MEDIA ADVISORY
Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019
Contact: Kristen Schulze Muszynski
207-626-8404/ 207-441-7638

Secretary Dunlap will join TSA official to discuss Real ID, travel implications

AUGUSTA – Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap and a representative of the federal Transportation Security Administration will host joint press conferences at Maine’s two major airports on Monday, Dec. 9 and Tuesday, Dec. 10 to discuss travel identification requirements and encourage the public to plan ahead for their travel needs.

The press conferences will take place at 11 a.m. in the foyer of the security checkpoint, on Monday, Dec. 9 at the Bangor International Airport and on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the Portland International Jetport.

“With the holiday season fast approaching, many of us will be taking flights to visit family and friends,” said Secretary Dunlap. “As of October 2020, you will not be able to board a flight with a regular Maine license, and we’re encouraging everyone to plan ahead so your traditions can continue next year, uninterrupted.”

Mainers can obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license at any Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. These credentials will be valid for all federal identification purposes, including air travel. Real ID is optional in Maine, and the TSA representative will also discuss alternative forms of travel identification, such as a U.S. Passport.

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.

For more information about Real ID in Maine, including a checklist of the necessary documents to obtain a compliant credential at BMV, visit www.Maine.gov/realid. Should you choose to retain a non-compliant Maine license or ID card, you can find information about alternative forms of ID for federal purposes at www.tsa.gov.