Department of Public Safety updates REAL ID Act information

As an update to information provided in October 2015, the Department of Public Safety continues to provide information regarding the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005.

Despite what you may hear from various media sources, the Department of Public Safety has NOT been told of a specific deadline, according to Capt. Paul Timmons of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s Public Affairs Division.

"DPS has received word from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that the state of Oklahoma has been granted a one-year extension until Oct. 10, 2016, in order to meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act," Timmons said.

"What this means for Oklahomans is that they will continue to be able to use their Oklahoma-issued drivers’ licenses or identification card to access military bases and most federal facilities. The Transportation Security Administration will also continue to accept valid Oklahoma driver’s licenses and identification cards," he said.

According to the DHS, this update does not affect identification shown at airports in the United States. Until announced otherwise, the TSA will continue to accept valid drivers’ licenses and identification cards issued by all states. DHS plans to announce the schedule for any changes to air travel requirements, and will ensure that state governments and the traveling public are notified at least 120 days in advance of implementation.

Timmons said DPS continues to work with DHS to ensure that Oklahoma-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards remain acceptable forms of identification for purposes of the REAL ID Act for as long as possible.

"DPS continues to partner with the Governor’s office and Oklahoma’s state and federal legislators in an effort to achieve a solution to REAL ID compliance," Timmons said

A list of Oklahoma FAQs is available on the DPS website, http:// www.dps.state.ok.us ).