A new federal law, the Real ID Act, calls all states to comply with more tamper-proof driver’s licenses, but three states may be required to undergo more extensive security checks, as reported in the United Press International.

Maine, New Hampshire and South Carolina approved a law in 2007 banning them from having to consent to the act, but the U.S. Department Homeland Security Department plans to ban residents from these states from boarding planes with their current drivers’ licenses and ID cards starting May 11.

These three states are rejecting the act because it would be expensive and “irritating” for residents. The act originally required states to issue more secure licenses by May 11, but the deadline has been pushed forward to March 31. According to the USA Today, none of the three states have announced whether they will consent.

Maine Gov. John Baldacci requested the federal government yesterday not to penalize Maine travelers if the state misses a deadline, said the Boston Globe. Baldacci sent the letter to Secretary Michael Chertoff of the Department of Homeland Security, as next Monday’s deadline quickly approaches.

Baldacci insists that the state needs more time to fulfill new licensing standards and that the state “has been at the forefront in the national discussion of identity security” and even has worked closely with DHS regarding this matter.

Officials from the state of Montana wrote a similar letter, and it was given a waiver last week, although the state did not specifically ask for one. Other states, including South Carolina and New Hampshire, have not sought waivers.

The Real ID Act has raised concern regarding identity security: “I share the concerns of other Maine lawmakers that Real ID could put in jeopardy the personal information of every Maine resident,” Baldacci said.

Related Links: USA Today, Boston Globe, UPI

Want to see other recent Travel News Roundups? Click here.

Or, check out more travel news you can use in our main Travel News section.

Looking for even more in-depth news coverage of the week’s top stories? Visit our Travel News Analysis Category.