'Non-real' ID licenses still valid for in-state transactions, official says
Mainers with IDs that say "not valid for Real ID purposes" can actually use their cards for in-state transactions, according to Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap.
Last week's announcement seeks to educate the public and businesses now that the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles is issuing two types of driver's licenses and state identification cards.
"All retail cashiers, pharmacists, bank tellers and others who must review customers' identification before completing a transaction need to know that when they see an ID that says, 'Not valid for Real ID purposes,' that ID is still valid to complete their transaction," Dunlap said in an Aug. 15 news release.
Since July 1, the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles has been offering Maine residents the option of getting drivers' licenses and state ID cards that comply with the federal Real ID Act of 2005.
Many Mainers are still opting to renew their standard license or ID cards, which are now marked as "Not valid for Real ID purposes."
The statement denotes that the IDs are not compliant with the Real ID Act, but remain valid for all state identification purposes including conducting financial transactions, registering to vote and donating blood.
Beginning October 2020, the federal government will require Real ID-compliant identification for domestic air travel or access to secure federal facilities. However, that will have no bearing on the validity of the non-compliant ID for all other purposes.
Dunlap admitted that the required language on the new IDs can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the federal law.
To help Mainers avoid complications, the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles will be providing a with information explaining the ID's validity for all non-federal purposes. The card also includes a QR code that can be scanned with a smartphone to display the state's Real ID website.
Anyone who has gotten a license or state ID since July 1 and would like a wallet card is encouraged to visit the nearest BMV branch later this month or call the Secretary of State's office at 207-626-8400.
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