Starting May 3, 2023, Oregonians will need to show a different form of ID to get through airport security. That is when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will stop accepting your standard Oregon driver’s license or ID card. That new ID requirement also applies at other federal facilities such as military bases. You can use a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, a valid passport or passport card, or other less common documents. To get a Real ID version of an Oregon credential, you will need to visit a DMV office.
Customers are encouraged to consider if they want to switch to a Real ID when it is time to renew their license – or earlier by replacement if they think they may be traveling by air. If a Real ID is desired, customers should plan ahead so they have completed their visit and receive their new card in the mail before any travel – at least 3 to 4 months ahead.
DMV has online tools to help you determine what documents you must provide if you choose to apply. Visit Oregon.gov/realid to learn more.
Federal law requires that identity, age, and residency documents be scanned and stored by DMV, so you need to bring those documents when you apply for a Real ID – even if you have brought them to Oregon DMV before.
You can create a checklist online of the documents you will need to provide if you decide to get a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card. Some things, like a certified birth certificate, can take time to get if you no longer have one, so knowing ahead of time what documents to bring with you is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT is Real ID?
WHO Needs a Real ID Card?
WHY do I need a Real ID?
Without a federally acceptable ID, you will not be able to board an airplane for travel within the U.S. or enter secure federal facilities that require ID for entry beginning May 3, 2023. Without an acceptable ID, the longer identification process at airport security could make you miss your flight.
WHEN do I need a Real ID?
Beginning May 3, 2023, when enforcement of the Real ID Act at U.S. airports and secure federal facilities begins. So consider getting the Real ID option now or the next time you renew or replace your Oregon driver’s license, instruction permit, or ID card. Plan now to avoid the rush and the risk of missing your flight.
HOW do I get a Real ID?
What is the Real ID Act?
What is the Real ID Act?
Signed into law in 2005, the federal Real ID Act established national standards for state-issued IDs intended to increase the integrity and security of the credentials.
In 2009, Oregon adopted SB 536. This law prohibited state agencies from spending
money to comply with the Real ID Act. Like many other states, Oregon had passed such a law because of concerns about privacy, information security, and cost.
In 2017, the Oregon Legislature adopted SB 374, which repealed the previous law and directed ODOT DMV to begin offering customers the option of a Real ID-compliant card by July 2020. Prior to that, Oregon law prohibited DMV from issuing Real ID
compliant cards.
July 2020 was chosen for DMV to update its computer systems, which allowed the issuance of Real ID-compliant cards, including an interface with required federal systems.
Where can I learn more about Real ID?
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website.
Preparing to Get a Real ID Card
I currently have a Real ID license from another state. Is it transferable for an Oregon Real ID license?
No. Federal requirements don’t allow for the transfer of a Real ID license and require states to view and image all documentation upon original issuance in that state. You will need to present original documentation such as a U.S. birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and two proofs of residence address, as well as meet all Oregon issuance requirements. However, Real ID licenses from other states can be used like any other out-of-state driver license to waive behind-the-wheel drive tests in certain circumstances.
What documentation will be required if I decide to get a Real ID card?
When Oregon DMV begins to issue Real ID cards, you will need to bring in documents to verify:
- Identity and legal presence. Acceptable documents include a U.S. government-issued birth certificate, unexpired U.S. passport/passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Consular Record of Birth Abroad, valid permanent resident card, valid employment authorization card, an unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired visa and valid I-94 issued by DHS, or an unexpired passport issued from the Federated State of Micronesia, the Republic of Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau and a valid I-94 issued by DHS.
- Social Security number. Acceptable documents include a Social Security Card, W2 form, a 1099 form, or paystub. Documents must include your name and SSN.
- Address. Acceptable documents can be found
here. Two proofs of address are required and you must present hardcopy documents for imaging purposes.
You can also use the
Oregon Real ID Requirements Guide to determine the documents you will need and get a customized checklist.
Your documents will be verified and scanned and the copies stored securely for 10 years. Original documents will be returned to you.
Information regarding ordering identity and legal presence documentation can be found here:
- For a
birth document visit:
- For a
passport visit:
- For
immigration questions call: 1-800-375-5283
What will DMV do with the documents I bring in?
Your documents will be scanned and retained securely in Oregon’s driver license system for a minimum of 10 years. Scanned files are available to limited DMV personnel only for the purpose of document verification. Personal information in Oregon driving records is protected, and can only be released to qualified entities under Oregon’s Record Privacy Law.
When will Real ID cards be available?
Oregon DMV will begin issuing Real ID cards on July 6, 2020. If you do not plan to fly domestically or access secure federal facilities, or if you already have a valid passport (or passport card), you may want to wait until it is time to renew your current Oregon Driver License or ID card to avoid the initial rush.
I already brought in identity documents to receive my standard Oregon Driver License. Will I have to bring them in again to receive a Real ID license?
Yes, federal Real ID regulations require Oregon DMV to verify and copy the documents you present to prove your identity, Social Security number, and Oregon residency, even if you already have an Oregon Driver License or ID card.
What if I am unable to bring in the required documentation to obtain a Real ID Card?
You still might be eligible for a standard Oregon Driver License or ID card, since the requirements for these are different.
Oregon offers a non-specified sex indicator (“X”) on its driver licenses and identification cards. Will this remain an option for Real ID cards?
Yes. Federal standards require that gender, as determined by state policies, be displayed on the surface of a Real ID card. Oregon’s “X” indicator complies with this requirement.
Cost for Real ID
What is the cost of a Real ID card?
Customers will pay the standard fee for replacement, renewal or original issuance of a driver license or identification card, as well as an additional Real ID fee, which is proposed at $30. This fee is based on the cost of issuing Real ID cards and will be charged at every Real ID issuance.
I recently renewed my driver license. Will I need to pay again if I want to get a Real ID license before my next renewal?
If you choose to apply for a Real ID license before you can renew, you will pay the fee for a replacement driver license or ID card, as well as the Real ID fee. Your card will keep the same expiration date. You may want to wait to apply for a Real ID until your next renewal, and use an alternate acceptable document, like a passport, to travel in the meantime.
My current license will expire before Oregon begins issuing Real IDs. Can I get an extension on my license so I can get a Real ID license with my renewal?
No, in order to maintain a valid driving privilege, you must renew your driver license before it expires.
Choosing Not to Get a Real ID Card
What don’t I need a Real ID card for?
A Real ID card is optional and is not required for any of the following:
- Driving.
- Voting or registering to vote.
- Proving age to enter an age-restricted venue or to purchase alcoholic beverages, tobacco, firearms, or other age-restricted activities.
- Applying for or receiving federal or state benefits.
- Entering a federal facility for accessing health or life preserving services (including hospitals and health clinics).
- Participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations.
- Participating in constitutionally protected activities (including a defendant’s or spectator’s access to court proceedings, and access by jurors or potential jurors).
What other documents can I use for federal identification if I choose not to get a Real ID card?
You can use a valid passport, passport card or other approved document to pass through airport security or enter secure federal facilities or military bases. The Transportation Safety Administration maintains an updated list of what will be accepted to board a domestic commercial flight. Different federal facilities may have their own requirements, so you should contact them to find out what you will need.
Can I still drive if I have a valid Oregon Driver License that is not Real ID compliant?
Yes, standard Oregon Driver Licenses will remain valid for driving purposes. Obtaining a Real ID driver license will be optional.
Will my non-Real ID card be less secure?
No, all Oregon Driver Licenses and ID cards contain many security features that make it very difficult to alter, counterfeit, duplicate or modify the card without detection. While the process required by the Department of Homeland Security to obtain a Real ID card is different than for a standard card, the standard cards will have the same security features.