Oklahoma City, OK – As summer approaches, state transportation officials are urging residents to secure their Real ID ahead of the federal deadline set for May 7, 2025. This requirement affects anyone wishing to fly domestically, enter federal buildings, or visit military bases. The deadline, initially set years ago, has been delayed multiple times since the Real ID Act was passed in 2005, but it is now final.
According to Jay Doyle, CEO of Service Oklahoma, the state is already seeing a significant uptick in the number of residents applying for the Real ID, a trend officials had anticipated. “We’re really encouraged by the increase in traffic,” Doyle said in a statement. “It’s been a steady rise, and we’re happy to see people taking action.”
To date, more than 2 million Real IDs have been issued to Oklahomans. Service Oklahoma has made it easy for residents to apply by providing a comprehensive Real ID checklist on their website. The checklist outlines the required documents and includes information on more than 200 locations across the state where people can apply for their Real ID.
For minors under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must accompany them when applying. The process itself is relatively simple and takes about 15 to 20 minutes of processing time, according to Doyle.
“We’ve worked hard to make this process as straightforward as possible,” Doyle said. “Most of the documents people need are ones they already have at home, like a birth certificate, Social Security card, or proof of residency. It’s not as difficult as some might think.”
Despite the growing number of applications, some Oklahomans are still uncertain about whether the May 2025 deadline will be extended. Doyle addressed these concerns, stating that based on information from federal officials, May 7 remains the set date. However, he acknowledged that enforcement of the deadline could vary across federal agencies and buildings, potentially affecting how strictly the rules are applied in different locations.
For those still unsure about the process, Doyle encourages residents to consult the Real ID checklist on the Service Oklahoma website. It provides clear guidance on what’s needed to apply and helps people avoid unnecessary confusion or delays.
With the deadline fast approaching, Oklahomans are urged to apply sooner rather than later to avoid potential last-minute rushes. As the state continues to issue Real IDs, officials remain optimistic that most residents will be prepared in time for the federal deadline.
For more information and to access the Real ID checklist, Oklahomans are encouraged to visit the Service Oklahoma website or visit one of the state’s licensing locations.
