Ruth Haines
As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, or a valid federal identification document (e.g. a passport), will be required to fly within the US. This means that a standard Oklahoma driver's license will not be accepted as a valid form of identification at US airports. However, Oklahoma residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, which will be accepted. This ID has a white star cutout in a gold background, located in the upper right-hand corner of the card.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| REAL ID requirement | A REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID is required to fly within the United States from May 7, 2025 |
| REAL ID issuance in Oklahoma | Oklahoma began issuing REAL IDs on April 30, 2020, in select locations, with full statewide implementation by the end of August |
| REAL ID appearance | REAL ID licenses and ID cards have a white star cutout in a gold background, located in the upper right-hand corner of the card |
| REAL ID cost | A prorated fee is charged for a REAL ID driver's license or State ID for individuals over the age of 62 until they turn 65 |
| Temporary REAL ID | A paper temporary REAL ID is provided until the permanent ID arrives in the mail, but it is not accepted by the TSA for flying |
| TSA identity verification | If a passenger does not have a REAL ID or other acceptable ID, the TSA may still allow them to go through security if they can pass an identity check, which may include an interview and questions about personal information |
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What You'll Learn
REAL ID Act
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to enact the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the federal government set standards for the issuance of identification documents such as driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards, and prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes. These official purposes include airport security checkpoints, where travelers must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport or US military ID, to board a flight.
The REAL ID Act is a national set of standards, not a national identification card, and it does not create a federal database of driver's license information. The Act's prohibitions do not affect other uses of driver's licenses or identification cards unrelated to official purposes as defined in the Act. The REAL ID licenses and ID cards can be identified by a white star cutout on a gold background, located in the upper right-hand corner of the card.
To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must bring all applicable documents to a Department of Public Safety or tag agent facility. If an individual already has a valid driver's license, they can opt to get a REAL ID before their current license expires, in which case they will only have to pay the replacement cost.
The deadline for full enforcement of the REAL ID Act was initially set for October 1, 2020, but it has since been extended to May 7, 2025. After this date, residents of all states and territories will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, or another acceptable form of identification, to access federal facilities, enter nuclear power plants, and board commercial aircraft within the United States.
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TSA security checkpoints
To pass through TSA security checkpoints, passengers aged 18 and above must present a valid government-issued ID, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, or a passport. From May 7, 2025, a non-compliant state-issued ID will not be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. Passengers without a REAL ID or another TSA-acceptable form of ID may face delays and additional screening.
TSA's screening procedures are designed to prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security. Passengers are screened using millimeter-wave advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors. TSA officers may also conduct pat-downs, particularly for those wearing head coverings, loose-fitting, or bulky garments.
Passengers are advised to go through their carry-on and checked bags before arriving at the airport to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. Firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition must be properly packed and declared. Carrying a gun to a TSA checkpoint carries a stiff federal civil penalty, and the firearm must be unloaded and locked in a container.
At TSA security checkpoints, passengers are required to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops and tablets, from their carry-on bags for X-ray screening. Powder-based substances in carry-on baggage over 12 oz or 350 ml may require additional screening and will be disposed of if they cannot be resolved. Pets must be removed from their carrying cases and placed through the X-ray machine, with the case undergoing visual and/or physical inspection.
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Identification requirements
Until May 7, 2025, the TSA and DHS will continue to accept all state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards for air travel, regardless of whether they are REAL ID-compliant. However, some federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), have already stopped accepting non-compliant marked cards at their facilities and installations.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card in Oklahoma, individuals must provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address of their principal residence, and lawful status. Proofs of address can include documents such as utility bills, tax forms, or bank statements, while proofs of lawful status can include a U.S. passport or permanent resident card. Oklahoma began issuing REAL IDs in select locations in April 2020 and achieved full statewide implementation by the end of August 2020.
It is important to note that a state-issued driver's license or identification card is not the only acceptable form of identification for air travel. Other acceptable forms of identification include a U.S. passport, DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry or NEXUS), U.S. Department of Defense ID, and acceptable photo IDs issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations/Indian Tribes, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
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Oklahoma driver's license compliance
As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, or a valid federal identification document (e.g. a U.S. passport), will be required to fly within the U.S. This is in accordance with the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which set minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. Federal agencies, including the TSA at airport security checkpoints, are prohibited from accepting licenses and ID cards from states that do not meet these standards.
Oklahoma began issuing REAL IDs in select locations in April 2020, with full statewide implementation by the end of August 2020. These REAL ID licenses and ID cards can be identified by a white star on a gold background in the upper right-hand corner of the card. To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must visit a Service Oklahoma Licensing Office or Licensed Operator in person and provide documentation proving their identity and Oklahoma residency. It is recommended to apply for a REAL ID at least four weeks before traveling, as the REAL ID will typically arrive in the mail 10 to 14 days after the application, and a temporary paper copy is not accepted as a form of REAL ID by the TSA.
While a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card is required for flying within the U.S., other acceptable forms of identification, such as a passport or U.S. military ID, can also be used at TSA security checkpoints. Additionally, expired driver's licenses or state-issued IDs are accepted by the TSA for up to one year after expiration. However, individuals with expired identification may be subject to additional screening measures, including an identity verification process.
It is worth noting that a REAL ID is not needed for various purposes, including applying for or receiving certain federal benefits, entering federal facilities that do not require an ID, and participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations. Furthermore, individuals can hold both an Oklahoma State ID card and an Oklahoma Driver License, with the State ID card serving solely as a form of identification without providing driving privileges.
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International travel
If you are a resident of Oklahoma, you must apply for an Oklahoma license, which requires proof of lawful presence in the US. This can be done at a Service Oklahoma Licensing Office. An Oklahoma license is not required to drive in the state if you have a valid license from another US state, but, again, international driving permits are not accepted.
For international travel, a REAL ID is not sufficient to enter Canada or Mexico by land, nor any other international destination. A passport is required for all international travel. An enhanced driver's license is the only exception to this rule.
It is important to note that a REAL ID is not mandatory for domestic or international flights before May 7, 2025. A valid passport will suffice for air travel until that date. However, it is recommended to apply for a REAL ID at least four weeks before travelling, as the paper temporary copy provided initially will not be accepted by the TSA.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can fly without a license. However, you will need another form of acceptable ID, such as a passport or US military ID.
No, a temporary license or ID is not an acceptable form of identification for flying.
No, a "normal" Oklahoma driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant.
You can get a REAL ID at select locations in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas, as well as at DPS and tag agent facilities.
Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, or a valid federal identification document (e.g., a U.S. passport), will be required for domestic flights within the U.S.
