March 5, 2025

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

Starting May 7, 2025, any travelers hoping to fly domestically in the U.S. must do so through REAL ID — a state-issued driver’s license, instruction permit or identification card meeting federal security standards. The goal for the REAL ID Act of 2005 is to increase the “integrity and security of the credentials,” as told by the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 was passed as a law following 9/11 and meant to take effect in 2008, but the enforcement was widely refused by so many states that it was postponed. Starting in 2012, states began to comply, until all of them agreed in 2020.

Federal agencies and TSA — the Transportation Security Administration — will only accept REAL ID beginning May 7. REAL ID allows for individuals to fly as well as enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases or nuclear plants. However, REAL ID is not and does not replace a passport and does not allow for border crossing. Not having a REAL ID will prevent individuals from progressing through security checkpoints when attempting to fly.

REAL IDs are not necessary to drive, vote, apply and receive federal aid, enter federal establishments not requiring identification, receive medical care in a hospital or enter a hospital or engage as a lawful citizen, such as participating on a jury, testifying in court and so forth.

Multiple times now, the requirement for fliers to obtain a REAL ID has been pushed back in a few-year increments. Most recently, the required change was due in 2022, but, for the last time, was pushed back to May 7, 2025.

To know if a driver’s license in Oregon is already compliant with REAL ID regulations, check for a black star in the upper right corner. REAL ID is necessary for fliers above the age of 18. Oregon recommends obtaining a REAL ID as soon as possible, even without plans to fly. All states, including U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, will issue REAL ID requirements May 7. Some states already issue REAL IDs when new licenses are obtained, but may appear differently from Oregon’s REAL ID stamp.

To obtain a REAL ID, Oregon residents must visit a DMV office and bring documentation that proves their identity, date of birth, residence address through two proofs of address from two different sources excluding P.O. box mail and lawful status in the U.S. All documents must be original or certified copies, as electronic documents or photocopies will not be accepted. DMV recommends bringing a birth certificate as well as a passport. They will request a Social Security number — or proof that the applicant does not qualify — but do not need to see the actual Social Security card. DMV offers an online checklist and allows for appointments for this exact instance of securing a REAL ID, but appointments may not be necessary. The DMV will scan and store copies of the provided documentation for ten years, and REAL IDs can be renewed or replaced online in the future once one is already obtained.

After submitting documents for a REAL ID, the DMV will offer a paper identification card. This card will not be accepted for flying purposes by TSA. The license is expected to arrive within 20 days after the DMV accepts and scans the submitted documents. 

It is very likely — and expected — that wait times and general business at DMVs to be exacerbated due to the required change as May 7 nears.

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu