In 2005, Congress passed the Real ID Act as a response to calls for stronger identification requirements following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Act establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production. It also prohibits Federal agencies including federal airport screeners from accepting driver licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards – starting October 2020.

Real ID licenses will be available next July in Oregon, and the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is gearing up for high demand due to impending travel requirements. In efforts to prepare Oregonians for the changes the Act will make, Oregon DMV officials have launched a yearlong campaign of education efforts. 

Referenced in a recent article published by Oregon Public Broadcasting, DMV spokesman David House said that the travel changes could create a rush of people seeking the new license when it becomes available, and that the DMV will be educating Oregonians on what requirements of the Act elicit the new identification. Many Oregonians’ identifications already meet the requirements, as airport screeners will continue to accept passports and some other forms of federal ID.

“You may already have what you need,” House said.  “You may not need to do anything. Especially if you’d like to avoid those long lines next year.”

Besides at the airports, most Oregonians can continue to use their current licenses for everyday activities such as confirming one’s identity at banks, or in traffic stops.

For more information, visit the DMV’s website.

Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associatead