Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued ID cards and driver licenses

Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant driver license or ID card to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Oregon's DMV issues Real ID licenses and cards that meet this standard. The difference between a standard Oregon license and a Real ID license is the documents you bring when you explore — not the card itself once you have it.

A Real ID license looks like a regular Oregon driver license but has a small star in the upper right corner. You do not have to get one, but if you fly domestically or visit a federal courthouse, military base, or nuclear power plant, you will need either a Real ID license, a passport, a passport card, or a military ID.

Oregon DMV processes Real ID applications at all driver license offices. The process takes about 30 minutes if you bring all required documents. You cannot renew a Real ID license online or by mail — you must appear in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Oregon residency, and proof of legal presence in the United States.
  • A passport or passport card counts as proof of identity and legal presence at the same time, so you may need fewer documents if you have one.
  • Oregon DMV will not accept a photocopy of your Social Security card — you must bring the original or a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 or tax return.
  • If your name has changed since you were born, you must bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Proof of Identity Documents Oregon DMV Accepts

You must bring one document from this list. The document must be current (not expired) and show your photograph and signature.

  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • Enhanced driver license from another state
  • Military ID card (current or expired within 5 years)
  • Permanent resident card (green card)
  • Tribal ID card (if issued by a federally recognized tribe)
  • Foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa

If you do not have any of these, Oregon DMV will accept two documents from a secondary list: a state ID card from another state, a school or work ID with a photograph, a certified birth certificate, or a marriage certificate. You will also need to bring a document that shows your signature, such as a utility bill or bank statement.

Proof of Social Security Number

You must bring one original document that shows your Social Security number. Oregon DMV will not accept a photocopy, even if it is certified. The document does not have to be current.

  • Social Security card (original)
  • W-2 form or 1099 form
  • Tax return (federal or state)
  • Earnings statement or pay stub
  • Bank statement showing direct deposit
  • IRS letter or notice

If you do not have your Social Security number, you can explore for one at your local Social Security office before you go to the DMV. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency to Social Security, and they will issue you a number and a card.

Proof of Oregon Residency

You must bring one document that shows your current Oregon address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days or show an expiration date in the future.

  • Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Mortgage statement or property tax bill
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Insurance policy or insurance bill
  • Government check or benefit statement
  • Letter from a government agency

If you have just moved to Oregon and do not yet have a document dated within the last 60 days, bring a lease or rental agreement and a document from your previous state showing your old address. Oregon DMV will accept this combination as proof that you have moved.

Proof of Legal Presence in the United States

You must bring one document that shows you are legally present in the United States. If you bring a U.S. passport, passport card, or permanent resident card, that document counts as both proof of identity and proof of legal presence — you do not need a separate document.

  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • Permanent resident card (green card)
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  • Arrival/Departure record (Form I-94)
  • Visa with passport
  • Tribal ID card (if issued by a federally recognized tribe)

If you are a U.S. citizen and do not have a passport, bring your certified birth certificate or naturalization papers. If you were born outside the United States and became a citizen through naturalization, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or your passport.

What to Do If Your Name Has Changed

If your name is different now than it was at birth, you must bring a document that proves the change. Oregon DMV will not issue a Real ID license without this document.

  • Marriage certificate (certified copy)
  • Divorce decree (certified copy)
  • Court order for name change (certified copy)
  • Adoption papers (certified copy)

A certified copy means the document has been stamped or signed by the court or agency that issued it. A photocopy you made yourself is not certified. If you need a certified copy, contact the county clerk's office or the court that issued the original document — they can mail you a certified copy for a small fee, usually between $5 and $15.

What Happens at the DMV Office

Bring all your documents to any Oregon DMV driver license office. You will fill out an process form (Form DL 43), have your photograph taken, and pay the fee. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license: $82 for an eight-year license, or $41 for a four-year license if you are over 50.

The DMV staff will verify your documents and check your information against federal databases. If everything matches, you will receive your Real ID license on the spot. If there is a problem — for example, if your name does not match across documents — the staff will tell you what to fix before you leave.

Bring the original documents, not photocopies. The DMV will not accept scans or digital images. If you are renewing a license that is about to expire, you can explore for a Real ID at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Oregon DMV requires proof of your Social Security number to issue a Real ID license. If you do not have a number, you can explore for one at your local Social Security office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, and Social Security will issue you a number and a card. This usually takes about two weeks.

What if I was born outside the United States but I am a U.S. citizen?

Bring your Certificate of Naturalization, your passport, or a certified copy of your birth certificate from the country where you were born plus your naturalization papers. If you have a U.S. passport, that is the easiest option because it counts as both proof of identity and proof of legal presence.

Do I have to get a Real ID, or can I keep a standard license?

You do not have to get a Real ID. You can keep a standard Oregon driver license. However, starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license, passport, passport card, or military ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you do not fly or visit federal buildings, a standard license is fine.

How long does it take to get a Real ID license?

You receive your Real ID license on the same day you explore, as long as your documents are in order and you pass the verification check. The process takes about 30 minutes at the DMV office. You do not have to wait for anything to arrive in the mail.

What if my documents do not match my current name?

You must bring a certified copy of the document that proves your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. Without this, Oregon DMV cannot issue a Real ID license. If your documents show different versions of your name (for example, "Robert" on one and "Bob" on another), bring a document that shows both names or explains the change.