If you're planning to pop into the Lincoln City DMV today, you're out of luck. The office located at 4422 N.E. Devils Lake Blvd. is unexpectedly closed due to staffing issues. For those in a pinch, the DMV recommends checking out their real-time office closures and exploring the possibility of completing services online at DMV2U—potentially saving you a drive and saving you the frustration of a shuttered office.

In the coming months, keep in mind that the DMV isn't just about long waits and license renewals; it's about compliance with federal law. Beginning May 7, anyone aged 18 and over will need to flash a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport, to board commercial flights within the United States, according to information from the Oregon DMV. This same ID will be your golden ticket into federal facilities that typically require higher security, such as military bases or nuclear plants.

Oregon's DMV offers both standard-issue and REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses, instruction permits, and identification cards. If your travel plans aren't on the immediate horizon, the DMV advises holding off on the REAL ID until it's time to renew your current credential. However, if an up-to-date passport is collecting dust in your drawer, that might just be your best bet for now.

The REAL ID Act is arising out of a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission, aiming to set universal standards for sources of identification. While some residents may find this impending change to be an inconvenience, the effort seeks to strengthen the integrity and security of state-issued credentials. The future is knocking, and it requires a REAL ID—or at least a passport that isn't expired.