Press Release
May 6, 2025
REAL ID Enforcement Begins: Service Oklahoma Continues to Support Travelers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY—Starting tomorrow, travelers nationwide must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another TSA-accepted form of identification to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities, as federal enforcement of the REAL ID Act officially takes effect. Service Oklahoma continues to support Oklahomans with REAL ID services statewide.
REAL ID by the Numbers (as of May 5)
- 1,560,548 active REAL ID-compliant credentials
- 3,474,643 total active credentials
- 44.9% statewide compliance rate
Service Oklahoma is reminding residents that while May 7 is the start of enforcement, it is not a deadline to apply. REAL ID credentials remain available at all Service Oklahoma Licensing and Exam locations and licensed operators (also known as tag agents) across the state.
“Tomorrow marks the start of federal enforcement, but Oklahomans can still apply for a REAL ID at any time,” said Diedra O’Neil, Chief Executive of Strategy & Operations at Service Oklahoma. “With more than 270 locations statewide, evening and weekend appointments and online tools to guide you through each step, we’ve worked to make this process convenient, clear and available when you're ready."
What to know before applying for a REAL ID?
While a REAL ID is not required in Oklahoma, residents may wish to apply for one to avoid disruptions when traveling or entering certain federal facilities.
- Paper temporary licenses are not accepted for air travel. REAL ID credentials are mailed and typically arrive within 10 to 14 business days.
- REAL ID is only required for domestic flights, access to certain federal buildings or military bases, and participation in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR.
- A standard Oklahoma license is still valid for driving, voting and general ID usewithin the state.
What if you’re flying soon but haven’t received your REAL ID?
If you have not yet applied for a REAL ID and do not have a valid U.S. passport or another TSA-accepted form of identification, Service Oklahoma recommends visiting a nearby location soon to complete the application process. Be sure to use the REAL ID Checklist to confirm you bring all required documents.
If you have already applied but your REAL ID hasn’t arrived by mail before your scheduled flight, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers the following guidance:
- Arrive at the airport early — at least three hours before your departure.
- Bring multiple forms of ID, such as:
- Your current Oklahoma driver license or ID
- The temporary paper credential received at REAL ID issuance (Note: TSA does not accept this alone)
- Additional proof of identity, such as a birth certificate
- Prepare for extra screening. TSA may require additional security checks and reserves the right to deny access if identity cannot be verified.
Passengers without a REAL ID or acceptable alternative may experience delays, additional screening or denial of entry at TSA checkpoints. For more, visit the Department of Homeland Security REAL ID page or the TSA Contact Center.
Ready to apply for a REAL ID but want options?
To support travelers ahead of busy summer and fall travel, Service Oklahoma has added evening and weekend appointment options at select locations throughout May. These expanded hours are in addition to the walk-in service available at all Service Oklahoma Licensing and Exam locations during regular business hours.
Customers are encouraged to use the online waitlist at service.ok.gov/locations to check current wait times and plan their visit. With more than 270 locations statewide offering REAL ID services and 95% of Oklahomans living within 20 miles of a service site, help is always close by.
For a personalized REAL ID checklist, document requirements or to find a location with walk-in or after-hours appointment options that work best for you, visit service.ok.gov/REALID.
Service Oklahoma: Oklahomans Helping Oklahomans
Service Oklahoma's mission is to ease the stress of navigating government services while providing a best-in-class customer experience. Service Oklahoma provides driver license and motor vehicle services on behalf of the state both online and in-person. Service Oklahoma’s partnership with licensed operators (formerly tag agents) provides essential services in all 77 counties at 270+ locations across the state.
Emily Hill
Service Oklahoma
Senior Director of Communications
media@service.ok.gov
service.ok.gov