Happy Friday, Service Oklahoma team!
Here’s your weekly press recap highlighting the news you need to know.
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Beginning of REAL ID Enforcement Brings Extensive News Coverage
Federal REAL ID enforcement began on Wednesday, May 7, and as you know, our staff has been working incredibly hard—even outside of normal business hours—to help Oklahomans apply for their gold-star credentials.
That influx of customers is expected to continue as news outlets remind Oklahomans why a REAL ID is beneficial. On Wednesday, KOTV News on 6 in Tulsa told its viewers that travelers aged 18 and older who do not present a REAL ID or another acceptable identification (such as a valid passport) at airport security checkpoints will be subject to secondary identity screenings. This could lead to delays and even the possibility of being denied entry altogether.
Those secondary screenings were reiterated by KWTV News 9 in Oklahoma City. The station reported live from Will Rogers International Airport on Wednesday, telling viewers that if they do not have a REAL ID or another TSA-approved document, they should get to the airport several hours early so the TSA can verify their identities. News 9 noted that the TSA has set up a "No REAL ID" line at checkpoints.
To help viewers avoid potential travel interruptions, News 9, KOKH FOX 25 in Oklahoma City and KTUL ABC 8 in Tulsa reminded them about our after-hour REAL ID appointments on weekdays and Saturdays at six locations.
The Oklahoman published its own story about the benefits of REAL ID, mentioning that the credential will grant access to certain federal facilities and military bases in addition to airport security checkpoints. The newspaper reported data from our recent news release, noting that the statewide REAL ID compliance rate is nearly 45% among Oklahomans with active credentials. For those who are not compliant, the paper noted that there is no cutoff date to apply.
Numerous other TV and radio stations also covered the enforcement deadline. As awareness grows, we are grateful for your commitment to making our customers REAL ID ready.
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