Oklahoma Ids: Airport-Friendly Or Not?

As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID, passport, or other acceptable form of ID will be required for any adult U.S. resident to board a commercial aircraft within the United States. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes a minimum security standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards, making them harder to forge. Oklahoma residents can obtain a REAL ID, which will have a gold star in the upper-right corner, by providing proof of identity and residency documents at a Service Oklahoma Licensing office or licensed operator. Other acceptable forms of ID for air travel include U.S. military IDs, permanent resident cards, state-issued enhanced driver's licenses, and foreign government-issued passports.

From October 1, 2020, a REAL ID, passport, or military ID is required to board a flight in the US

From October 1, 2020, a REAL ID, passport, or military ID has been required to board a flight in the US. This means that US travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a US passport, or a US passport card to board commercial aircraft, even for domestic flights. A REAL ID is indicated by a white star cutout on a gold background, located in the upper right-hand corner of the card.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to comply 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.

In addition to being required for boarding flights, a REAL ID is also mandatory for gaining access to secure federal facilities, including military bases, nuclear facilities, and some federal offices.

For those who are unable to obtain a REAL ID, other acceptable forms of identification include a passport or US military ID. It is recommended to carry at least one of these forms of identification when traveling within the US.

It is important to note that the deadline for REAL ID enforcement has been extended to May 7, 2025. Until then, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at airport security checkpoints, will continue to accept all state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, regardless of whether the state is REAL ID compliant.

To obtain a REAL ID in Oklahoma, individuals can visit select locations in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas. The cost of a REAL ID varies depending on the credential option chosen. The four-year option costs $42.50, while the eight-year option is $81. Renewal and replacement fees also apply. When applying for a REAL ID, individuals should bring three documents: one proof of identity document (such as a birth certificate or passport) and two proof of residency documents (such as utility bills or a driver's license).

REAL ID licenses and ID cards have a white star cutout in a gold background in the top right corner

As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a US passport, or a US passport card is required to board commercial aircraft, even for domestic flights. This means that if you are flying from any airport, including those in Oklahoma, you will need to have a REAL ID.

In Oklahoma, you can obtain a REAL ID at select locations in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas. The four-year credential option for a REAL ID costs $42.50, with a renewal fee of $38.50, and a $25 replacement fee. The eight-year credential option costs $81, with a renewal fee of $77, and a $25 replacement fee.

To obtain a REAL ID in Oklahoma, you should provide three documents at a Service Oklahoma Licensing office or licensed operator: one proof of identity document (such as a birth certificate or passport) and two proof of residency documents (such as a utility bill or driver's license).

TSA recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before your flight time

The Transportation Security Administration recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before your flight time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. This is to ensure that travellers have enough time to get dropped off or park their cars, check their bags, and go through security to reach their gates. This is especially important for those who don't travel frequently, as it gives them a chance to have a less rushed and stressful experience. During busy holiday periods or special events, it is advisable to add even more time.

The time taken to check in, check bags, and board at the gate varies by airline and airport, so it is essential to double-check with your airline. Most US airlines, such as United, American, and Delta, will cut off check-in for domestic flights between 30 and 45 minutes before departure and for international flights between 60 and 75 minutes before departure. It is worth noting that some airlines require you to check in earlier for flights to certain overseas destinations.

Additionally, there might be limits on how early you can check in. For example, American Airlines does not allow checking bags more than four hours before departure from certain domestic hubs. Therefore, it is recommended to research the policies of the specific airports and airlines you are using.

To make your way through the airport more quickly, you can consider signing up for TSA PreCheck or Clear. TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a five-year membership and allows travellers to use a shorter security line while keeping their shoes on and laptops and liquids in their bags. Clear is another security expediting service that costs $189 for an annual membership. Alternatively, you can get both services if you are a frequent traveller.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to make driver's licenses harder to forge following the 9/11 terrorist attacks

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to make driver’s licenses harder to forge following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. It also 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 REAL ID Act was passed in response to 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 requires states to adopt and implement uniform standards for the issuance and production of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards if they are to be accepted as identity documents by the federal government. This strengthens the integrity and security of state-issued cards in an effort to reduce identity fraud and terrorism.

The REAL ID Act sets out the following requirements for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards:

• Verification of the personal information presented when applying for the identification document
• Security features on the document
• Electronic sharing of databases between states

In addition, the Act requires applicants for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to provide the following documentation:

• Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport
• Proof of date of birth
• Proof of Social Security number or documentation that the person is not eligible for one
• Proof of residency
• Proof of lawful status

The REAL ID Act also made changes to U.S. immigration law regarding asylum, border security, deportation, and specific work visas. It expanded the grounds for inadmissibility and deportation of foreign nationals due to terrorist activities and prohibited those found inadmissible from seeking judicial review of their deportation orders.

The REAL ID Act was originally scheduled to take effect in 2008, but its enforcement was repeatedly delayed due to opposition and non-compliance by many state governments. States began to comply in 2012, and enforcement began in 2014 for certain federal facilities. As of 2024, all states and territories were certified as compliant, and the final and most significant phase of the Act, regarding identification documents accepted for boarding flights, was scheduled for May 7, 2025.

Oklahoma will begin issuing REAL IDs in select locations from April 30, 2020, with full statewide implementation by the end of August

Oklahoma residents will need a REAL ID to fly within the United States or to enter certain buildings from May 7, 2025. The REAL ID is a federal security credential added to driver's licenses and identification cards that establishes a minimum security standard for specific activities.

Oklahoma residents can obtain a REAL ID at select locations in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas from April 30, 2020, with the goal of full statewide implementation by the end of August. Residents can renew their driver's licenses at both DPS and tag agent facilities. However, if it is an original DL, it must be done at a DPS facility. If a citizen chooses to get a REAL ID before their current license expires, the new REAL ID card will be considered a replacement, and they will only have to pay the replacement cost. All applicable documents must be brought in.

The REAL ID is not required for everyone. People who have a valid U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, foreign passport, permanent resident card, or U.S. Department of Defense ID can present these to fly within the U.S. Additionally, a REAL ID is not required for the following:

• Entering federal facilities that do not require ID
• Voting or registering to vote
• Applying for or receiving federal benefits
• Being licensed by a state to drive
• Accessing health or life-preserving services, law enforcement, or constitutionally protected activities
• Participation in law enforcement proceedings or investigations

Frequently asked questions