All U.S. driver license-issuing agencies have applied for an extension for Real ID. Maine, which had been the only state not granted an extension, committed to take additional steps to achieve a level of security commensurate with Real ID.
Specifically, Maine Governor John Baldacci will seek legislation to halt Maine’s practice of issuing licenses to those not lawfully present in the country. Maine will also begin capturing and retaining photographs of individuals applying for a state ID, even if no ID is issued.
DHS officials realized earlier this year that states could not meet the full requirements of the Real ID Act by May 11, as set by Congress in 2005.
The department made extensions available for states that needed additional time to come into compliance, or to complete ongoing security measures. Initial extension requests were due by March 31. These extensions are valid until Dec. 31, 2009, when states must upgrade the security of their systems, to include a check for lawful status of all applicants, for their licenses and ID cards to be acceptable for official purposes.
Real ID enrollment will be completed for all individuals 50 years of age and under by Dec. 1, 2014. For all others, enrollment may be extended three additional years to Dec. 1, 2017. At that time, all state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards intended for official purposes must be REAL ID-compliant ![[end]](/resources/bullet/archive-4.gif)
