Oregon receives Real ID Act extension through October 2018

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Driver licenses, ID cards continue to be accepted for domestic air travel

The Department of Homeland Security has given Oregon another extension for compliance with the federal Real ID Act. Oregon-issued driver licenses, instruction permits and identification cards will continue to be accepted at airports for the purpose of accessing federal facilities where individuals are required to present an identification document for access through at least Oct. 10, 2018.

Because Oregon is working to comply with the federal law, the state will likely qualify for additional extensions until it can begin to offer Real ID Act-compliant driver licenses, instruction permits and ID cards. Oregon is targeting July 2020 to begin offering compliant cards as a new option for customers.

The most common federal use of state-issued ID is for air travel. Starting Jan. 22, 2018, the Transportation Safety Administration will require Real ID Act-compliant identification or state-issued ID from states with exceptions, like Oregon, for boarding commercial aircraft for domestic flights.

BACKGROUND

Oregon already meets the majority of Real ID requirements. The primary changes remaining include:

  • Scanning and storing documents customers submit to prove identity and lawful presence in the U.S.;
  • Verifying some of those documents such as passports through federal systems; and
  • Verifying the applicant doesn’t have a current license or ID card in another state.

The way Oregon issues cards, and the cards themselves, are already very secure. DMV verifies legal presence and identity, uses facial recognition to guard against identity fraud, and has multiple security features embedded in the cards. However, DMV does not store copies of customers’ identity documents, and does not use some national electronic verification systems created for Real ID.

Oregon DMV is in the early stages of a multi-year project to update its computer systems and business processes. The new driver license and ID card system will include the Real ID Act-compliant card option.

For more information about DMV’s Service Transformation Program, visit http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/pages/STP/STP_Information.aspx.

 

MORE ON REAL ID ACT

Under the Real ID Act, identification from a state that is in compliance with the act or has an extension for compliance, or another form of ID acceptable for federal purposes, is required to access certain federal facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, military bases and nuclear power plants.

The requirement does not include entering the public areas of a federal building or other federal facility where identification is not required for access. There is no requirement to show a Real ID Act-compliant ID to enter a federal facility for accessing health or life-preserving services (including hospitals and health clinics), law enforcement (including participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations), or to participate in constitutionally protected activities (including a defendant’s or spectator’s access to court proceedings and access by jurors or potential jurors), to vote or register to vote, or to apply for or receive federal benefits.

For details on the Act, visit the DHS website: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.