If the REAL ID Act was enacted this month, more than one million people in Maine would not be permitted to use their driver’s license to verify their identify ahead of a domestic flight. 

However, the REAL ID Act is not being enforced until Oct. 1, 2020 giving those one million Mainers ample time to prepare. 

As of the morning of Oct. 9, the Department of the Secretary of the State and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles confirmed to penbaypilot.com that but 11,068 of Maine residents with a driver’s license, or 1.08 percent, are compliant and only 459 of Mainers with state identification cards, or 0.35 percent, are compliant. 

That means 1,014,410 residents with a driver’s license and 131,741 with a state identification card have one year to be compliant. 

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles began issuing Real ID compliant driver’s licenses and State identification cards on July 1, 2019. 

Here’s what you need to know ahead of the Oct. 1, 2020 deadline for everyone with a driver’s license or identification card across the United States. 

Domestic Flights

Driver’s licenses and state identification cards compliant with the REAL ID Act are only required for those using their driver’s license or state identification card to fly domestically.

Alternate forms of identification, such as a passport, will be accepted.

A complete list of acceptable forms of identification can be found via the Transportation Security Administration. 

Driving to Canada

Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, a regular Maine license or state identification will no longer be accepted as a valid form of photo identification. Only REAL ID Act compliant cards will be accepted. 

You will still need the usual supplemental documentation including, but not limited to, a passport or green card. 

Is it mandatory to become compliant? 

The answer depends on what you want to use your driver’s license or state identification card for. 

Those who have a valid driver’s license or state identification card will not be required to renew it prior to its expiration date, unless they choose to do so because they desire or need a REAL ID credential, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles said. 

Upon renewal, the BMV said, 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.

Boarding commercial aircraft, including for domestic flights, and accessing secure federal facilities will require compliance beginning Oct. 1, 2020. 

Compliance is not required, according to the Department of the Secretary of State, to drive, vote or register to vote, apply for or receive federal benefits, cash checks, rent a vehicle, enter a federal facility not requiring identification such as a post office, purchase alcohol or tobacco and access health services.

Do minors need REAL ID compliant identification? 

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, the BMV said. 

How to become compliant

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 temporary lawful status in the U.S.

• Proof of Social Security Number 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.

Applications are to be completed in person at a BMV branch office or mobile unit. You will not be able to obtain a REAL ID online or at a AAA office. 

How to confirm compliance

A REAL ID compliant driver's license and identification card will be marked with a gold star symbol on the face of the card.