As the May 2025 deadline approaches, DMV offices anticipate being overwhelmed with applicants for REAL ID driver’s licenses, permits and ID cards. To avoid the rush, consider getting your REAL ID sooner than later.
Frequently Asked Questions
- A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license, instruction permit or identification card that meets federal security standards set by the REAL ID Act of 2005 to increase the integrity and security of the credentials.
- Starting May 7, 2025, the federal government will require every air traveler 18 years and older to present a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, instruction permit or identification card, or another acceptable form of identification, like a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card or military ID, to board a flight within the U.S. and to access certain federal facilities, such as military bases or nuclear plants.
- REAL ID is not a passport, and it cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or any other location outside of the U.S. If you are traveling anywhere outside the U.S., you will need an unexpired passport.
- All states and territories are required by the Department of Homeland Security to offer REAL ID. However, in Oregon, you are not required to get a REAL ID.
- Oregon offers both standard issue and REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses, instruction permits and identification cards. It is your choice as to which one to get to meet your needs.
- You DO NOT need a REAL ID to do any of the following:
- Drive.
- Vote.
- Apply for or receive federal benefits to which you are entitled (Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.).
- Enter a federal facility that does not require an ID (i.e. a post office).
- Access a hospital or receive life-saving services.
- Participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations (serve on a federal jury, testify in federal court, etc.).
- You DO need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID if you are 18 years or older and will travel by plane or visit military bases, federally secure facilities or nuclear plants in the U.S. on or after May 7, 2025.
- Air travel REAL ID requirements apply to people 18 years or older, but children are eligible for an ID card; youth aged 15-17 are eligible for a provisional Oregon instruction permit (valid for two years), and people are eligible for a driver’s license at age 16. Because a driver’s license or ID card is valid for eight years, new applicants under 18 are encouraged to apply for REAL ID for possible future air travel.
- In place of a REAL ID, TSA will also accept a valid U.S. passport or U.S. passport card; military ID; a permanent resident card; a photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation; and other less common forms of ID.
- See the full list at tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.
- An Oregon REAL ID has a star inside a black circle in the upper right corner. If your card does not have the star, it is not REAL ID compliant, and you will not be able to use it to get on a flight within the U.S. on or after May 7, 2025.
- If you renew and choose not to get a REAL ID, it will say “Not for REAL ID Act” in the upper right corner.
- Cards issued before July 2020 have nothing in the top right corner and are not REAL ID-compliant.
- You cannot get an original REAL ID online. You must visit a DMV office and bring original documents that prove your:
- Identity.
- Date of birth.
- Residence address (two proofs of address from two different sources and no P.O. Box).
- Lawful status in the U.S.
- All documents must be originals or certified copies; electronic or photocopies are not acceptable.
- Some U.S. passports or passport cards may not verify through the national verification system. DMV suggests that you come prepared with additional proof of identity, such as a birth certificate.
- You will also have to provide your Social Security number, or proof that you are not eligible for one. You do not have to bring in your physical Social Security card, you can provide the number verbally. DMV will verify with the Social Security Administration that your current legal name matches the SSN.
- DMV offers an online documents guide to help you create a checklist of what you’ll need to bring. Some documents, 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.
- Once you gather your documents, you can make an appointment to get a REAL ID. Appointments become available every day for 30 days out. If an appointment is cancelled one day or more in advance, it will become available.
- You can also walk into any DMV without an appointment. Just make sure you bring the proper documentation. Many people are in and out in less than an hour. You can also provide the front counter with your cell phone number and leave. They will text you when your appointment is coming up.
- DMV will scan and store copies of the REAL ID documents for 10 years.
- Once you have a REAL ID, you can renew or replace it online in the future.
- After DMV accepts and scans your submitted documents, your REAL ID card will arrive in the mail in about 20 days.
- At the DMV, you’ll get a temporary paper ID, but TSA will not accept that, so make sure you have an acceptable form of ID before booking a flight.
- The REAL ID option costs an additional $30 every time you apply for an original, renewal or replacement driver’s license, permit or ID card. This fee pays for the additional staff, equipment and time it takes to issue a REAL ID.
- An Oregon REAL ID driver’s license or ID card is valid for a maximum of eight years.
- If you are getting a REAL ID as a replacement, the REAL ID will be valid for as long as the card you replaced is valid.
- While you can upgrade your driver’s license, permit and ID card to REAL ID any time, switching to REAL ID does not change the expiration date.
- Noncitizens lawfully admitted for permanent or temporary residence, noncitizens with conditional permanent resident status, noncitizens with an approved application for asylum, and noncitizens who have entered the U.S. as refugees are eligible for a REAL ID license or identification card, though the length of the term may vary.
- A person without proof of lawful status needing to board a U.S. flight will need another ID document acceptable by TSA such as a foreign government-issued passport.
- If you don’t have a foreign government-issued passport, you can usually obtain one through your consulate.
- Visit Oregon.gov/REALID for other acceptable forms of ID.
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