Be Prepared – January 2018 Maine ID’s Won’t Get You On Commercial Planes

As someone who flies frequently, this is going to put a hiccup in my travel plans.  Effective immediately, Maine issued ID's are not compliant with the Real ID Act that was passed in 2005.  As such, this places many restrictions on Mainers.

Starting today, if you hold a Maine State ID or driver's license, you will not be granted access to military compounds and specific government buildings.

To take things further, beginning January 22, 2018, Mainers will not be allowed to board commercial airlines without further identification such as:

• 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
• Border crossing card
• DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
• Airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

According to the Portland Press Herald:

Maine is one of only five states in the U.S., and the only state in New England, that have refused to comply with the federal Real ID law, which requires more information on state-issued identification cards. The other noncompliant states are Kentucky, Montana, Pennsylvania and South Carolina.

If you plan on flying after January 22, 2018...start preparing now for this change.  Click here to learn how to apply for a passport.