'Going to have to have it': Real ID deadline is two months out

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Oklahoma's transportation officials are urging Oklahomans with summer travel plans to make sure they have their Real ID before an upcoming May deadline.

The federal government has set a May 7, 2025, deadline to get a Real ID for Americans who want to fly domestically, visit a federal building, or a military base. The deadline for Oklahomans to become Real ID compliant has been pushed back multiple times since the Real ID Act was passed in 2005.

"We absolutely are starting to see a spike in traffic," said Service Oklahoma CEO Jay Doyle. "Which we anticipated and we're really encouraged by as well."

According to Service Oklahoma's website, more than 2,000,000 Real IDs have been issued to Oklahomans. The website includes a Real ID Checklist and location information for Service Oklahoma Licensing offices or operators where people can go to apply. If you're under the age of 18, you have to bring a parent or guardian with you.

News 4 asked Doyle if there is any indication the deadline will be pushed back again.

"So from what we've been told is May 7 is going to be the deadline, in air quotes a little bit," said Doyle.

Doyle used air quotes to describe the deadline because enforcement plans throughout the federal government's different agencies, buildings, or organizations may vary. Doyle said he also doesn't want the process to overwhelm Oklahomans who haven't applied for their Real ID yet.

"It's not as burdensome as I think people think it is," said Doyle. "Use our Real ID checklist. Most of the documents you already have, it's really not that challenging.

Here's what you'll need to bring with you to one of over 200 licensing locations across the state to get a Real ID:

• Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport).
• Proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card, W-2).
• Proof of Oklahoma residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).
• Document that supports name change if you've been married or divorced.
• Note: Some locations only take cash payments.

"The whole process should take about 15 or 20 minutes of actual processing time," said Doyle.

News 4 spoke with multiple Oklahomans at Will Rogers World Airport on Tuesday, who said they already had their Real IDs.

They said it was a pretty painless process, and are encouraging Oklahomans who plan on traveling to get theirs.

"I don't even necessarily remember the process, which makes me think it was pretty easy," said traveler Connor McGinnis. "You're going to have to have it, so, I don't know why you would wait."

Service Oklahoma will be holding Season Saturdays starting March 8 through September to help serve more Oklahomans during extended hours. The following locations in Oklahoma City and Tulsa will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

OKC Metro:

• OKC Classen (6015 N. Classen Blvd., Building 4).
• OKC I-240 (728 E Interstate 240 Service Road).

Tulsa Metro:

• Broken Arrow (1635 S Main Street).
• Tulsa Eastgate (14002 E 21st Street).