You'll go far with the star!
No, really.
What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a Driver License or State ID with a gold star in the top right corner indictating it meets a federal minimum security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you may need a REAL ID (or a federal ID like a passport) to fly within the U.S. or to enter certain federal buildings, such as a courthouse.
Why Do I Need a REAL ID?
REAL ID is a more secure version of your state-issued driver license or ID, with standards set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Beginning May 7, 2025, a REAL ID* will be required to:
- Board a domestic flight
- Enter military bases or specific federal buildings
- Enter nuclear power plants
*Or valid federal identification document (i.e. U.S. Passport)
Additionally, programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR will require REAL ID-approved documents to enroll.
Wait, but isn’t my ID real?
Yes, but it’s not that simple. Your driver license is still a real and valid form of identification, but it is not a REAL ID because it does not meet federal security standards. Here’s how to spot the difference.
REAL ID
A REAL ID is marked by a gold star in the upper right-hand corner.
Non-REAL ID
A non-compliant ID can still be used for identification purposes and driving privileges. However, starting May 7, 2025, it may not work for flying or entering federal buildings.
A non-compliant ID does not have a gold star and may say “NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES.”
REAL IDs are Optional
You do not need a REAL ID Driver License or State ID to:
- Drive
- Vote
- Apply for or receive federal benefits to which you are entitled (Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.)
- Enter a federal facility that does not require an ID (i.e. a post office)
- Access a hospital or receive life-saving services
- Participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations (serve on a federal jury, testify in federal court, etc.)
An unexpired U.S. passport is still required for international travel, regardless of whether you have a REAL ID.
Note - In accordance with TSA Guidelines
If you attempt to fly without a REAL ID, TSA may ask for information like your name and address to verify identity. If confirmed, you may go through extra screening. If you don’t have ID, refuse to cooperate, or can’t be verified, you may not be allowed through security.
How to Obtain a REAL ID
Bring the following documents to your visit
| Documents | Examples | Requirements |
| Proof of Identity | Birth Certificate or U.S. Passport | 1 proof |
| Proof of Oklahoma Residency | Utility Bill or Credit Card Statement | 2 proofs |
| Social Security Number | Physical card not required | |
| Name Change Documents | Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, or Court Order | Required for all name changes since birth |
| Immigration or Legal Presence Documents | Permanent Resident Card or Employment Authorization Card | If applicable |
A REAL ID often only takes one more document, and it’s likely something you already have!
Use our easy online checklist to prepare for your visit.
Visit a Licensed Operator or Service Oklahoma Licensing Office
You may visit your local Licensed Operator (previously called a tag agency) to receive a REAL ID if you are a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident.
You may also view live wait times and join the waitlist at all Service Oklahoma Licensing Offices.
Note
If you are under the age of 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian with you.
Pay the fees and get your temporary REAL ID
Be sure to bring the documents from your REAL ID checklist to your visit. Your checklist was sent to your email if you elected to provide it.
You will be given a paper temporary to use until you receive your REAL ID in the mail.
This paper temporary is not accepted by TSA for flying, so we strongly recommend applying for your REAL ID at least 4 weeks before you plan to travel.
Fees
4-year credential option
Driver License
Renew if expired or expiring: $38.50
Replace if still valid: $25.00
New Oklahoma license (from another state or jurisdiction): $42.50
State ID
Renew or Replace: $25.00
8-year credential option
Driver License
Renew if expired or expiring: $77.00
Replace if still valid: $25.00
New Oklahoma license (from another state or jurisdiction): $81.00
State ID
Renew if expired or expiring: $50.00
Replace if still valid: $25.00
Note
If you are over the age of 62, you will be charged a prorated fee for a Driver License or State ID until you are 65.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Your license or State ID is considered valid. 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)
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.
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.
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.
Service Oklahoma
P.O. Box 11415
Oklahoma City, OK 73136
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