waiver issued last October by the Department of Homeland Security.

According to the secretary of state, “The Department of Homeland Security is implementing the final phase of the REAL ID Act — a federal law passed in 2005 that seeks to improve the security standards for state-issued identification credentials.
During the waiver period, the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles will work toward implementing the systems and procedures that will enable BMV to issue Real ID-compliant licenses and IDs.
The waiver can be renewed annually upon request through 2020, as long as the state can demonstrate efforts towards compliance. The State of Maine must begin to offer REAL ID-compliant licenses by July 1, 2019, per the new Maine law.”