What is a REAL ID?

REAL IDs cannot be expedited. Credentials typically arrive by mail within 10–14 days after your visit. We recommend applying for your REAL ID at least 30 days before any planned air travel to allow for delivery and avoid delays.

Your license or State ID is considered valid. It

can be used for driving, voting and general identification, as applicable. It’s not a fake or invalid ID—it just isn’t accepted for federal purposes like boarding a commercial flight or entering certain federal buildings. However, it will not have a gold star marked in the upper-right hand corner. If you plan to fly domestically, a REAL ID is recommended.

If your credential has "Not for REAL ID Purposes":

• It does not meet the new federal security standards
• You cannot use to board domestic flights starting after the new May 7, 2025 deadline
• You cannot use to enter military bases, secure federal facilities, or nuclear power plants starting May 7, 2025
• You can still use it as a form of identification and driving privileges (if applicable)

You can visit your local Social Security office to obtain a Social Security card.

You can request a new birth certificate by visiting the Oklahoma State Department of Health website.
 

Unacceptable birth certificates include:

• Footprint keepsakes
• Hospital birth certificate or record
• Birth registration forms
• Abstracts of Birth, unless the abstract is issued on secure document paper and contain the following statement: “I hereby certify that this abstract of birth facts has been provided to this office by the Dept. of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, from a document officially in its custody.”

A REAL ID is a new form of identification that has its own federal documentation requirements. Even if you previously submitted your proof of identity documents to Service Oklahoma for a Driver License or State ID card, you must do so again in order to meet federal REAL ID application requirements. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

No. You must visit a Service Oklahoma Licensing Office or Licensed Operator in person to apply for a REAL ID for the first time. You will need to show documentation proving your identity and Oklahoma residency.  Visit Service Oklahoma's Real ID Checklist  to understand the documents you must bring to your visit.

Your REAL ID will typically arrive in the mail 10-14 days after your visit. You will be provided with a temporary paper copy to keep with you until it arrives. This paper temporary will not be accepted as a form of REAL ID by TSA, therefore we highly suggest applying for your REAL ID at least 4 weeks prior to your planned travel.

Sometimes. If you don’t have a REAL ID or other acceptable ID, TSA may still let you through security — but only if you can pass an identity check. This might include an interview and questions about your personal information. Be prepared for extra screening.

If your ID is expired, TSA may accept it if it expired less than a year ago and is one of the approved forms of ID.
 

To avoid delays, TSA recommends arriving at least three hours early if you don’t have acceptable ID.
 

For the most up to date information, visit TSA's Security Screening page.

No. According to the TSA, a temporary driver's license or ID is not an acceptable form of identification for flying. For the most up to date information, visit TSA's Security Screening page.

Customers should apply at least four weeks before any planned air travel. It takes 10–14 days for the permanent card to arrive by mail.

We recommend getting your REAL ID at least 4 weeks before you plan to fly domestically within the U.S. or visit a place like a federal courthouse. This gives enough time to process your request and receive your card.

Yes, you provided a single document (e.g., REAL ID from another state, updated passport or court order) that clearly shows the connection between you primary identity document and the current name you want on their REAL ID.

Yes, lawfully present non-citizens are eligible. This includes:

• Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders)
• DACA or TPS recipients
• Individuals with valid student or work visas
• Refugees and asylees

To qualify, you must provide proof of lawful status (e.g., visa, I-94), in addition to other standard REAL ID requirements.

Yes. A valid military ID is accepted by TSA for air travel after the deadline. However, you may still choose to obtain a REAL ID on your state Driver License or ID card for convenience.

TSA accepts IDs from federally recognized tribes. If your ID cannot be scanned by technology, you will be asked for a secondary ID that can be scanned. If you do not have a second ID, your Tribal ID will be inspected manually and cross-referenced with the Federal Register. Visit Security Screening – Identification for all acceptable forms of IDs. View a list of federally recognized tribes here.

No. REAL ID verifies identity and legal presence, but it does not prove U.S. citizenship.

No, not for international cruises. Passports are still required for international sea travel.

Your residential address. P.O. Boxes are not allowed on REAL ID-compliant cards unless you are an ACP card holder. If you receive mail at a P.O. Box, it can still be used for mailing the card but not as the printed address.

Yes, we encourage anyone who has a REAL ID to renew online and save time and travel to a location!

No. TSA does not require children under 18 to present identification when traveling domestically with an accompanying adult. However, it’s still recommended to issue a REAL ID to minors, since they are eligible to use two proofs of residency in their parent or legal guardian’s name.