The Real ID Act, passed in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”  The Act, effective on October 1, 2020, establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production. It also prohibits federal agencies from accepting forms of identification that do not meet the minimum standards. 

So what does that mean for you? — If you plan on boarding a commercial aircrafts in October, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not accept driver licenses or identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards, and Oregon’s current driver license is not comply with the Act. However, starting on July 6, 2020, the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will begin offering a Real ID option

The Oregon DMV estimates nearly one million Oregonians will seek a Real ID option, and that it would have to issue 32 licenses per minute every business day from the July 6 release date through October to meet the demand. The Oregon DMV says this is not possible, and suggests Oregonians explore obtaining a passport or passport card, another Real ID compliant option and forego the wait in line.

The passport card is less a less expensive option than a full passport book – $65 versus $145. If you already have a passport, the card is only $30. There are over 75 acceptance centers in Oregon. Requirements to receive the card are similar to that of an Oregon Real ID compliant card (proof of citizenship – like a birth certificate, passport photo, and photocopy of your driver license). It will take about four to six weeks to receive the card.

To find out more, visit https://www.Oregon.gov/REALID.

Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate