With less than a year remaining, Maine residents are being encouraged to upgrade to REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses, identifiable by a star in the upper right corner. This upgrade is crucial for those planning to board domestic flights or access secure federal facilities, including military bases, starting May 7, 2025.
Paul Bradbury, Portland International Jetport (PWM) Airport Director, emphasized the importance of obtaining a REAL ID to ensure smooth airport security operations. He stated, “The Portland International Jetport takes pride in providing easy access to the air transportation system, so we are reminding our passengers of the REAL ID deadline for boarding domestic flights. Please help us keep our TSA security checkpoint lines moving efficiently. Anyone who plans on using their driver’s license as a form of identification when flying domestically must get a REAL ID compliant license between now and next May.”
Daniel Velez, TSA New England Spokesperson, added, “REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the states and the federal government to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver licenses and identification cards. The improvements are intended to inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.”
Maine residents have the option to upgrade their current licenses to a REAL ID or continue using the older standard driver’s license. However, after May 7, 2025, a standard license without the star will not be valid for boarding domestic flights or accessing secure federal facilities.
To upgrade to a REAL ID, individuals must visit their local Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in person and bring specific documents proving U.S. citizenship and Maine residency. Required documents include:
– One proof of identity (such as a passport or U.S. birth certificate)
– Proof of legal presence for non-U.S. citizens
– Two proofs of Maine residency
– Social security card (if issued one)
– Current driver’s license (if exchanging one issued by another U.S. state)
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers will enforce this new requirement strictly. Starting May 7, 2025, they will not allow travelers to pass through security checkpoints without a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of acceptable ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act of 2005.
To facilitate this transition, TSA travel document checkers across Maine will soon begin distributing REAL ID reminder notices to travelers who do not yet possess a REAL ID.
For more information on how to obtain a REAL ID and the necessary documentation, residents are advised to visit the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website or their local office. The clock is ticking, and upgrading to a REAL ID now will help avoid travel disruptions in the future.
