Deadline arrives for Real ID extension request In Maine
Deadline arrives for Real ID extension request
By The Associated Press
Tuesday, April 01, 2008 - Bangor Daily News
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The only state that failed to get an extension to Monday's Real ID deadline was given a couple of more days to satisfy federal concerns about driver's license security.
Still unanswered was whether Maine residents will be allowed to board airplanes and enter some federal facilities using only their state-issued driver's licenses as of May 11.
The Homeland Security Department set a new deadline of 5 p.m. Wednesday to give the state more time to show it's making progress toward meeting Real ID guidelines, including a requirement that the state cease issuing licenses to illegal aliens.
Other provisions include checking applicants' legal status with DHS, ensuring that driver's licenses issued to non-citizens expire at the same time as their visas, and photographing all applicants when start the application process for a driver' license. It said the state should use technology to prevent applicants from getting multiple licenses under multiple names.
DHS also said in a letter to Baldacci that measures that must be authorized by the Legislature should be addressed no later than Dec. 15, 2008, and those that can be taken care of by executive order should take effect within 60 days.
A spokesman for Maine Gov. John Baldacci, David Farmer, said the Democratic governor would not respond Monday night but “his goal is to meet their demands the best (the state) can.â€
