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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2024
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Tis’ the Season to Apply for a REAL ID for the Holiday Travel Season
OKLAHOMA CITY –In the midst of the holiday travel season, Service Oklahoma is reminding citizens that now is the perfect time to apply for a REAL ID.
Oklahomans can easily fit applying for their REAL ID into their schedule by getting in line remotely while tackling other tasks on their holiday to-do list. To join the waitlist, Service Oklahoma encourages customers to visit service.ok.gov/locations and select the service they need to see locations based on distance and wait time.
“Getting a REAL ID now, rather than waiting until May 7, 2025, not only ensures Oklahomans are prepared for holiday travel, but also puts them ahead of the game for the federal deadline,” said Jay Doyle, CEO of Service Oklahoma.
Starting May 7, federal law will require a REAL ID-compliant state credential or other form of federal identification (such as a passport) for air travel within the United States and to access certain federal facilities, including military bases and some government offices.
Although not required, Oklahomans may wish to apply for a REAL ID to avoid travel disruptions while flying domestically or issues accessing essential government facilities. With less than six months left until May 7, here are key benefits for getting a REAL ID:
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Avoid Travel Delays: Starting in May, non-REAL ID licenses may not be accepted for domestic flights.
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Easy Access to Government Facilities: A REAL ID also ensures smooth entry to essential federal government buildings and military bases without the need for additional documentation.
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Convenience and Readiness: By applying now, you’ll be ahead of a potential last-minute rush as the 2025 deadline nears.
How to Apply for a REAL ID:
Applying for a REAL ID is simple and can be done in-person at any Service Oklahoma or licensed operator location in three easy steps.
1. Utilize the REAL ID Checklist To ensure which documents are needed to apply for a REAL ID, Service Oklahoma has created the user-friendly REAL ID Checklist. This easy-to-use tool walks users through a step-by-step process to determine exactly which documents they will need to bring to ensure a productive visit. REAL ID Checklist users also have the ability to send the list of documents directly to their email for safe keeping.
Many of the documents needed to make a credential REAL ID compliant are easily accessible. A utility bill found in an email, a voter registration card found in a wallet or a vehicle’s title of registration can all be used for two proofs of an Oklahoma address that are needed.
2. Find Your Nearest Licensed Operator or Service Oklahoma Location After gathering all needed documents, Oklahomans can visit service.ok.gov/locations to find the Service Oklahoma or licensed operator location nearest them and check current wait times. There are 270 Service Oklahoma and licensed operator locations which can be found in all 77 state counties making 95% of Oklahomans within 20-miles of a location.
3. Get in Line Oklahomans can take all documents to their preferred licensed operator location to apply for their REAL ID. If an Oklahoman would like to visit a Service Oklahoma location, customers can use service.ok.gov/locations to get in line when they are ready to visit.
Almost 1.9 million REAL IDs have been issued in Oklahoma to date. Any Driver License, State Identification Card or Commercial Driver License, can be made REAL ID complaint with additional documentation. Compliant REAL IDs have a gold star in the top right-hand corner to signify the REAL ID status.
Service Oklahoma: Oklahomans Helping Oklahomans
Service Oklahoma's mission is to ease the stress of navigating government services while providing a best-in-class customer experience. Service Oklahoma provides driver license and motor vehicle services on behalf of the state both online and in-person. Service Oklahoma’s partnership with licensed operators (formerly tag agents) provides essential services in all 77 counties at 270+ locations across the state.
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