Information forum to be held February 12 to clarify confusion on REAL ID Driver’s License

By Lorraine Glowczak

With the deadline looming on October 1, 2020, Mainers will be required to update their Maine State Driver’s License in order to adhere to the mandatory minimum-security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Briefly, The REAL ID Act establishes security standards for state licenses in order to access federal facilities, to enter nuclear power plants, and to board federally regulated commercial aircraft. Maine is one of the last states to implement the REAL ID standards.

But there has been much misunderstanding and misperceptions as to how to go about making the changes necessary. “I have been receiving continual inquiries from people in this area, (Windham/Raymond) who are confused about the requirements necessary to obtain a REAL ID Driver’s License,” stated Senator Bill Diamond. “There is a lot of confusion regarding several issues including which personal documents are required by the Motor Vehicles Office in order to get the REAL ID.  There have been several contradictory statements regarding the need for original vs. duplicate personal documents.  Are there substitutes for the REAL ID? Does the state have personal REAL ID cards for those who don’t drive?  When is the best time to avoid the long lines at the Motor Vehicle offices?”  

As a result of the mounting confusion surrounding the REAL ID and the pressure of time running out before the deadline for getting the REAL ID, Sen. Diamond believes it is important to provide a forum for the people in this area to once and for all provide answers to the many questions.
The forum will take place on Wednesday, February 12 at 7 p.m. in the Windham Town Hall Council Chamber room. The panelists will include not only Diamond but Rep. Patrick Corey, Rep. Mark Bryant along with Maine Secretary of State, Matt Dunlap.

Everyone from the Sebago Lakes region area is encouraged to attend in person or to watch the forum Facebook live.

For more information about the forum or the requirements needed for the REAL ID changeover, contact Sen. Diamond at diamondhollyd@aol.com or by phone at (207) 287-1515.