Oregonians Face No Rush if They Have Not Obtained REAL ID Yet Unless Flying Soon

Although the 7 May deadline to obtain a REAL ID is mere weeks away, Oregonians do not have to panic to upgrade, unless planning to travel by airline soon.

The Upgraded Credential is Required for People Boarding Commercial Airlines

From that date, anyone 18 years or older using an airport checkpoint will have to present a REAL ID or a passport to board commercial flights.

If you live in a busy city, be prepared for long delays at the Department of Motor Vehicles where additional staff have had to be employed to cope with the increased demand.

For that reason, residents are urged to wait until after the 7 May deadline to upgrade if they are not planning on traveling anywhere soon.

Oregon DMV administrator, Amy Joyce says not all Oregonians will need a REAL ID immediately – only those planning on using a commercial aircraft, entering federal government facilities, nuclear power plants, or military installations must have the upgraded credential.

She points out that the DMV will issue REAL IDs well into the future so there is no need for panic.

Documents Needed to Obtain REAL ID

Oregonians who require the new credential must produce proof of identity (U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Green Cards in the case of non-citizens.

Also required is proof of social security number such as a social security card, a W-2 tax earning form, a pay stub, or a work paycheck.

Proof of residence is another requirement. Applicants will be asked by the DMV for a mortgage statement, a lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement as proof of state residency.

REAL ID-compliant identification is clearly marked at the top right of the card. Oregonians who have a driver’s licenses or state ID with a star in the upper righthand corner, are already REAL ID-compliant.

Since REAL ID was introduced in July 2020, 35% of Oregon’s 3.7 million credential holders have upgraded. A further 48% have selected a standard credential labeled ‘Not for REAL ID Purposes.’

A REAL ID costs an additional $30 fee of regular issuance costs.