Real ID Act is to have minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses, identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes. It is aimed to eliminate airline terrorism by increasing requirements to obtain documents granting access to domestic planes.
The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety is on track to begin issuing Real IDs to Oklahomans mid-summer at select locations. The department's goal is to be ready to issue them to the public beginning July 1.
Due to circumstances resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic and the national emergency declaration, the Department of Homeland Security is extending the Real ID enforcement deadline by a year. The new deadline for Real ID enforcement is Oct. 1, 2021. To get a Real ID,
To get a Real ID, Oklahomans will need to provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, and proof of Social Security number through a Social Security card or federal income tax return. Two proofs of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement will be needed. The Real ID licenses and ID cards will have a white star cutout in a gold background, located in the upper right-hand corner of the card. The Real ID and replacement card will cost 25 dollars.
Oklahoma will allow individuals to choose between a Real ID driver’s license/ID card and a non-compliant driver’s license/ID card. If a person chooses to get a noncompliant license or card, they will need to present alternative forms of identification, such as a U.S. passport, accepted by the agency or facility in question. Some agencies or facilities may have additional requirements to accommodate individuals lacking the correct ID documents.
According to Pam Williams from Watonga Tag Agency, the Real ID will not be available until August at the Watonga location.
Lakeria Kelley can be reached at Intern@WatongaRepublican.com