Jurisdictions meet initial Real ID regs

WASHINGTON, April 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said all jurisdictions meet initial Real ID requirements now that Maine agreed to enhanced security standards.

Maine Gov. John Baldacci said he would seek legislation that would end the state's practice of issuing licenses to people in the United States illegally. He also said Maine officials would begin taking and keeping photographs of individuals applying for a state ID, the Homeland Security Department said in a news release.

Maine's agreement allowed the state to get a Real ID extension to Dec. 31, 2009, when states must upgrade their systems' security to include checks for lawful status of all applicants so their licenses and ID cards may be acceptable for official purposes, the department said.

Baldacci also committed to submit legislation that would implement three key security measures on the status of immigrants, including accessing Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements to verify an applicant's Department of Homeland Security documents, teh agency said.

Real ID sets specific requirements in four areas: information and security features incorporated into each license or ID card; applicants' proof of the identity and U.S. citizenship or legal status; verification of the applicant-provided documents; and security standards for offices issuing licenses and ID cards.