Oregon Real ID FAQs

Beginning mid-2020, Oregonians will have the option of obtaining driver licenses or identification cards that are compliant with the federal Real ID Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Real ID?

What is the Real ID Act?

The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, based on recommendations from the 9/11 Commission that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” It establishes standards that state-issued driver licenses and identification cards must meet in order to be accepted for certain federal purposes.

When will Oregon begin issuing Real ID cards?

Oregon will begin issuing Real ID cards in mid-2020. Real ID cards will be optional, and Oregonians who do not wish to get one can keep their standard driver license or ID card.

I was recently issued a card with a new design. Is this a Real ID card?

No. Real ID cards will feature the new card design, but will also have a star in the upper-right corner. The new card was designed to meet the requirements of Real ID, but issuing a REAL ID compliant card is about more than the plastic itself. It requires particular documents to be presented to DMV, which DMV will verify with federal systems, and then image and store. If you decide you want a REAL ID then you will need to return to DMV with all the necessary documents and apply once Oregon starts issuing Real ID cards.

Why isn’t Oregon issuing Real ID cards now?

The Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 374 in the 2017 legislative session. SB 374 allows DMV to issue Real ID-compliant driver licenses and ID cards beginning July 2020. Previously, Oregon law prevented the issuance of Real ID cards.

Why is Oregon taking so long to issue Real ID cards?

DMV is in the midst of a major IT overhaul. This project replaces the current computer system and, among many other improvements, allows DMV to issue Real ID cards beginning July 6, 2020.

What are the differences between Oregon’s current driver license and a Real ID license?

The difference is access. Starting Oct. 1, 2020, the federal government will require Real ID compliant identification to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a secure federal building or military base, so you will not be able to use a standard Oregon Driver License or ID Card for these purposes. However, you may use a passport or other acceptable form of federal identification. See the TSA website for other forms of identification that will be accepted.

Both license types will allow you to legally drive and prove identity and age for things such as entering an age-restricted venue, buying alcohol or tobacco products, renting a vehicle, or writing a check.

Will the Oregon Real ID license be an Enhanced Driver License?

No. Enhanced Driver Licenses (EDLs) are designated as acceptable land and sea border-crossing documents by DHS under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. EDLs have different issuance and card requirements, such as RFID chips. The Oregon Real ID license will not allow you to travel internationally.

Oregon has been granted an extension to Real ID enforcement. What does that mean?

The federal government grants extensions to states that are working towards issuing Real ID driver licenses and identification cards. Oregon currently has an extension valid until October 10th, 2019. The extension means that you can continue to use your Oregon Driver License or ID Card to board commercial aircraft or enter secure federal facilities. Oregon DMV expects to receive additional extensions until we can start to issue Real ID cards in mid-2020.

Where can I learn more about Real ID?

Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website.

Who Needs a Real ID Card?

Am I required to get a Real ID card?

No, it will be your choice to apply for a Real ID driver license or ID card or a standard driver license or ID card. If you have a valid U.S. passport (or passport card), or other federally-approved identification, you may use it to pass security checkpoints at airports nationwide and to visit secure federal facilities.

How do I decide whether to get a Real ID card?

Do you fly domestically on commercial aircraft?
Do you need to access a federal facility that requires identification?

If the answer is “yes” to either question, you may want to consider getting a Real ID card when Oregon begins issuing in mid-2020. However, if you have another form of federal ID, such as a valid U.S. passport, you can use that instead of a Real ID card to fly commercially and enter secure federal facilities.

Can I board a plane with the driver license or ID card I have now?

Yes, Oregon currently has an extension for Real ID enforcement that allows you to board domestic commercial flights with your current driver license or ID card. DMV anticipates receiving additional extensions until Real ID cards are issued in mid-2020. Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, a Real ID compliant card or other federally-accepted identification will be required to board a domestic commercial flight or access secure federal facilities. Note: Transportation Safety Administration does not accept paper interim driver licenses, permits or ID cards as proof of identification. Travelers should check with TSA before flying to find out what documents they will accept. For more information visit TSA’s website here: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.”

Do children need a Real ID card to fly on a domestic commercial flight?

It depends, TSA’s policy on identification can be found at: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

What identification do I need to enter federal facilities?

Identification requirements vary by facility, so check with the facility before visiting. A Real ID card is not required for entering the public area(s) of a federal building or other federal facilities where identification is not required for access.

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 U.S. 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.

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, or an unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired visa and 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.

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: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/howto/w2w/w2welcom.htm
For a passport visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport/
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 in mid-2020. If you do not plan to fly domestically or access secure federal facilities, or if you already have a valid U.S. 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.

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 yet to be determined. This fee will be based on the cost of issuing Real ID cards.

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” indictor complies with this requirement.