For air travel within the U.S., most people use their state driver license or ID card to get through airport security. They also can use a passport as they would for an international flight.

But starting May 7, 2025, your standard Oregon driver license or ID card will no longer get you on a domestic flight.

You will need to show a Real ID-compliant state license or ID card, or a passport or passport card. With just one year left to prepare, Oregon’s DMV is asking you to get informed and make a plan.

Since Oregon’s Real ID option became available in July 2020, about a quarter of the 3.7 million Oregon license and ID card holders have chosen it over the standard card.

Airports expect that infrequent travelers will learn about Real ID next year when they arrive at airport security. The TSA has an alternate security process for people who don’t have the right ID, but it takes longer. And if the TSA sees the expected surge in people needing that process, it could take so much longer that many people will miss their flights.

As the deadline approaches, DMVs will be overwhelmed with applicants for Real ID driver licenses — at a time of chronic staff shortages. And the U.S. State Department will be overwhelmed with applications for passports.

If that’s not enough reason to act now, consider this: What if you need additional documents to apply for Real ID or a passport? You may need to order a certified birth certificate from the state where you were born in order to apply for a Real ID or passport.

The good news is that the 2024 Legislature authorized DMV to hire 26 staff to work in field offices exclusively for Real ID transactions. In a few months we’ll have them hired and trained, and we’ll be opening many more appointment slots to accommodate customers’ needs.

If your Oregon driver license or ID card is expiring, get the Real ID option when you renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Whether renewing or replacing, you must apply in person to qualify for Real ID. You cannot do it online. You also must bring more documents than for a standard license renewal.

Find out more at oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/realidtraveler.aspx