AUGUSTA — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has given Maine an 11th-hour extension on complying with the federal Real ID law, according to Gov. John Baldacci.

That means Mainers will not face added hurdles when they try to board airplanes or enter federal buildings.

The federal government granted the extension after Baldacci sent a letter to Secretary Michael Chertoff today promising to introduce legislation addressing the federal government's concerns.

Among other things, the governor's legislation would require that Maine only issue drivers' licenses to applicants who can prove that they are legal residents of the United States. Maine currently has no residency requirement for people seeking a state driver's license.

The Legislature is expected to consider the governor's proposals during the current legislative session, which is expected to end later this month. It was not immediately clear how much the proposed changes would cost.

Maine had until 5 p.m. today to notify the federal government that the state planned to tighten its licensing process. Meeting that deadline was complicated by the fact that state law prohibits Maine from complying with the Real ID law, because of privacy and cost concerns.