The Real ID law is now in effect in Maine after the state’s request to extend the Wednesday deadline did not receive a response from the federal government.
The law calls for anyone boarding a domestic flight to have the Real ID, but air travelers are not being turned away.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told a Congressional panel Tuesday that people without the enhanced ID “will be allowed to fly,” saying they “may be diverted to a different line, (and) have an extra step.”
Anyone without a Real ID will go through additional screening and review of documents to establish the identity of the person.
Travelers flying out of the Portland Jetport without a Real ID are being advised to arrive two and a half hours before their flight. The Jetport normally tells travelers to arrive an hour in advance.
Noem told the congressional panel that 81% of travelers already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements. She said security checkpoints will also be accepting passports and tribal identification after the deadline hits Wednesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this story
