‘People are going to panic:’ ODOT urges Oregonians to apply for REAL ID sooner than later as May deadline nears

(Update: adding comment from ODOT)

Matthew Draxton will share his report on NewsChannel 21 at Five

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ)-- With the holidays fast approaching, many are preparing to travel to see friends and family. The Oregon DMV is reminding folks this is the last holiday season you can fly without a federal REAL ID before the May 7th, 2025 deadline.

Since Oregon’s REAL ID option became available in July 2020, one-third of the state’s 3.7 million driver’s license, instruction permit or identification card holders have chosen to upgrade to a REAL ID.

As the deadline approaches, Oregon DMV is ramping up educational efforts to ensure you know what a REAL ID is, if you need one and how soon you should get it.

What is REAL ID? 

REAL​ ID is a state-issued driver’s license, instruction permit or ID card that meets federal security standards set by the REAL ID Act​ of 2005. Starting next May, the Transportation Safety Administration will require every air traveler 18 years and older to present a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative – like a U.S. passport, passport card or military ID – to board a flight within the U.S.

REAL ID-compliant identification will also be required to access certain federal facilities like military bases or nuclear plants. Oregon offers both standard issue and REAL ​ID-compliant driver’s licenses, instruction permits and identification cards. It is your choice as to which one to get. 

ODOT Public Information Officer Chris Crabb said, “The difference is, your Real ID will have a star in the upper right hand corner. And that means that you've provided extra documents when you went to the DMV to get that license. ”

Do I need a REAL ID? 

A REAL ID is not required. You do not need a REAL ID to legally drive, vote or prove identity and age. You do need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID if you are 18 years or older and will travel by plane or visit military bases, federally secure facilities or nuclear plants in the U.S. on or after May 7, 2025. Alternatives include a valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID and others. If you don’t already have one of these other acceptable forms of ID, you may want to consider upgrading to the REAL ID option.

Crabb said, "You're going to need either a Real ID passport, passport card, military ID will work. Tribal ID from a federally recognized tribe will work."

How do I get a REAL ID? 

You must visit a DMV office and bring original documents that prove your identity, date of birth, state address (two proofs of address from two different sources) and lawful status in the U.S. You will also have to provide your Social Security number (verbally, you don’t need to bring in the card) or proof you are not eligible for one. DMV offers an online documents guide to help you create a checklist of what you’ll need to bring.

Once you’re gathered your documents, you can make an appointment to get a REAL ID – availability varies based on the DMV office. You can also walk into any DMV without an appointment. The 2024 Legislature authorized DMV to hire 26 staff to work in field offices exclusively for REAL ID transactions. We’ve opened many more appointment slots to accommodate customers’ needs before the deadline.

After DMV accepts and scans your submitted documents, your REAL ID card will arrive in the mail in about 20 days. At the DMV, you’ll get a temporary paper card, but TSA will not accept that, so make sure you have an acceptable form of ID before booking a flight.

Crabb added, “they do need to provide their Social Security number. It doesn't have to be the card. You don't have to bring in a physical card, but you do have to be able to provide your number.” 

When should I apply for REAL ID?

As the May 2025 deadline approaches, DMV offices anticipate being overwhelmed with applicants for REAL ID. The State Department may also be overcome with applications for passports. You may need to order a certified birth certificate from the state where you were born to apply for a REAL ID card or passport, which can add weeks or more to your application processes. Once you get to DMV and conclude your transaction, there will be up to 20 days or more before the card arrives in the mail.

Oregon DMV is urging you to avoid the rush and get your REAL ID sooner than later. Taking the time to get a REAL ID now will save you waiting in long lines closer to the deadline. While you cannot get your REAL ID online, once you have a REAL ID, most people can renew or replace it online in the future.

Crabb said, “to be honest, now that the final deadline is coming, people are going to panic. All the procrastinators are going to want to rush to the DMV, and we want to make sure that people understand they should take their time now to get it."

Crabb added, "We did get, legislative approval to hire an additional 26 staff just to focus on Real ID," to help handle the influx of people applying.

What does an Oregon REAL ID look like?

An Oregon REAL ID has a star inside a black circle in the upper right corner. If you renew and choose not to get a REAL ID, it will say “Not for REAL ID Act” in the upper right corner (47% of Oregonians currently have a “Not for REAL ID Act” credential). Cards issued before July 2020 have nothing in the top right corner. If your card does not have a star, it is not a REAL ID.