Government calls on states to get new IDs

WASHINGTON, March 24 (UPI) -- Residents of three U.S. states may face more extensive airport security checks if the states fail to offer driver's licenses that comply with U.S. regulations.

Lawmakers in Maine, New Hampshire and South Carolina have been given until next Monday to decide if they will consent to a new federal law calling for more tamper-proof driver's licenses, USA Today reported. The states reportedly say complying with the rule would be expensive and irritating for residents.

If states choose not to consent, the U.S. Homeland Security Department plans to ban residents from boarding planes with their licenses and ID cards beginning May 11. Travelers with questionable IDs will undergo more comprehensive security checks, causing possible delays and backups.

All three states approved a law in 2007 banning them from consenting to the 2005 federal Real ID Act, which originally required states to issue more secure licenses by May 11. The May deadline was changed and now states can only request an extension till March 31. None of the three states have announced whether they will consent, USA Today reported.