Santa stops by Southeast Portland DMV to beat Real ID deadline

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Even Santa Claus needs a Real ID.

In mid-November, the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Driver and Motor Vehicle Services provided a reminder to drivers that this is the last holiday season before federal Real IDs will be required. Santa visited a Southeast Portland DMV office on Wednesday morning, to renew his driver’s license ahead of his Christmas gift deliveries.

“I do want to be able to travel throughout the United States and check on the naughty boys and girls — and the good boys and girls — and just be able to travel without worrying about any issues,” Santa told KOIN 6.

He is months ahead of the deadline, with new identification being required for domestic travelers over 18 starting on May 7, 2025.

The Real ID Act was initially passed in 2005, as officials were still responding to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The ID became available in Oregon in July 2020. According to ODOT, about 33% of the state’s driver’s license, instruction permit or ID card holders have since upgraded.

Real IDs feature a star inside a black circle in the upper left corner. This identification won’t be required to drive or vote in Oregon, but the Transportation Security Administration will require it for adults traveling to another state by plane.

Anyone seeking the ID should bring the required documents to a local DMV with an appointment or as a walk-in.

“At the DMV, you’ll get a temporary paper card, but TSA will not accept that, so make sure you have an acceptable form of ID before booking a flight,” ODOT said.