Beaver State News

Officials from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) are underscoring the importance of the upcoming May 7, 2025, deadline for REAL ID enforcement. Starting on this date, air travelers aged 18 and over will need to present a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license or another form of TSA-accepted identification to board a commercial flight in the U.S.

Individuals can identify whether their Oregon driver's license or ID is REAL ID-compliant by noting the star in the upper right corner of the card, which signifies compliance.

Failure to have a compliant ID will likely cause delays at TSA checkpoints, with the wait time influenced by the number of travelers without the proper identification.

"TSA accepts multiple forms of photo identification at the security checkpoint including passports, Trusted Traveler cards, military IDs and more. We encourage travelers to spend a few minutes now to determine if they are prepared for the federal enforcement of REAL ID," said Kathleen McDonald, TSA Federal Security Director for Oregon. "With one month to go before the deadline, now is the time to make a plan to verify your identity with TSA when you travel."

DMV Administrator Amy Joyce noted the growing difficulties in securing appointments due to the approaching deadline. "As the May 7 enforcement date approaches, we’re seeing long lines and appointments can be hard to come by," she said. "Determine if you can wait to get a REAL ID until later in the year or when your card expires. If you are planning on flying in the next couple months and don’t have a passport, make sure to bring in the correct documents so you can complete your transaction the first time. You can’t get a REAL ID online, but you can do more than 20 other transactions, so avoid the lines by seeing if you can complete your service at DMV2U."

The TSA provides a range of identification options beyond state-issued IDs, including U.S. passports, military IDs, and Trusted Traveler cards, among others. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 following a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission, establishes minimum security standards for IDs to prevent fraudulent use.

Oregon began issuing these compliant cards in July 2020. Obtaining a REAL ID-compliant credential requires an in-person visit to a DMV office with specified documents, and processing takes up to three weeks. Temporary paper cards are not accepted at TSA checkpoints.

To ensure smooth travel, passengers are advised to confirm their ID compliance or carry alternative acceptable identification before the May 7 deadline. Further details and FAQs are available on the TSA and Oregon DMV websites.