We understand that many of you are itching to travel again and trying to anticipate what your first trip will look like in the post-coronavirus world. JGP wanted to provide a reminder that if you have not already, we recommend applying for the new Real ID to make sure you are ready to travel when restrictions are lifted. The deadline for the REAL ID has been extended to October 1, 2021, but given high demand, we suggest you set up your appointments well in advance of travel. We also recommend considering TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. We have included additional information on how to apply below.

How Can I Travel If I Don’t Have My REAL ID?

The Department of Homeland Security is extending the deadline to get your REAL ID until October 1, 2021. All air travelers, age 18 years or older, will need a REAL ID driver’s license or another form of ID to fly within the United States after October 1, 2021. (1)

You can identify REAL ID licenses by the star in the upper corner of the card. If you do not have a REAL ID before October 1, 2021, you can still travel but will need to present a valid passport or military ID to fly within the United States.

How Do I Get My REAL ID In Oregon?

At this time, Oregonians are not required to get a REAL ID but do have the option. To get a REAL ID, Oregonians should set up an appointment through the Oregon DMV’s website by going to https://www.oregon.gov/odot/DMV/Pages/DriverID/Index.aspx and selecting “Renew Your Driver License or Permit.”

Appointment availability could be a month or so out, so we recommend setting an appointment about two months ahead of travel. Plan to bring the following to the DMV on the date of your appointment:

U.S. birth certificate or passport
Social Security card, a W2 form, a 1099 form, or paystub
Two proofs of residence address (a piece of mail, Oregon vehicle title, medical, etc.)

On your appointment date, show up to the DMV 15 minutes prior to your appointment and remember to wear a mask covering your nose and mouth. A representative from the DMV will request that you pull a number and you will approach the service desk when your number is called. They will collect your information and have you take a new license photograph.

The total cost for the REAL ID in Oregon is $30.00 at this time. Upon completion of your appointment, the DMV will issue you a temporary paper driver’s license and your permanent license will arrive in the mail after 7-10 days.

How do I get my REAL ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in Washington?

In Washington, an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) is considered an acceptable alternative to REAL IDs. An EDL costs $113 for a new license or $4 per year for the time remaining on your existing Washington driver’s license if you would like to upgrade it. The EDL allows you to travel by air within the United States. In addition, you can travel to Mexico, Canada, and some Caribbean countries without a passport as long as you don’t travel by plane. This license is valid for up to six (6) years.

EDLs can be issued to any qualified driver at least 16 years or older. (2)

The main distinguishing factor of the EDL versus the REAL ID is that EDL does not have a star on the upper corner of the license. Instead, it can be identified by an American flag on the ID, a pink banner at the top of the ID, or the words “Enhanced Driver’s License” on the ID.

To get an EDL, make an appointment by going to Washington’s DOL website, https://www.dol.wa.gov/onlinesvcs.html. Appointment availability could be a month or so out, so we recommend setting an appointment about two months ahead of travel. Plan to bring the following to the DOL on the date of your appointment:

U.S. birth certificate or passport
A valid driver’s license or passport
Social Security card, a W2 form, a 1099 form, or paystub
One piece to prove residence address (a piece of mail, Washington vehicle title, medical or health benefits card, etc.)
Proof of every time you have legally changed your name since birth, if applicable (marriage certificate)

On your appointment date, show up to the DOL 15 minutes prior to your appointment and remember to wear a mask covering your nose and mouth. A representative from the DOL will call you to the customer service desk, they will collect your information and have you take a new license photograph.

Where can I find information on REAL ID for other states?

Please visit the Department of Homeland Security website at https://www.dhs.gov/real-id to find additional information on your state’s requirements for the REAL ID.

How do I obtain TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck provides you with the opportunity to save time at the airport through expedited security screening and U.S. customs screen for international travelers when entering the United States by plane. For those interested in applying for TSA PreCheck, you can do so on-line at https://www.tsa.gov/precheck.

Here are the steps to receiving TSA PreCheck:

Submit a short application online and schedule an appointment at an enrollment center. The majority of enrollment centers remain open amidst COVID-19.
At your appointment, they will run a background check and take your fingerprints. This is estimated to take 10-15 minutes. Remember to bring your driver’s license and an additional document showing proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, etc.).
Upon receiving confirmation of completion, add your Traveler Number to your ticket for all future travel.

The total cost is $85 for a five year membership.

How do I obtain Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI?

Global Entry saves time for travelers by allowing them to use self-service kiosks or E-gates when returning to the United States via airplane, vehicle, or marine entry after traveling abroad. Global Entry is currently used at 75 airports and includes TSA PreCheck for travelers. It costs $100 for a five year membership.

NEXUS allows accelerated entrance into the United States or Canada via vehicle, marine entry, or airplane. NEXUS includes TSA PreCheck and costs $50 for a five year membership. Both U.S. citizens and Canadian citizens are eligible.

SENTRI offers expedited access into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico via airplane and vehicle. It includes TSA PreCheck and costs $122.50 for a five year membership. Only U.S. citizens are eligible.

To apply for Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI, do the following steps:

Apply online with a short application at https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/.
Schedule and attend an in-person appointment at one of the many enrollment centers.
Receive membership information to be used for future travel.

To find the program that best fits your needs, please visit the Trusted Traveler Homeland Security page at https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/.

What are the current travel restrictions?

Due to COVID-19, countries around the globe are requiring specific documentation and quarantine restrictions for all travelers. For a full list of country travel restrictions, please visit: https://us.trip.com/travel-restrictions-covid-19/?locale=en-US. Additionally, the CDC has created an on-line page reflecting their assessed risk of travel destinations. We recommend consulting prior to booking travel.

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(1) https://www.tsa.gov/real-id

(2) https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/edlget.html