Oregon IDs no longer accepted at airports

A change in TSA policy has some state officials worried about crowded airports next fall. Beginning next October, regular Oregon and Washington drivers’ licenses will no longer be considered sufficient identification to pass through airport screening checkpoints.

The change comes from the Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 in hopes of increasing security after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. While the TSA has postponed the accordance deadline for several states, a final deadline was set for Oct. 1, 2020. After that date, only passports, military IDs, permanent resident cards, passport cards, and enhanced drivers licenses and IDs will be accepted.

Obtaining a “Real ID” is optional in the state of Oregon and requires documented proof of identity, lawful residence, social security number, two documents proving address and legal documents from any previous name changes. This is more required documentation than a regular ID card, which only requires the filled-out application, proof of address, and proof of legal residency. While Real IDs are already available in Washington, they will not be available in Oregon until July. Oregon DMVs will offer both the current standard license and the Real ID version for a higher price.

The release date’s close proximity to Oct. 1 has worried many state officials. Tom Fuller, communications manager for the Oregon Department of Transportation, told news outlets that there is “not enough time for DMV to produce enough Real ID licenses to meet the demand of nearly a million Oregonians who are going to want one and who will need one to board a commercial flight.”

State transportation officials are recommending adults, including minors turning 18, wishing to take commercial domestic flights in the future to either obtain or renew a passport or obtain a Real ID in July.