Oregon to Offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses for Real ID Compliance
In response to the federal Real ID Act passed in 2005, the state of Oregon has announced that it will begin issuing enhanced driver’s licenses (EDLs) to residents who want a more secure form of identification. The Real ID Act was passed in an effort to improve the security of state-issued identification cards, including driver’s licenses, in order to prevent terrorism and identity theft.
Starting next year, Oregon residents will have the option to upgrade their regular driver’s license to an enhanced driver’s license for an additional fee. The EDLs will include additional security features, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that will allow border agents to quickly verify the cardholder’s identity when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean.
“We are excited to offer our residents the option to upgrade to an enhanced driver’s license,” said Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles spokesperson, Sarah Johnson. “This will provide an added layer of security for those who frequently travel to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean and need to cross the border quickly and easily.”
The enhanced driver’s license will also include a gold star in the upper right-hand corner, indicating that the holder has provided the necessary documentation to prove their identity and legal presence in the United States. This will make it easier for residents to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities without having to show additional forms of identification.
In order to obtain an enhanced driver’s license, applicants will need to provide additional documentation, such as a certified copy of their birth certificate, proof of their Social Security number, and two documents showing their Oregon residency. The cost for upgrading to an EDL will be $30 on top of the regular driver’s license fee.
The implementation of EDLs in Oregon comes as the state works to comply with the Real ID Act, which requires all states to issue secure and federally compliant forms of identification by October 2020. Without a Real ID-compliant form of identification, Oregon residents may face difficulties when boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings that require identification.
“We want to make sure that all Oregon residents have access to a secure and federally compliant form of identification,” said Johnson. “By offering enhanced driver’s licenses, we are giving our residents the option to upgrade to a more secure form of identification that will make their travels easier and more convenient.”
While the enhanced driver’s licenses will not be mandatory for Oregon residents, they are highly recommended for those who frequently travel to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, as well as for those who want to ensure they have a Real ID-compliant form of identification.
Oregon residents who are interested in upgrading to an enhanced driver’s license can start the application process by visiting their local DMV office. The DMV will begin issuing EDLs in January 2021, giving residents plenty of time to upgrade before the Real ID compliance deadline in October 2020.
Overall, the introduction of enhanced driver’s licenses in Oregon is a positive step towards ensuring the security and convenience of residents who need a secure and federally compliant form of identification. By offering residents the option to upgrade to an EDL, the state is making it easier for Oregonians to travel domestically and internationally without having to worry about the security of their identification.
