Maine told to comply with Real ID law

WASHINGTON, April 2 (UPI) -- The U.S. government has ordered Maine to comply with the Real ID Act of 2005 by Wednesday or face sanctions against its residents.

The state is the only one that has failed to meet tighter federal standards for issuing driver's licenses or to receive an extension, The New York Times reported.

Gov. John Baldacci, the Democratic governor, signed a law last year that said Maine would not comply with the law. But he said Tuesday he plans to introduce legislation Wednesday that would bring the state into line.

Baldacci, like governors in other states, has objected to the cost of compliance and said the federal government is interfering with state prerogatives. State legislators from both parties have also objected to the law.

Maine residents could be barred from using their driver's licenses to board airplanes starting May 11, if the state is found to be in noncompliance. They would have to present passports or be subject to additional screening.

Montana, New Hampshire and South Carolina have received extensions. South Carolina's came through Monday, while Maine was told late in the day it would not get an extension.