ANSWER: This information comes from three different government sources. The Transportation Security Administration will continue to accept driver’s licenses and state-issued identification cards from all jurisdictions at least until 2016. Any person who can prove they are in the U.S. legally and show proof of a physical address in Maine may apply for an official state non-driver identification card. State Identification Cards are issued at all motor vehicle branch offices and mobile unit locations. The fee is $5. Bring two proofs of identification. One must indicate your date of birth and the other must bear your written signature.
At airports, TSA currently accepts other forms of identity documents such as a passport or Permanent Residency Card and will continue to do so. Adult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.
If you arrive at the airport without an ID, if you are willing to provide additional information, TSA has other ways to confirm your identity, like using publicly available databases. If TSA clears you through this process, they may give you additional screening. If they can’t verify your identity, you may not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint or to board a plane.
There is a long list of acceptable IDs for screening purposes including: U.S. passport; U.S. passport card; DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST); U.S. military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DoD civilians); Permanent resident card; DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license; Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) for the sole purpose of identification.
REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the states and the Federal Government to improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents, which should inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.
The REAL ID Act of 2005 prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for official uses driver’s licenses and identity cards from states unless the Department of Homeland Security determines that the state meets the standards. Official uses are defined as accessing Federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding federally-regulated commercial aircraft.
As of March 30, 2015, Maine was compliant and has an extension, allowing Federal agencies to accept driver’s licenses.
But don’t be mistaken: REAL ID is not a national identification card. States and territories will continue to issue driver’s licenses and identification cards. Each jurisdiction will issue its own unique license and maintain its own records.
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