Oregon DMV’s 58 statewide field offices are experiencing record-high volumes of traffic in advance of the REAL ID enforcement date. Starting May 7, passengers 18 and older must show a state-issued REAL ID or a federally acceptable alternative, like a passport or military ID, at the Transportation Security Administration security checkpoint to board a commercial U.S. flight.
“Many of our offices are slammed right now, and a significant number of all transactions are REAL ID,” said Oregon DMV Administrator Amy Joyce. “May 7 is when enforcement begins, but if you don’t have a planned U.S. flight anytime soon, consider waiting until your credential expires or use a passport if you have one. If you have a transaction other than REAL ID, there’s a good chance you can complete it online at DMV2U, at a DMV Express kiosk, by phone or by mail.”
Wait times are shorter for everyone when more customers take advantage of out-of-office options. Below are common DMV transactions and ways to complete them outside of a DMV office:
- Add emergency contacts to your driving record (mail, online).
- Address change for businesses – on letterhead (mail).
- Address change for individuals (phone, online).
- Apply for or renew a hardship license (mail, online).
- Ask DMV a question (phone, online).
- Ask to have a title, registration, or driver’s license/ID resent if it hasn’t been received within an appropriate timeframe (phone).
- Check status of recently issued license/ID/permit (phone, online).
- Determine REAL ID requirements (phone, online).
- Online knowledge test for non-commercial and motorcycle - links to third party site (online).
- Pay reinstatement fee (mail, online).
- Pay remaining balance for incorrect title fees – if DMV has all other requirements (mail, online).
- Purchase and print a driving record (online).
- Purchase annual sno-park permit – will be mailed (mail, online).
- Purchase trip permit – will be mailed (mail, online).
- Renew or replace a credential through the Valid with Previous Photo Process – eligibility required (mail).
- Renew or replace an existing credential – eligibility required (online).
- Renew vehicle registration (kiosk, mail, online).
- Replace registration card, year stickers or license plates (mail, online).
- Report a collision (mail, online).
- Reprint a receipt from an online transaction (online).
- Request a driving record or other DMV records (mail).
- Request a hearing or administrative review (mail, online).
- Request no-fee month registration stickers (phone, online).
- Schedule an appointment – including rescheduling and canceling (phone, online).
- Start a title pre-application including calculating transaction fees (online).
- Submit a dealer or dismantler complaint (mail, online).
- Submit a notice of vehicle sale (phone, online).
- Transfer a title and obtain registration for the first time (mail).
- Verify status of license, valid or suspended, or if ignition interlock is needed (phone, online).
Recommendations for people needing a REAL ID in the immediate future
Oregon DMV has added a significant number of REAL ID appointments to help people looking to update their credential and has hired several REAL ID temps at different field offices. Staff from Salem headquarters continue to voluntarily deploy to offices to help with tasks. Still, customers may experience longer lines and wait times than normal. Oregon DMV recommends people make sure they’re bringing the correct documents to avoid a return trip.
“The most common mistake we see with REAL ID is people not bringing in the correct documents, including one proof of identity and two proofs of your home address from two different sources,” said Joyce. “You also need to provide proof of lawful U.S. status and know your Social Security number or provide proof you are not eligible for one. We strongly encourage people to use our documents guide in advance to help them create a checklist of the right documents to bring.”
Finally, build-in three weeks to your travel schedule. That’s how long it can take for your REAL ID to arrive in the mail following your visit, and TSA will not accept the temporary paper ID you receive at DMV.
Since Oregon’s REAL ID option became available in July 2020, about 37% of the state’s 3.7 million credential holders have upgraded to a REAL ID, while 46% have chosen a standard “Not for REAL ID Purposes” credential. The REAL ID option costs $30 in addition to regular issuance fees every time you apply for an original, renewal or replacement driver’s license, permit or ID card.
For more information, visit Oregon.gov/REALID.
Source: DMV