DMV offers options for customers ahead of federal REAL ID deadline
Flying somewhere for spring break? This will be one of the last times you can use your standard Oregon driver’s license, instruction permit or ID card at the Transportation Security Administration airport checkpoint. Starting May 7, the federal government will require every person 18 years and older to present a REAL ID or a federally accepted alternative – like a government-issued passport, passport card or military ID – to board a commercial U.S. flight. REAL ID will also be required to access certain federal facilities like military bases or nuclear plants.
As the REAL ID enforcement date approaches, we are seeing greater demand at DMV offices, especially in more populated areas. Oregon DMV has added a significant number of REAL ID appointments to help people looking to update their credential. Additionally, DMV staff from the Salem headquarters have voluntarily deployed to offices to help with tasks to alleviate crowds. Still, customers may experience longer lines and wait times than normal.
Here are some things to consider before upgrading to a REAL ID, make sure you don’t already have a REAL ID. An Oregon REAL ID has a star in the upper right corner. You don't need a REAL ID if you have a passport or other federally accepted alternative. If you aren’t flying anytime soon, wait until your credential expires before upgrading.
REAL ID appointments are available, but they aren’t required. All DMV offices welcome walk-in traffic. If no appointment is available, check back later, as new appointments are released daily. Please note, REAL ID appointments are strictly for REAL ID. If you book a REAL ID appointment for a different transaction, you could be turned away.
Make sure to bring the correct documents, including one proof of identity and two proofs of your home address from two different sources. You also need to provide proof of lawful U.S. status and your Social Security number (or proof you are not eligible for one). We offer a documents guide to help you create a checklist of what to bring.
If you have everything you need for your appointment, visit the self-check-in station in the lobby at most offices instead of waiting in line at the front desk. At busier DMV offices, once you have a ticket, ask if you can provide your cell number to receive text notifications, allowing you to leave and return when your number gets closer. It takes up to three weeks to receive your REAL ID card in the mail, so make sure your identification is REAL ID-compliant in advance of your trip. For example, if you will board a U.S. flight on May 7, April 16 would be the last day to be reasonably confident you’ll receive your card.
If you have a transaction other than REAL ID, see if you can complete it online at DMV2U. You can also renew your vehicle registration at one of 10 express kiosks. While you can’t get a REAL ID online, wait times in offices are reduced for everyone when more customers use online services and kiosks.
“The fact is not everyone needs a REAL ID on May 7 -- and in some cases might not ever need one,” said DMV Administrator Amy Joyce. “May 7 is the day enforcement begins, but we will continue issuing REAL ID well into the future. If you have no intention of boarding a U.S. flight anytime soon, consider holding off on getting a REAL ID until it’s time to renew your credential.”
Since Oregon’s REAL ID option became available in July 2020, 35% of the state’s 3.7 million credential holders have upgraded to a REAL ID, while 48% have chosen a standard “Not for REAL ID Purposes” credential. The REAL ID option costs $30 in addition to regular issuance fees every time you apply for an original, renewal or replacement driver’s license, permit or ID card.
Learn more at Oregon.gov/REALID