OKLAHOMA CITY - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today joined with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety to update Oklahomans on the status of REAL ID in their state. Starting Oct. 1, 2020, travelers in all U.S. states will need a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card or another acceptable form of identification to board a flight at all U.S. airports.
Oklahoma will begin issuing REAL IDs April 30, 2020 in select locations, with full statewide implementation by the end of August. The REAL ID licenses and ID cards will have a white star cutout in a gold background, located in the upper right-hand corner of the card.
“TSA is partnering with state Departments of Motor Vehicles and Departments of Public Safety to remind passengers that they will need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification to board a plane starting Oct. 1, 2020,” said TSA Spokesperson Carrie Harmon. “If a passenger is unable to get a REAL ID in Oklahoma by the deadline, they can bring another form of acceptable ID, such as a passport or US military ID, to the TSA security checkpoint.”
For a complete list of acceptable IDs, go to https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification. A REAL ID also will be required to gain access to secure federal facilities, including military bases, nuclear facilities and some federal offices starting Oct. 1, 2020.
Signs are currently posted at OKC and airports around the country reminding the public of the deadline. In addition, TSA Transportation Security Officers are advising passengers at the checkpoints about REAL ID requirements.
“We know Oklahomans are anxious for our state to become REAL ID compliant. Achieving this goal is the number one priority of DPS, and we are on track to begin issuing REAL IDs beginning April 30, 2020 in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa Metro areas, with full statewide implementation by the end of August,” said Oklahoma Depart of Public Safety Commissioner, John Scully. “We want citizens to be armed with as much information as possible so each individual can determine their need for a REAL ID as well as the documents that will be required to obtain that REAL ID. We intend to make this process as streamlined as possible so as not to interrupt the travel plans of any Oklahoman.”
Oklahomans will be able to get a REAL ID at select locations in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas beginning April 30, 2020. The goal is to have full statewide implementation by the end of August. Oklahomans will be able to renew their driver’s licenses at both DPS and tag agent facilities. If it is an original DL, that will have to be done at a DPS facility. If a citizen opts to get a REAL ID before their current license expires, that new REAL ID card will be considered a replacement and you’ll only have to pay the replacement cost. You will still have to bring in all applicable documents.
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act complies with the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes, such as at airport security checkpoints. The regulations established the deadline of October 1, 2020, to ensure full enforcement of the REAL ID Act. States have made considerable progress in meeting this key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission.
More information and Frequently Asked Questions about REAL ID in Oklahoma can be found at www.realid.ok.gov. For more information about REAL ID nationwide, go to https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs.