The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) are reminding the public that starting Wednesday, May 7th, every air traveler 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license, instruction permit or identification card or another acceptable form of ID to board a US commercial aircraft.
To determine if an Oregon driver's license or identification card is REAL ID-complaint, look for a star in the upper right corner. The presence of the star indicates the credential is REAL ID-compliant.
Once enforcement begins, travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued credential or another acceptable form of ID can expect delays when they arrive at the TSA security checkpoint. The length of the delay will be determined by the number of other travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant credential or another form of identification accepted by TSA for identity verification.
Passengers can avoid delays in their air travel by ensuring their identification credential is REAL ID-compliant or be prepared to present another acceptable form of ID. TSA has a full list of acceptable forms of identification beyond a state-issued driver's license or ID card that can be presented at the security checkpoint.
Congress passed The REAL ID Act in 2005, enacting a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act further prohibited federal agencies from accepting credentials that do not meet minimum standards. REAL ID is intended to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver's licenses and ID cards while inhibiting the ability of terrorists and others to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.
Oregon DMV began issuing REAL ID-compliant cards in July 2020. To get a REAL ID-compliant credential, you must apply in person at a DMV office and bring the federally-required documents that prove your identity and lawful status.
