‘We will not be turning people away’: Travelers without a REAL ID can still fly; we pay a visit to Redmond Airport
Jillian Fortner
(update: adding video, comments from Redmond Airport, TSA, travelers)
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The long-postponed REAL ID deadline has officially taken effect.
Travelers as of Wednesday are now required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, a valid passport, or another form of federally approved identification to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities.
If you don’t have the proper form of identification, the Transportation Security Administration says you can still board your flight for now – but expect delays.
“They could be directed to a separate area. They could receive additional screening. So we’re asking people, if you’re not prepared for REAL ID enforcement, arrive a little bit early to make sure you have time to make it through the security checkpoint,” said Lorie Dankers, TSA spokesperson for Oregon.
TSA officials are not expecting any extended wait times for those who have their Real ID.
Travelers at the Redmond Airport told KTVZ News Thursday that things seem to be running smoothly.
“I flew from Chicago to Salt Lake to here, and it was really easy,” traveler Sarah Bradford said.
Redmond Airport officials say only a few passengers have shown up without proper identification.
“There have been a few passengers today that were not compliant,” said Jodi Low, Redmond Airport’s administrative supervisor. “They were able to be screened by TSA and go on with their flight with no problem and no delay.”
REAL ID driver’s licenses are marked with a star in the upper right-hand corner.
The Oregon Department of Transportation released this notice today:
SALEM — After years of being put on standby, the federal REAL ID enforcement date has arrived at the gate. Starting today, passengers 18 and older must show a state-issued REAL ID or a federally acceptable alternative – like a passport, permanent resident card or military ID – at the TSA security checkpoint to board a commercial U.S. flight.
Governor Kotek declared May 7 as REAL ID Day in Oregon, stating that the purpose of REAL ID is to make U.S. identity documents more consistent and secure.
According to TSA, passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.Oregon is currently at 38.1% compliance, with 1.4 million REAL ID credential holders. Another 46% have a non-compliant license, permit or identification marked, “Not for REAL ID Act.”Since the beginning of 2025, Oregon DMV already has issued more than 225,000 REAL IDs, which, in recent weeks, have accounted for 76% of in-office credential issuances and led to record high traffic in the agency’s 58 field offices.
“The 2017 Oregon State Legislature authorized Oregon DMV to issue credentials that meet requirements of the federal REAL ID Act,” said Oregon DMV Administrator Amy Joyce. “In the eight years since and over the course of three enforcement extensions, our focus has been to inform and educate Oregonians about REAL ID so they can choose the ID that works best for them. Our staff has worked tirelessly, especially in the last few months leading to this date, to help as many residents as possible meet the deadline. I’m incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication to public service.”
In advance of today’s enforcement date, Oregon DMV added a significant number of REAL ID appointments and hired several REAL ID temps to assist at field offices. With busy travel months still ahead, we anticipate seeing longer lines and wait times well into the summer.
To get a REAL ID, you must visit a DMV office and bring original documents that prove your identity, date of birth, home address (two proofs of address from two different sources) and lawful status in the U.S. All documents must be original or certified copies. You will also have to provide your Social Security number, or proof that you are not eligible for one. DMV offers an online documents guide to help you create a checklist of what you’ll need to bring.
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. It can take up to three weeks for the REAL ID to arrive in the mail, and TSA will not accept the temporary paper ID you receive at DMV.
For more information, visit Oregon.gov/REALID.