In early August, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) notified Governor Kate Brown that Oregon is in compliance with the federal Real ID Act.

The REAL ID Act, which took effect on May 11, 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 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.

In the spring, DHS announced the extension of the REAL ID enforcement deadline to October 21, 2021. 

In a statement, Acting Secretary of DHS, Chad Wolf said, “the federal, state, and local response to the spread of the Coronavirus here in the United States necessitates a delay in this deadline. Our state and local partners are working tirelessly with the Administration to flatten the curve and, therefore, we want to remove any impediments to response and recovery efforts.”

Wolf called out the temporary closures and restrictions of access to departments of motor vehicles across the nation as barriers for Americans in applying for and receiving their REAL ID, further necessitating the extension.

Per the DHS extension, Oregonians can continue to use standard Oregon driver license or ID card for domestic air travel and other secure federal locations through October 1, 2021. 

How to Get Real ID

For those interested, the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicles (DMV) has offered a decision tool at Oregon.gov/RealID. If Oregoians wish to obtain a REAL ID, the division’s website has a second tool explaining the requirements and a checklist of documents to bring for an appointment.

The Real ID option has a fee of $30 in addition to an original application, renewal, or replacement fee.

For those seeking a REAL ID option, the Oregon DMV is asking Oregonians to consider delaying visits as long as possible or getting a passport and/or passport card instead. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a long backlog of customers and the DMV anticipates it will take months to catch up on services.

Appointments are required for any type of driver license or ID card issuance, including Real ID. The DMV is offering scheduling online at DMV2U.Oregon.gov. In efforts to keep Oregonians safe, the DMV offices are open only for services that require in-person visits, to help people in the offices to maintain safe physical distancing.

Real ID cards cannot be obtained online because the Act requires persons to bring certain documents in-person and a new photograph for individual cards.  

Learn more about REAL ID at TSA.gov.

For more information from the Oregon DMV, including things to know if you want to obtain the REAL ID option, click here.

Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate