A coalition of seven groups on Friday backed the repeal of new rules for gaining a Maine driver's license.

The Legislature last month passed a new requirement that residents who seek a driver's license must provide proof of citizenship and residency in Maine. Lawmakers and Gov. John Baldacci contend that because the information is not shared with other authorities, it does not conflict with 2007 legislation that bars Maine from participating in Real ID .

Real ID calls for the same proof of residency and citizenship as Maine's new requirement, but it also would allow some information to be shared with other states and federal agencies.

Federal authorities have said driver's licenses that do not meet Real ID guidelines may not be valued for identification purposes, such as flying on an airplane or gaining access to some federal facilities.

The groups that announced the repeal drive Friday said Maine's action is a step toward complying with Real ID, which they believe is a threat to civil liberties, despite Maine officials' contention that the state won't meet other requirements of the law.

The groups backing repeal are the Maine Civil Liberties Union, Peace Action Maine, the NAACP, the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, We the People, Restore the Republic and Common Cause.

The have until July 17 to gather at least 55,087 signatures to put the repeal question on the November ballot.