More than 15 years after law took effect, Oregon is Real ID Act compliant
The Real ID Act took effect May 11, 2005. More than 15 years later, the Department of Homeland Security has notified Gov. Kate Brown that Oregon is now in compliance with the federal law. The Oregon Department of Transportation is now able to issue Real ID-compliant identification. (ODOT)
SALEM, Ore. – The Real ID Act took effect May 11, 2005.
More than 15 years later, the Department of Homeland Security has notified Gov. Kate Brown that Oregon is now in compliance with the federal law.
The Oregon Department of Transportation is now able to issue Real ID-compliant identification.
It is not necessary to obtain Real ID to drive in Oregon.
And a U.S. Passport fulfills the same requirements as a Real ID.
But if you want to board a plane starting October 1, 2021, you'll need to have a passport, Real ID or other TSA-compliant form of identication.
"You can continue to use your standard Oregon driver license or ID card for domestic air travel and other secure federal locations until October 2021," the state said Tuesday. "Even after that, your standard Oregon license or ID card will continue to be valid for everything else that you use it for today."
If you want a Real ID issued by the Oregon DMV, start by visiting Oregon.gov/RealID.
The Real ID carries an additional fee of $30.
"If you want the Real ID option, please consider delaying your visit to DMV as long as possible or getting a passport and/or passport card instead," DMV said Tuesday. "Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a long backlog of customers and it will take months to catch up."
DMV says you will need an appointment for any type of driver license or ID card issuance, including Real ID. You can schedule an appointment online at DMV2U.Oregon.gov.
"You cannot get a Real ID card online because the act requires you to bring certain documents with you and for you to get a new photograph for your card," according to the state. "You cannot use DMV’s card replacement option online to change to a Real ID card or to make any other change to your card."
DMV offered these 6 things to know if you want the Real ID option:
- If your card's expiration is a year or more ahead, please consider waiting as long as possible to get the Real ID option. Airport security checkpoints will not require additional ID until October 2021.
- Consider getting or renewing a passport instead. It’s valid for 10 years. If you already have a passport, you can get a passport card that fits in your wallet for a lower cost than a Real ID license or ID card.
- If you want the Real ID option, please be aware that your appointment will be weeks away due to the COVID-19 backlog at DMV offices.
- Once you have an appointment, please use the document checklist tools at Oregon.gov/RealID so you are prepared for your appointment with everything you need.
- If you need to call DMV, please be aware that the number of calls is overwhelming the phone system. If you get a busy signal, please try again after a while. Please do not use autodial because that is part of the reason the phone system is overwhelmed.
- If you need a drive test, you cannot schedule one at DMV at this time. You can find third-party drive test services here: Oregon Class C Drive Testing Businesses
More information
Learn more about Real ID on our website at Oregon.gov/realid