Airline Id Requirements: Oregon Residents, What's Acceptable?

From May 2023 onwards, a standard Oregon driver's license or ID card will not be accepted at airport security checkpoints for boarding a flight within the U.S. Instead, a Real ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, or a passport or other federally acceptable ID will be required. This means that Oregon residents will need to obtain a Real ID-compliant license or ID card, or a passport or other acceptable form of ID, in order to fly within the U.S. after this date. The Oregon DMV has been offering a REAL ID-compliant driver's license since July 2020 and recommends that residents who plan to fly create their own checklist of documents they will need to bring to the DMV to obtain a Real ID.

Oregon ID alternatives for air travel

From May 7, 2025, a standard Oregon driver's license or ID card will no longer be accepted at security checkpoints in US airports. This is due to the federal REAL ID law, which requires all states to comply with new identification standards for air travel.

However, there are several alternatives to a standard Oregon ID that can be used for air travel within the US. These include:

• A REAL ID-compliant driver's license, which has been offered by the Oregon DMV since July 2020. This requires an in-person application and a $30 fee.
• A valid passport.
• A U.S. military ID.
• A DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
• A permanent resident card.
• A border crossing card.
• A DHS-designated enhanced driver's license.
• A federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID.
• A foreign government-issued passport.
• A Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card.
• A transportation worker identification credential (TWIC).
• A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
• A U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential.

It is important to note that some of these options, such as a passport or military ID, may be more readily available or convenient for individuals, depending on their specific circumstances. Additionally, children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling with an adult within the United States.

What is a Real ID?

A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license, instruction permit, or ID card that meets the federal requirements set by the Real ID Act. The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses. The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. These purposes include accessing certain federal facilities, boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft, and entering nuclear power plants.

Starting on May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept a standard driver's license or ID card to pass through airport security checkpoints. Instead, a Real ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, or a passport or other federally acceptable form of identification, will be required to fly within the U.S. This means that residents of Oregon will need to present a Real ID-compliant license or ID card, or another acceptable form of identification, to board a flight within the country. The Oregon DMV offers both a standard card and a Real ID Act-compliant card, with the latter costing an extra $30. Appointments for a Real ID-compliant card can be made on the Oregon DMV website or by dropping by a DMV office.

To obtain a Real ID, individuals must provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status. States may impose additional requirements, so it is recommended to check with the relevant state's driver's licensing agency website before visiting them in person. It is also important to note that a Real ID is not required for all purposes, such as driving, voting, banking, or applying for benefits or employment. However, it is necessary for boarding commercial aircraft, accessing certain federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants.

How to get a Real ID

As of May 7, 2025, a standard Oregon driver's license or ID card will no longer be accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at security checkpoints at U.S. airports. This means that you will need a Real ID-compliant form of identification to fly within the United States.

Step 1: Check Your Documents

Before visiting any office to apply for a Real ID, review the required documents you will need to bring with you. The documents required for a Real ID appointment in Oregon include proof of identity (such as a U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, citizenship, or naturalization certificate), your Social Security number, proof of address (two printed documents that show your name and current Oregon residential address), and the $30 payment.

Step 2: Make an Appointment or Drop By

You can either make an appointment on the Oregon DMV website or drop by a DMV office. Note that applications must be made in person.

Step 3: Apply for Your Real ID

Visit a DMV office with your documents and payment to apply for your Real ID. You will need to provide your signature and get your photo taken.

Step 4: Receive Your Real ID

After your application is processed, you will receive a paper interim card in person. Your Real ID plastic card will arrive in the mail within 5-10 business days. Please note that the interim card cannot be used for air travel.

Deadlines for Real ID

As of May 7, 2025, a Real ID will be mandatory for air travel in the United States. This means that, for US residents, a standard state-issued driver's license or ID card will no longer be accepted at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights.

The Real ID deadline was initially set for May 3, 2023, but this has been extended to 2025. This deadline applies to all US states and territories, and residents of Oregon are encouraged to start the process of obtaining a Real ID as soon as possible. The Oregon DMV has stated that it is best to plan at least three months ahead to ensure receipt of the Real ID before the deadline.

To obtain a Real ID, an in-person application is required at a DMV office, and the process is the same as applying for a standard Oregon card. This includes providing a signature, having a photo taken, and receiving a paper interim card in the mail within 5-10 business days. The Real ID costs an additional $30 on top of the standard issuance fee.

It is important to note that a Real ID is not mandatory for everyone. A US passport, passport card, military ID, or other forms of federally-accepted identification can also be used for air travel within the US. However, for those who wish to use their driver's license or ID card for domestic air travel, a Real ID will be required.

Other acceptable forms of ID

As of May 7, 2025, a standard Oregon driver's license or ID card will no longer be accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at security checkpoints in US airports. This is because Oregon driver's licenses and ID cards are not REAL ID-compliant.

However, there are several other forms of ID that are acceptable for air travel in the US. These include:

• A valid passport
• A REAL ID-compliant driver's license
• A DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• A U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• A Permanent Resident Card
• A Border Crossing Card
• A DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
• A Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
• A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• A U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• A Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

It's important to note that some of these forms of ID may not be available to Oregon residents specifically, and the requirements for obtaining them may vary. It's always a good idea to check with the TSA or your state department of motor vehicles for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Frequently asked questions