WATERVILLE -- The clash between the state and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security over identification requirements is fueling a rush on passport applications as Mainers seek to avoid hitches in their travel plans.

The state's noncompliance with the anti-terrorism Real ID Act is set to run up against a May 11 deadline for states to make their driver's licenses more secure.

Residents' air travel and access to federal buildings would be restricted after this point, unless the state obtains a waiver or something else changes, according to a statement on the department's Web site.

On Wednesday afternoon at the U.S. Post Office in Waterville, no one was lined out the door to fill out passport applications, but residents stopped by to snatch forms at regular intervals. While several were simply reapplying because their passports had expired, most said they were applying specifically because of the Real ID complications.

"It's inconvenient when you go to get (a passport), but I think it's a good thing to check things out thoroughly," Sonja Morin of Fairfield said, referring to the more stringent identification requirements for travel.

She was applying for the first time in order to continue with her plans for a summer trip to Las Vegas.

Another person at the post office was Dan Eccher, of Oakland, accompanied by his 3-month-old daughter, Meredith Eccher-Mullally, who peered silently from a car seat.

He retrieved four applications forms "just in case," he said. "We don't have a trip planned," he said, although someday they would like to go to Europe.

The number of passports issued nationally has climbed dramatically in recent years, according to State Department Spokesman for Consular Affairs Steve Royster.

"I can say that last year we issued a record 18.4 million passports," he said. "A growing number of people are realizing that you are going to need a passport when you travel internationally, whether you are driving, flying, or taking a ferry."

State legislators and members of the state's congressional delegation have voiced opposition to or criticism of Real ID requirements, citing privacy and expense concerns, the Associated Press reported after Governor John E. Baldacci on Tuesday asked the federal government not to penalize Maine travelers over the issue. Baldacci did not specifically ask for a waiver to grant the state more time to comply, but a spokesman for his office said that the state is asking for "equal treatment" as other states. Montana was given a waiver after it sent a similar letter.

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap said that complying with Real ID could come at a cost of $200 million. Maine state law does not allow its Bureau of Motor Vehicles to comply with Real ID requirements. Passports, military identification or other federal identifying documents are possible alternatives to Real ID.

Joel Elliott -- 861-9252

jelliott@centralmaine.com