The federal government is giving New Hampshire a six-month extension to comply with the "Real ID" law that aims to strengthen security screenings for boarding airplanes or entering federal facilities.
The extension means airports and federal buildings will continue to accept existing New Hampshire drivers' licenses through at least June 1. Real ID was passed in 2005 in response to 9/11, and New Hampshire remains one of several states that haven't complied with the law.
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security are citing efforts by Republican Rep. Sherman Packard, the House Speaker pro tempore, to bring New Hampshire in line with the law next year as a reason for the extension.
Packard introduced legislation allowing New Hampshire drivers to obtain a Real ID compliant license on a voluntary basis.
