State-issued identification doesn't meet federal security requirements, and Oregon lawmakers are floating an idea that would have Oregonians individually pay to fix the issue.
Beginning in 2018, states must comply with the REAL ID Act.
The federal law requires states to beef up the security of their identity documents in order to access federal facilities and pass through airport security.
In 2009, Oregon lawmakers prohibited the Oregon DMV from complying with the REAL ID Act unless federal funding paid for the higher security standards.
Now, those costs may be paid directly by Oregon residents.
With next January's deadline looming, Eastern Oregon Republican Sen. Bill Hansell wants to create a two-tier system of drivers licenses.
He said one would comply with the REAL ID act, and one would not.
"I sort of envision it like a vanity license plate. If you want it, you can get it. You pay more for it and it's yours to use. That's sort of the same philosophy," Hansell said.
The Oregon DMV estimates the enhanced version of the drivers license would cost up to $20 more than the standard version.
The REAL ID compliant license would have a symbol on it to indicate it complies with the federal law.
If lawmakers don't act and the federal government doesn't extend the compliance deadline, Oregonians would not be able to use their drivers license to board a domestic airline flight starting in January.
The TSA would continue to accept some other forms of ID, including passports.
Copyright 2017 Oregon Public Broadcasting