On May 7, a Real ID will be required to board any United States commercial aircraft. 

Oregon Transportation Security Administration states that starting May 7, every person 18 years of age or older must have a real ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license to board a US aircraft. 

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, following a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that helped implement regulations around minimum security standards for identification, as well as outlining how federal agencies accept certain forms of identification. The act does not affect driver’s licenses. 

After 20 years, Oregon is officially requiring all flyers to obtain a Real ID. As explained on the Oregon TSA website, a Real ID is identifiable by having a star in the upper right corner. 

To obtain a Real ID, an appointment must be made with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Having proof of identity and name is required, through a U.S. passport or a birth certificate. Another document needed is proof of address, which can be proven through something like a rental agreement or a driver’s license. A Social Security Number is also required, unless proof is given of ineligibility for a Social Security Number. All of these items must be present at the time of the appointment. 

Other forms of identification will be accepted after May 7. This could be a US-issued passport or a US-issued passport card. 

After May 7, travellers without acceptable forms of identification can expect delays at TSA checkpoints. 

For more information on the implications of the Real ID, go to the Department of Homeland Security website.