College students flying back to school should consider getting REAL ID now

Flying back to school? Consider adding REAL ID to your Oregon driver's license or ID card now

For more information, contact Chris Crabb, [email protected], 971-304-9705

SALEM -- As college students head back to school, many will travel by plane. If you plan on flying within the U.S., consider adding REAL ID to your driver's license or identification card now. Starting May 7, 2025, anyone 18 or older must show federally accepted identification for flights within the U.S. An Oregon-issued driver's license or identification card with the REAL ID option meets these requirements.

"We encourage Oregonians to apply for REAL ID sooner than later," said Oregon DMV Administrator Amy Joyce. "Our field offices expect a surge of DMV customers who want REAL ID in 2025 and may wait until the last minute. If you get your REAL ID now, you'll avoid crowds and relax knowing you've got what you need when the Transportation Security Administration deadline arrives."

A REAL ID is similar to a standard driver's license or ID but requires you to visit a DMV office with extra documents proving your identity, date of birth, address and U.S. status. An Oregon REAL ID driver's license or ID card has a star in the upper right corner. There are federally accepted alternatives to a REAL ID license or ID card, like a U.S. passport or passport card. Find out what other types of ID the TSA will accept at airports at tsa.gov.

After DMV approval, you'll receive a temporary paper card until your REAL ID plastic card arrives in the mail - this can take about two weeks. TSA will not accept the paper card, so make sure you have REAL ID before booking a flight. The REAL ID option costs $30 every time you renew, plus the fee for an original, renewal or replacement driver's license or ID card.

Before you visit DMV, check our online guide to see that you have all the documents you need. Make an appointment to visit a DMV office or walk in with your documents.

Remember, a REAL ID is only required for U.S. flights. You'll still need a passport for trips outside the U.S., including Canada and Mexico.

Learn more about REAL ID in Oregon at oregon.gov/realid. Learn more about federal requirements for REAL ID at dhs.gov/real-id.

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About Oregon DMV

Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services promotes driver safety, protects financial and ownership interests in vehicles, and collects revenue to finance Oregon's transportation system. The DMV's 59 field offices serve about 10,000 customers daily, while the dmv2u.oregon.gov website receives more than one million visitors monthly.

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