By May 7, 2025, the REAL ID Act will require all U.S. travelers to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another federally approved identification card at TSA checkpoints. If you’re a Maine resident, here’s how to ensure your driver’s license or state ID meets the new regulations.
Does Maine Issue REAL IDs?
Yes, the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has been issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards since 2019. However, obtaining a REAL ID is optional. Residents can choose between:
- A REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star).
- A standard Maine driver’s license, which will not be accepted for domestic flights after May 7, 2025.
How to Check If Your Maine ID Is REAL ID-Compliant
Look for a gold star in the upper right corner of your Maine driver’s license. If your license does not have this star, it is not REAL ID-compliant.
How to Get a REAL ID in Maine
To apply for a REAL ID in Maine, follow these steps:
- Visit your local BMV office (REAL IDs cannot be obtained online).
- Bring the required documents:
- Proof of identity (U.S. passport or birth certificate).
- Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2).
- Two proofs of Maine residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement).
- Pay the required fee (same as a standard license renewal).
- Wait for your new REAL ID to arrive in the mail.
What Happens If You Don’t Get a REAL ID?
Without a REAL ID, you will need another TSA-approved form of identification, such as:
- A valid U.S. passport
- Military ID
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards
Final Thoughts
Maine residents should apply early to ensure they can fly without interruptions in 2025.
For more information, visit: https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/realid.html.
