REAL ID and ME


NOTICE: The Department of Homeland Security has extended the Real ID enforcement deadline. Enforcement will now begin on May 7, 2025. Read the December 5, 2022 statement from Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas.

The standard Maine credentials (driver's licenses and IDs) will be accepted as valid identification for federal purposes, such as entrance to federal facilities and boarding commercial aircraft, through May 7, 2025.

 

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles began issuing Real ID-compliant driver�s licenses and State identification cards on July 1, 2019. Any person who desires a Real ID-compliant license or ID can now obtain one at their local BMV office. In addition to the standard license requirements, Real ID applicants must have their photograph taken and provide the following documentation (for a complete list download the REAL ID Checklist), copies of which will remain on file with the BMV:

  • One document that establishes identity*, date of birth, and proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence, or other lawful status in the U.S. (see below for additional requirements if your legal name has changed for any reason including marriage)
  • Provide Social Security Number (card not required) or evidence of Social Security Number ineligibility.
  • Two documents to establish proof of residence in the State of Maine, such as a utility bill, paycheck stub or mortgage statement (P.O. Box is not acceptable).

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING BIRTH CERTIFICATES: A certified birth certificate is an official government-issued record of a person's birth, printed on security paper and includes an official raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal.

    *IMPORTANT NAME CHANGE INFORMATION: If your name has been legally changed and now differs from your identity document(s) (i.e., birth certificate or passport), proof of the name change must be provided to obtain a Real ID. Acceptable documents supporting a legal name change include a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order. In all cases, the documents must show a clear trail of name changes from the name on the identity document to the current name.

Those who have a valid license or ID will not be required to renew it prior to its expiration date, unless they choose to do so because they desire/need a Real ID credential. Upon renewal, a person will have the option of getting a Real ID credential or opting out. Those who opt out will be issued a non-REAL ID license. Beginning May 7, 2025, those with non-REAL ID licenses will need to produce a passport or other acceptable identity document for federal purposes that require identification, such as boarding commercial aircraft and accessing secure federal facilities.

 

Online Appointment System for BMV branch offices:
Appointment

 


Real ID Explanation Video


Printable Resources (click on image)

real id brochure real id checklistreal id history

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, requires changes to state standards, procedures and requirements for the issuance of driver's licenses and identification cards in order to be accepted as identity documents by the federal government.

What is REAL ID?
The REAL ID Act is a federal law passed by Congress that establishes minimum federal standards for state issued driver's licenses and identification cards to be accepted for certain federal purposes, like entering a federal building or boarding a domestic commercial flight.
What happens after May 7, 2025?
Beginning May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL-ID compliant driver's license, identification card or an acceptable alternative form of identification as approved by TSA https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification, to board domestic commercial flights or enter a federal facility without a secondary form of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approved identification.
Can I board a plane with the driver's license or identification card I have now?
Yes. Current Maine issued driver's licenses and identification cards will remain acceptable as identification for boarding domestic commercial flights under the current extension until May 7, 2025.
Is a child required to have a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card when flying?
TSA does not currently require a child under the age of 18 to have a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card when flying with an adult who has a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card.
Why would I want a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card?

Beginning on May 7, 2025, only certain identity documents will be accepted to board a commercial flight or to enter certain federal facilities such as military bases.  A standard Maine driver�s license or state ID will not be acceptable for these purposes.  A Maine REAL ID document will be.  Note that other documents you may already have will also be acceptable if unexpired, so you might not need a REAL ID.  These include a U.S. passport card, U.S. passport, foreign passport, or documents issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.   For a complete list of documents that will be accepted to board commercial flights, visit https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.   For additional information about REAL ID, visit https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.

Do I have to get a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card?

No. A REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card is a choice, not a requirement. You do not need a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card to do any of the following:

    • Drive
    • Register to vote
    • Apply for or receive federal benefits
    • Cash checks
    • Rent a vehicle
    • Enter a federal facility that does not require an ID such as a post office
    • Purchase alcohol or tobacco
    • Access health services

Also, if you already have an unexpired document such as a U.S. passport card, U.S. passport, foreign passport, or certain documents issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, you do not need a REAL ID for domestic airline travel or to enter secure federal facilities.   For a complete list of documents that will be accepted to board commercial flights, visit https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.   For additional information about REAL ID, visit https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.

What is the difference between a REAL ID compliant and a non-compliant driver's license or identification card?

  • Appearance - A REAL ID compliant driver's license and identification card will be marked with a gold star symbol on the face of the card. A non-compliant driver's license or identification card will not have the gold star and will have text indicating that is cannot be used for Federal purposes.

  • Usage - After May 7, 2025, a non-compliant driver's license or identification card will not be accepted for federal identification purposes such as domestic air travel or access to certain federal facilities.

Will a non-REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card be less secure?
No. Maine BMV is committed to ensuring the security of all driver's licenses and identification cards whether they are REAL ID compliant or not.
Can I have both a REAL ID compliant driver's license and identification card?
No. REAL ID regulations specify that an individual can only have one REAL ID compliant credential - either a driver's license or identification card.
Where do I go to get a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card?
Your initial application for a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card must be done in person at a BMV branch office or mobile unit. You will not be able to obtain a REAL ID online or a AAA office.
What documents will I need to provide to obtain a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card?

When you apply for a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card you will need to present:

  • One document that establishes identity, date of birth, and proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence, or other lawful status in the U.S.
  • Social Security Number (card not required) or evidence of Social Security Number ineligibility.
  • Two documents to establish proof of residence in the State of Maine, such as a utility bill and mortgage statement (P.O. Box is not acceptable).

Only original documents, or documents certified by the issuing agency will be accepted.

If your name has been legally changed and now differs from your identity document(s) (i.e., birth certificate or passport), proof of the name change must be provided to obtain a REAL ID. Acceptable documents supporting a legal name change include a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order. In all cases, the documents must show a clear trail of name changes from the name on the identity document to the current name.

Will copies of the documents provided be retained?
Yes. The documents will be verified, scanned and the images retained. You will not need to provide these documents again unless changes are made to personally identifiable information (e.g. name change due to marriage, divorce, etc. or change of social security number), or if your immigration status has changed.
How much will a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card cost?
  • Non-commercial license, original or renewal (under 65 years of age) - $55.00
  • Non-commercial license, original or renewal (65 and older) - $40.00
  • Commercial license, original or renewal (under 65 years of age) - $59.00
  • Commercial license, original or renewal (65 and older) - $47.00
  • Identification card, original or renewal - $30.00
  • All duplicate licenses or duplicate identification cards - $30.00
What if my name has changed?

If your name has been legally changed and now differs from your identity document(s) (i.e., birth certificate or passport), proof of the name change must be provided to obtain a REAL ID. Acceptable documents supporting a legal name change include a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order. In all cases, the documents must show a clear trail of name changes from the name on the identity document to the current name.

What if my license or ID says "Not for REAL ID purposes"?

During the period of July 1, 2019-Nov. 22, 2019, all non-Real ID-compliant licenses and State IDs displayed the disclaimer language �Not for Real ID purposes.� To alleviate confusion, this language was updated in late November 2019 to read �Not intended for federal purposes.� The disclaimer language does not affect the validity of these credentials � both versions are valid ID for all in-State purposes. The standard (non-Real ID-compliant) Maine license or ID is still valid to complete any transaction in the State of Maine. Beginning May 7, 2025, the federal government will require Real ID-compliant identification for domestic air travel or access to secure federal facilities. However, this will not affect the validity of the non-compliant credential for all other purposes. If you have any questions please call the Driver License Information Unit at 624-9000 ext. 52114..

If I already have a non-REAL ID Maine driver�s license or identification card, can I replace it with a REAL ID driver�s license or identification card?

Yes. You can upgrade to a REAL ID by visiting a BMV branch office. You may upgrade at the time of a renewal, or purchase a duplicate credential at any time. The required documentation for REAL ID (see question above) is the same for an upgrade as it for a first time driver�s license or identification card.