SALEM, OR -- The Real ID Act takes effect in one year. "Most people who travel by plane in the United States use their driver license to get through airport security, and their standard card is not going to be accepted anymore, starting May seventh of next year," says David House, with the Oregon DMV. 

Federal law passed in the wake of 9/11 requires air travelers to use an enhanced form of identification to get through airport security. But many states, including Oregon, delayed the rollout. House says, "Oregon passed a law in 2009 stating we will not spend state taxpayer money to meet this. In other words, we were saying 'No.' The legislature was sending a message, 'you're going to need to fund this if you want us to comply'." The state wasn’t initially set up for the required identity verification. "Those systems are in place now," says House, "We connected to them four years ago when Oregon made Real ID an option and made it available in 2020."

Drivers don't have to get a new license, "It is not required. No one is required to get Real ID on their driver license. There are other alternatives," says House. You could use a passport. But, if you don't already have one, the application period can be lengthy. 

Even if you don't fly often, House says it might make sense to get a Real ID license within the next year. "When that deadline next May approaches, the rush at DMVs across the country, and at the State Department to get passports, is going to increase; the demand will increase." He fears people will wait until April to start applying and think, "'OK, I booked my flight. It's a month away. No problem.' That might not be enough time to get Real ID," says House, "It's definitely not enough time to get a passport."

Real ID requires an in-person visit to the DMV, and you must bring proof of identitiy and two items proving where you live. The DMV's website has a list of acceptable documents. 

House urges Oregonians, "You've got to get ahead of this. If you put it off, you might miss your flight."

Images courtesy of the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles