PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recently begun a public awareness campaign to remind those who travel that beginning Oct. 1, 2021, a REAL ID-compliant license or other form of acceptable identification will be required to fly within the U.S.
The requirement was set to go into effect this coming October, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the timeline has been moved forward one year.
According to Kimberly Smith, resource development and public information officer for the city of Presque Isle, acceptable forms of REAL ID include a compliant driver’s license, a valid U.S. passport or military ID.
“If you have obtained a Maine driver’s license in the last few months, check it out. Look for a star in the upper righthand corner. This indicates that you have a REAL ID-compliant license, Smith said.
REAL ID driver’s licenses or identification cards are currently available in Maine from the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. At the present time, due to coronavirus precautions, all BMV offices are closed to in-person traffic but services are accessible online.
The cost to obtain the identification card is $30 for an original or renewal ID card or $55 for an original or renewed non-commercial driver’s license.
“To obtain a REAL ID, you must present documents that identify you by name and birth date, show that you are lawfully in the United States, provide a valid Social Security number or proof of eligibility, and at least two documents proving Maine residency,” Smith said.
Anyone whose name has legally changed must also submit proof of the name change, such as a marriage license, divorce decree or court order.
The document checklist is available from the BMV. Visit the bureau’s website for more information: www.maine.gov/sos/bmv.
For more information on flying with a REAL ID, visit https://www.tsa.gov/real-id.
