REAL ID: What Oklahomans Need To Know Before May 2025

Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. residents will need to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities.

The REAL ID is part of a nationwide initiative to enhance security standards for state-issued identification, ensuring a consistent level of protection across the country.

Here’s what you need to know about REAL ID in Oklahoma, including how to obtain one, what it’s used for, and whether it’s required for you.

What is a Real ID?

A REAL ID is a form of identification that meets federal security standards under the REAL ID Act. It is designed to make identification documents more consistent and secure across the U.S.

Oklahoma offers two types of driver's licenses and ID cards:

1. Real ID-compliant cards (marked by a gold star)
2. Non-compliant cards (without the star), which won't meet federal standards for certain purposes.

What is a Real ID Used For?

Starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID-compliant license or ID will be required to:

1. Board commercial flights within the U.S.
2. Enter certain federal buildings, like military bases or federal facilities.

If you do not have a Real ID, you’ll need to present another form of federally accepted identification, such as a U.S. passport.

Who Needs to Get a Real ID?

Any Oklahoma resident who plans to:

1. Fly domestically within the U.S. after May 2025
2. Access federal facilities requiring compliant IDs

If you don’t need these services, a standard Oklahoma ID may be sufficient.

So far, Service Oklahoma says more than 1.8 million REAL IDs have been issued in Oklahoma.

How to Get a Real ID in Oklahoma

To get a Real ID in Oklahoma, you’ll need to provide specific documents, including:

1. Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
2. Proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card, W-2)
3. Proof of Oklahoma residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)

For a complete checklist, check out the Oklahoma Real ID Checklist page.