Mainers can now renew Real ID online

By Leela Stockley, Bangor Daily News Staff

Mainers can now renew their Real ID through an online portal. 

According to Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, the state has launched an online service that will allow Mainers to process a renewal or a replacement of a person’s driver’s license or ID card. 

There are some drawbacks to the online portal, including that you can not update identification information, such your name or medical information, and first-time applicants will not be able to request a Real ID through the portal. 

Maine residents who have an active, non-commercial license, motorcycle license or a Maine ID card will need to be able to provide their social security number and a valid credit card to complete the renewal process online. 

The temporary license must be printed to present to law enforcement. If you are not able to print a copy of the temporary license, applicants can call the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 207-624-9000, extension 52114 to request a copy via mail.

For more information on valid documentation, disqualifying circumstances or other Real ID requirements you can visit the BMV website.

The deadline to comply with Real ID requirements was on May 7, when Mainers had to start showing Real ID to board domestic flights. Real ID-compliant identification is also required for entering military bases and certain federal facilities.

In early May, just over 27% of Mainers had compliant identification. According to Secretary of State spokesperson Jana Spaulding, around 36.5% of Mainers have Real ID as of Nov. 1.