Oregon Completes REAL ID Driver's License Availability Throughout the United States

WASHINGTON, July 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Keeping IDentities Safe, a Washington D.C. based non-profit, congratulates Oregon Department of Transportation, Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV) Administrator Tom McClellan for the successful upgrade to an ultra-modern driver's license processing system which meets the REAL ID security requirements.

Beginning Monday, July 6^th Oregon DMV accepts applications for REAL ID driver's licenses or state issued IDs.  The new DMV system greatly expands the availability of on-line services to Oregon residents, which will help the state maintain driver services despite the continuing constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic.   

Brian Zimmer, President of Keeping IDentities Safe said: "Oregon's new availability of REAL ID compliant identity documents marks a major benchmark in the nationwide adoption of REAL ID security standards for driver's license issuance. Conforming to the 41 requirements of the REAL ID Act rule has been challenging to many state driver's license administrators, and Oregon's accomplishment in the many improvements necessary for REAL ID is complimented by the upgrades to the DMV website."

Mr. Zimmer also noted: "Every state and all major territories are finally on board with the 2005 REAL ID Act requirements. Oregon is the last state to begin issuing REAL ID compliant driver's licenses. Oregon is also joining the nationwide 'State to State' identity verification system, operated by a consortium of states authorized by the REAL ID Act and federal rule. The progress of REAL ID through the states has been guided by the effective involvement of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, which also has set a fast pace of systems modernization to support the states. Oregon completed a top to bottom new system installation just in time for the July 6^th REAL ID availability, so many DMV services can be handled online, and real time updating of driver's license records occurs. While REAL ID DMV requirements are aimed at improving air travel safety and the prevention of terrorist violence in airports, the security of these vital records from hackers or foreign espionage has also been improved.

Despite the setbacks to REAL ID applicants in many states due to COVID-19 restrictions and office closings, the percentage of U.S. residents that now possess a compliant driver's license is moving steadily toward 40%.  It's predictable that the next benchmark of 50% of eligible residents will be reached by January 1, 2021, leaving another nine months before the airport enforcement deadline on October 1, 2021. From my point of view, we can now see the glass becoming half full on our way to a majority of Americans carrying a REAL ID in their wallet."

After October 1, 2021 people presenting driver's licenses or state issued IDs marked as non-compliant with REAL ID issuance requirements will need to present alternative proofs of identity, such as passports or Enhanced Drivers' Licenses when boarding commercial airline flights, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Keeping IDentities Safe (KIDS), DBA Coalition for a Secure Driver's License (CSDL) is a 501 (c) (3) non-partisan, not for profit, crime prevention, educational charity, supported by donor contributions from across the United States. Our slogan, "Working to protect the identity of every American" embodies our commitment to higher standards for both government and private entities that issue identity credentials.

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SOURCE Keeping IDentities Safe