AUGUSTA, Maine – Starting May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers will need a Real ID or a federal identification, such as a passport, to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. However, some Maine lawmakers are working to eliminate Real IDs in the state by repealing the current law that allows the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to issue them.
Republican State Representative Laurel Libby, alongside five Democratic legislators, is sponsoring a bill to stop Real ID distribution in Maine. Libby hopes this move will inspire other states to follow suit and push the federal government to end the requirement nationwide.
“In conjunction with legislators from a number of other states, I’ve submitted legislation to repeal Real ID entirely here in Maine,” Libby said. “Hopefully, when the federal government sees that so many states have submitted legislation to repeal Real ID, they’ll take action at the federal level.”
The Real ID Act, first introduced in 2005, aims to standardize identification for increased security. However, critics argue that the law compromises individual privacy and creates additional burdens for residents. Libby emphasizes the importance of privacy for Maine citizens, saying, “It has great potential to infringe on their privacy, and Maine people really value privacy.”
Concerns Over Federal Compliance
While the proposed bill has gained support from privacy advocates, it also raises concerns about potential consequences. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows sympathizes with the frustration surrounding federal overreach but warns about the risks if Maine stops issuing Real IDs without changes at the federal level.
“As an advocate at the very beginning, who came out forcefully against this law when it first passed in 2005 and I was head of the ACLU, I completely understand where they’re coming from,” Bellows said. “I have concerns about the unintended consequences because it’s your average Mainer who may or may not agree with those concerns, who may suffer if they’re turned away from the airport.”
Bellows points out that if the federal Real ID mandate remains unchanged, Mainers who don’t have a passport or federal ID could face significant challenges in traveling or accessing federal buildings.
Current Real ID Adoption in Maine
As of now, only 24.7% of Maine’s licensed drivers and ID holders have obtained a Real ID. With the May 7 deadline approaching, this statistic highlights the potential impact on a significant portion of the population if the federal requirement is enforced.
Despite these challenges, Libby and her co-sponsors remain committed to the bill. They believe that Maine’s action could influence other states and potentially lead to a nationwide repeal of the Real ID mandate.
The debate over Real IDs in Maine reflects a larger national conversation about privacy, government overreach, and the balance between security and individual rights.
(Source : wabi.tv)
