| About the Real ID Act and Oregon |
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Key requirements of the Real ID Act
What is the Real ID Act?
The federal Real ID Act, passed by Congress and signed by President Bush in May 2005, creates nationwide standards for states to issue driver licenses and identification cards. Although many details of these standards are yet to be set by federal rule-making from the Department of Homeland Security – expected in late 2007 or early 2008 – the major requirements are known. Oregon and the other states already have some of the standards in place, such as including a cardholder’s signature and photograph on the card.
Will Oregon adopt Real ID Act requirements?
The Real ID Act does not force states to follow the new requirements. The Oregon Legislature will need to consider the issue. If Oregon lawmakers agree to follow the federal act, they would need to pass legislation that changes Oregon laws to match the act.
What happens if Oregon lawmakers decide not to follow the Real ID Act?
The driver licenses and ID cards of any state that does not comply with the Real ID Act will not be recognized as valid identification for official federal purposes, such as entering the secure areas of airports. Air travelers would need a passport or some other form of federally recognized photo ID to enter the secure areas of airports and board passenger flights.
If Oregon follows the Real ID Act, how will this affect customers?
If Oregon adopts the Real ID Act, one big change for Oregon is clear: All customers seeking to obtain, replace or renew driver licenses, instruction permits and ID cards will need to prove that they are citizens of the United States or are otherwise legally present in the country. DMV customers will need to bring more documents with them in order to prove their identities and to prove that they are citizens or legal immigrants when they apply for a new, replacement or renewal card. The act also requires DMV to electronically verify the customers' documents with the agencies that issued them, such as the Social Security Administration.
How can customers prepare for the requirements under the Real ID Act?
The Oregon Legislature must decide whether the state will comply with the act, and details of the requirements must be set up by the federal rule-making process. Then Oregon DMV will be able to provide specific lists of documents that customers will need to show in order to obtain, replace or renew a driver license, instruction permit or ID card. Oregonians can take a head start on gathering and safely storing documents that prove their identity and citizenship or legal immigration status such as their U.S. birth certificate or Social Security card.
Will a customer be able to drive without proof of citizenship or legal immigration status?
The act gives the states the option to issue a “driving privilege only” card, which would be valid as a driver’s license only, and not recognized as an identification card for official federal purposes. The Oregon Legislature must decide whether Oregon will offer such an option.
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