DHS gives Maine two more days on Real ID decision

The Department of Homeland Security is giving Maine a couple of extra days to make its decision on Real ID.

According to a DHS statement:

Following lengthy discussions today with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, Senator Susan Collins, who is Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, announced that Maine will have two additional days to apply for a REAL ID extension. Secretary Chertoff agreed to Senator Collins' request to give the state until 5 PM on Wednesday, April 2nd to respond.

The Maine Legislature passed a resolution last year barring the state from participating in a national ID program. Pursuant to the resolution Maine will not make a request for an extension in meeting Real ID standards, according to Gov. John Baldacci’s office.

If Maine is not granted relief, then starting on May 11 residents with Maine driver’s licenses will need a passport or military ID to board airplanes, enter federal buildings or do anything else that requires a government ID.

"I am hopeful that with these negotiations, Maine residents will avoid the tremendous inconvenience that would otherwise occur when they tried to use their driver's licenses for air travel beginning on May 12," Sen. Collins said in the DHS statement.

Maine is one of four states that has not complied with the Real ID act.

Last week, DHS announced that the government would give New Hampshire until December 31, 2009 to meet the Real ID requirements.